Pets and Rentals

NOBODY WILL RENT TO ME BECAUSE I HAVE PETS!
What can I do?

Lots of wonderful people own pets. But if you are trying to find a rental, pets can be a problem.

WHY LANDLORDS DON'T LIKE TO RENT TO PEOPLE WITH PETS

Bottom line? Many landlords have had bad experiences with pets. Common issues include:

• Damage caused by peeing, pooling, scratching, etc. The smell of cat urine is almost impossible to eradicate. Dogs left alone who want to get out have been known to scratch molding and doors, and eat venetian blinds.
• Fleas.
• Smells are a turn off for future tenants or buyers.
  
• Tenants leave. Future tenants may have allergy or asthma issues. A place that formerly housed pets can aggravate their condition.
• Neighbors complain. Dogs bark, or harass their animals. Outdoor cats kill birds.
• Most condominiums and some homeowners associations have restrictions on pets. Typical condo restrictions might be one indoor cat only, no dogs over 25 lbs., dogs must be carried in elevators, etc.
• Liability. If a tenant's dog bites someone, the landlord may be partially liable.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

The WORST thing you can do is lie and say you don't have a pet. If you bring unauthorized pets into a house, you can lose your security deposit, get evicted, and get sued.

I had some desperate rent seekers offer to put their animal down. I would not rent to someone who did something like that.

If you DO have pets, here are some other options:

• Offer to have the carpets (and the entire place) professionally cleaned when you leave.
• Offer a bigger security deposit (say $300 extra per pet.)
• Offer to pay more in rent (perhaps $25/50 per pet per month.)
• Offer to add a pet clause to the lease agreement that covers terms, conditions and commitments.
• Obtain liability insurance in case the pet attacks someone, and provide proof.
• Tell them about your pet and your pet care approach.
  • Most pet restrictions deal with cats or dogs. If your pet is a bird or a lizard or an aquarium, the landlord might not object. However:
    • rodents can be an issue because of smell.
    • If you have birds, leaving birdseed out can attract mice. Birds left out of a cage may peck or poop.
  • Tell them if you have a non-shedding breed, or a de-clawed cat (although some people consider de-clawing inhumane.)
  • Tell them if your dog has been to obedience training.
  • Tell them if the dog will be crated during the day, or not left unattended because someone is typically home during the day.
  • Let them know the animal's age. Puppies and kittens, and elderly infirm animals are more likely to cause problems.
  • Agree to clean up outdoor pet poop deposits regularly.
• If there is no fencing, get a wireless pet fence and collar to keep the dog in a restricted area.
• Board the pet with friends or family while you are renting. Offer them "petimony" (paying for food and vet care) while they help you out.

I hope this helps!

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