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Renting
with Pets – It CAN Work!
Jupiter, a 7 year old Chesapeake Bay retriever is a happy dog. She
enjoys her fenced in backyard accessible from a convenient doggy
door in the kitchen, cool tile floors for afternoon naps in the
kitchen and living room, and a soft cozy bed in her sturdy crate for
times when her owner, Sarah, is at work. She is big dog, with a lot
of energy. So, twice a day in the mornings and evenings Sarah and
Jupiter walk in the nearby dog park where Jupiter can socialize with
her friends and get plenty of exercise.
Sarah and Jupiter are renters, and their landlord considers them the
"perfect tenants".
So, why is it so hard for pet owners to find suitable rental
properties? Landlords that are hesitant to allow pets usually do so
for a reason. They most likely have a have a history of
irresponsible tenants and pets that have caused damage or
disruption. The dilemma is common in cities and towns all across the
Country. But it doesn't have to be. Pet owners like Sarah are
becoming more and more aware that in order to rent with their pets
they must prove that they are responsible pet owners and follow a
certain set of standards expected by landlords.
Renting with pets and searching for a pet friendly rental doesn't
have to be a difficult or unpleasant experience. For landlords, an
animal-friendly policy increases the marketability of the community,
generates a positive public image and responsible pet owners make
excellent long term tenants and tend to abide by the housing rules
because they know that with animal-friendly housing there are
limited options to choose.
All it takes is for BOTH the landlord AND the tenant to agree upon
certain standards and the results will be pawsitively pawsitive!
Here's how you, the landlord or the tenant, can find and keep a
perfect pet friendly rental situation.
LANDLORDS: If you are considering renting to pet owners, good
for you! But if you are the least bit concerned, here are a few tips
to get you started and help you make the best decisions about
choosing a responsible tenant.
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Pet Friendly Living. Make your property as pet
friendly as possible. This includes pet friendly flooring. Wood,
laminate or tile work well, clean easily and decrease the chance
of flea infestations. Then ask yourself if there is enough room
to exercise a pet. A well exercised and socialized pet helps
reduce nuisance barking and destruction – two of the biggest
problems landlords face. A fenced in yard along with
accessibility to walking paths, nearby dog parks or doggy day
cares can make a big difference.
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Set up a meeting. A well groomed, well behaved pet is
a very good sign of responsible pet ownership. Ask a few
questions, such as (1) How long have you owned your pets? (2) Do
your pets have any medical or behavioral problems? (3) How much
time will your pets spend alone everyday? (4) Are your pets
spayed and neutered? (5) Are your pets housebroken? (6) How
often do you treat your pets for fleas/ticks? A responsible pet
owner will be happy to disclose this (and probably more) once
you start asking specific questions about their pets, their
behavior and habits. With this information, you can make a
better decision and feel more comfortable when accepting a
potential pet owner tenant.
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Setting the rules. Make sure your tenants are aware that
they are responsible for daily pet potty cleanups, making sure
their pets wear identification at all times including a dog
license, and all pets must be updated on vaccinations as
recommended by a licensed veterinarian along with any other
rules you feel necessary. Make it clear, and in writing, from
the beginning of a rental agreement regarding the responsibility
the pet owner has if any pet related damage to the property
occurs, and consider a pet deposit if possible. A responsible
pet owner will have NO PROBLEM with any of these requirements.
PET
OWNERS: Finding a rental for you and your furry family can
be tough, but proving that you are a responsible pet owner will get
you into the door of many rental properties. How can you show your
potential landlord that you are a responsible pet owner and will
make a good tenant?
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Be a good neighbor. Provide your pet with plenty of
attention and exercise. By doing so, you will cut down on
nuisance barking, one of the most common complaints of
neighbors. Clean up after your pet, preventing not just a messy
smelly yard but also a serious health issue. Consider enrolling
in obedience training and grooming. Nothing says “responsible”
to your landlord and neighbors better than a well-behaved well
groomed pet.
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Honesty. DO NOT try to sneak your pet in to a “no pets
allowed” property and DO NOT misrepresent your breed. Some pet
friendly properties restrict certain breeds or have weight
limits or restrict the number of pets allowed. If you are not
completely honest with your landlord and get caught, this just
adds to the problem of why landlords are hesitant to rent to pet
owners in the first place. And remember, this may not just be
your landlord’s rules, some municipalities have Breed Specific
Legislation or Pet Limit Laws.
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Show good will. Write up a Sample Contract to present to
your potential landlord stating that you agree to abide by all
of the property rules including cleaning up after your pet,
keeping your pet secure and supervised at all times, ensuring
that your pet is friendly and approachable to neighbors and to
keep your pet updated on vaccinations and free of fleas, ticks,
and parasites. If it is not in your rental agreement, offer your
landlord a pet deposit to make it perfectly clear that you are
responsible for any damage to the property caused by your pet.
This will not only make a lasting impression, but show your
landlord that you are serious about renting and that you will
care for the property.
Following these few simple steps will make it easier for landlords
that are considering renting to pet owners and therefore offering
more options to pet owners looking for pet friendly rentals. We wish
you happy and successful pet friendly renting!
© Copyright 2007 The Pet Realty Network
This article contributed by The Pet Realty Network™, owned and
operated by Pet Protect®, caring for pets and their people since
1997. For more information about how you can find Pet Friendly
Rentals and Real Estate, please visit
http://www.PetRealtyNetwork.com or Your Pet Friendly Community at
www.petfriendly.wordpress.com
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