Renting Apartments By Dog Owners
People who are very much attached to their dog or dogs may find the going rather stiff when it comes to renting a house or an apartment. Many leasing administrators do not allow pet dogs to be brought into their properties, or in cases where they do allow, it would be with many restrictive clauses pertaining to sizes, and breeds that would not be allowed within the property.
Working out a Feasible Solution
If you are the type who take or have to take your dog/s with you whenever you go, then one of the first things you should find out at the inception before going ahead with the other requirements of renting an apartment is whether dogs are allowed or not within their properties. This would save you a lot of valuable time and expense than when finding too late.
The apprehensions of dog owners do not end with finding out if dogs are allowed or not within a property, but would have to go deeper into details such as their sizes and breeds etc., before they can make a sigh of relief that everything is going to be alright. The reason is that limitations are placed by certain apartment administrators on letting their apartments to renters who wish to bring in their dog or dogs as well by restricting the bringing in of certain sizes of dogs and also specific breeds, or both.
Being aware of these provisions could save you a lot of time and trouble later, by avoiding having to change plans at the last moment to find alternate accommodation where your type of dog is allowed; unless it is of a commonly banned breed or size.
Other things to consider include making advance inquiries as to the availability of areas where it is permissible to walk your dog. Having grassy or bushy areas would be advantageous especially to let the dog easily relieve itself in an emergency.
Go through the Agreement in Detail
Most of the rental agreements have restrictive clauses on the rearing of dogs in the apartments, chief of which is nuisance barking which could pose grave problems for other dwellers since the apartments are so close together including some apartments being separated by only a common wall. Continued nuisance barking by the dog could be a reason for your eviction.
Other restrictive practices could include levying of an enhanced security deposit, requiring an additional fee on account of special and elaborate methods of cleaning carpets etc. on the expiry of the rental agreement. You would not know most of these restrictions until too late if you fail to read the rental agreement before signing and coming into occupation.
Keep your Property in a Well Cleaned and Hygienic Condition
Dog owners may have to make extra efforts to ensure that inside and outside their apartment is maintained in a meticulously clean and hygienic condition preventing any bad or offensive odors to emanate from your property that could cause discomfort especially to your neighbors. Addressing the problems that arise due to your dog’s litter or refuse of any kind then and there without taking time could prevent leaving ugly telltale stains on carpets and floors etc.
Having a vacuum cleaner is an essential item for any dog owner living in Rental Apartments. Regular vacuum cleaning will ensure the absorption of all the hairs flying about as well as preventing the hairs getting embedded in the carpets especially if your dog sheds a lot. It also helps in the cleaning process more effectively, leaving very little to be done at the expiry of the lease.
Many cities as well as apartment complexes have laws pertaining to picking up after your dogs and keeping them on their leashes while taking for walks. This is a very good practice not only as a matter of courtesy to your immediate neighbors and other dwellers, but also for the safety of your dog as well, preventing it from running on to the path of motor vehicles etc.