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RENTING WITH PETS
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PETS AND RENTALS
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One of the major
problems pet owners experience is
finding a home (apartment, condo, house)
to rent with their pet. Many landlords, property managers and homeowners are afraid, for one
reason or another, to rent to people with pets.
As a landlord I've always said
"no pets". I would clarify that to say "no dogs, no
cats..no horses, ferrets or temporary pets...".
I was not a pet owner until a few years when an Australian
Shepard came into my life. When no one is looking, him and I are best friends. When people are around, we pretend we don't
know each other. SO now he goes with me to collect rent.... read
more on PETS IN RENTED UNITS
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WHY LANDLORDS MAY NOT WANT PETS
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Despite your
best efforts, pets may smell.
*A Pet owner may say people smell
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Your pet may
not be house broken - and may use the wood floor or carpet instead. If they do
use the house or yard - it may still smell. Carpet and wood floors get damaged.
*You might say some kids are worse.
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Your pet may
be loud - typically a dog or two. Even little ones.
*You might say kids are louder.
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While your
pet may not be a real danger (we have a neighbor cat I call crazy cat....),
people tend to be afraid of dogs. And dogs tend to guard
their home. A landlord may be held liable for the actions of YOUR dog. If your
dog bites someone, the lawyer will sue the dog owner and landlord (and if he has
on staff management, them as well).
*You may say those kids next door are more of a nuisance and scary.
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- When you vacate the
rented unit, the landlord may have extra work to do - even with your "pet
deposit" - that is, if you told them you are having a pet.
*Your neighbor may be running a babysitting service from their home.
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New
York Pet Law - Summary
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EMOTIONAL SUPPORT PETS |
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Emotional Support "Pets"
- Exceptions may be made to NO PET clause for people with emotional or other
physical disability.
Read More.
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NORMAL WEAR and TEAR: Learn what normal wear and
tear is. In general, damage caused by a pet WILL NOT BE considered
NORMAL
WEAR and TEAR.
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THE HUMANE SOCIETY
OF THE UNITED STATES |
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The Humane Society of the United
States, The ASPCA and many, many independent agencies offer
services to care for pets that can not be kept for one reason
or another. One of the biggest reasons - someone is moving or
the new rental does not permit pets. So where does the pet go?
Pets may also be expensive to keep - food, medical care etc
all add up. With the rising cost of living in most of the US -
rising gas prices, property taxes etc, the expenses of a pet
can overwhelm someone. |
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Pets deserve a lifetime of
responsible ownership and care, and property owners and
managers deserve rental properties free of problems caused by
irresponsible pet-owning tenants. One thing many property
owners are finding out - PET OWNERS
ARE MORE RESPONSIBLE and ARE WILLING TO PAY MORE.
Find
Pet Friendly Apartments |
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PET owners say: |
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It's a small dog (small pit
bull...). He's trained. He doesn't bark. It's a house pet. He's
friendly. I keep it in a cage (nice lion). I only have it for
a few days. What pet? |
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All in all,
PETS are probably
better then many tenants.
Cleaner, quieter and more polite.
Find
Pet Friendly Apartments |
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PET
SECURITY DEPOSITS |
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In MOST states by law, the
landlord may request a PET SECURITY DEPOSIT in addition
to the
standard security
deposit. This may be limited by
law from $50 or One month additional rent to no maximum. READ
MORE ON PET DEPOSITS AND PET RENT.
READ
the lease BEFORE you sign.
Follow our guidelines for Moving
in / Moving out with special notes if you have a
pet. Also see our Normal
Wear and Tear Guide. |
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PET FRIENDLY HOUSING |
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Today, many more units have become
pet friendly. Why?
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- In soft rental markets,
"pet-friendly" may fill vacancies and charge more.
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- There are more people
(single, families etc) with pets who do not own their own
home.
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- There is a demand in the
market for pet-friendly accommodations.
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See
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our guide to Pet
Friendly Rental Housing. Check your local newspapers, ASPCA , VET, or Animal
Shelter for further assistance. Maybe your landlord will
ok a "no pet" rule if they get to meet your pet. It
worked for me as a landlord. |
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