Tips for Renting an Apartment with a Pet

It is growing increasingly harder to rent a home or apartment if you have a cat or dog. I think landlords have every right to protect their property. They have put not only their money, but also their time into their rental properties, and it is a source of income. However I believe that pets should be allowed in apartments and rental homes. Pets are wonderful additions to any family, and the emotional benefits of sharing your life with a pet should not be denied to anyone.

If a landlord has concerns about allowing indoor pets, the landlord should have rules. A landlord could allow pets, with a deposit to cover any damages that could occur. Most renters would be happy to pay a small monthly fee for the privilege of keeping a pet indoors. It is not uncommon to pay a small fee of twenty dollars per month per pet, in addition to the pet deposit.

If the landlord still has worries, he or she could inform the tenant that a monthly inspection will be required also. This would give the landlord the opportunity to determine if the indoor pet is destroying his property.

I realize that some pet owning renters don't take care of their pets. Some tenants will damage a rental with or without a pet. Children are just as rough on rentals as animals. Why is it that pets are prohibited in so many rentals while kids are perfectly acceptable and welcome? I feel confident in saying I would trust my two dogs, alone in my home before I would trust my sisters children.

If you are having problems finding a rental due to your pets, consider offering to pay a pet deposit, and a monthly fee for the privilege of having your pet. Also offer the inspection idea to show you are confident that you can maintain the rental with a pet inside.

I think it is acceptable for landlords to prohibit certain breeds of dogs, such as Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. As these types of dogs often raise insurance rates and can be a serious liability. I also think it is acceptable for landlords to require that you keep your lawn free of dog waste. If you don't clean up after your dog, you should be fined by the landlord, as this is his or her property, and it should be kept clean and presentable.