Finding suitable accommodation can be hard enough, even when you have no pets to consider. For those who have a four-legged friend in tow, it can be a real challenge. With more than three quarters of landlords not allowing pets in their rental properties, there are far fewer place from which to choose and for those properties that are available, prices tend to be higher. However, the real challenge, as far as most pet owners are concerned, is not finding somewhere decent to rent in the first place but avoiding any problems once they do.
Keeping Your Landlord and Neighbours Happy
The best way to avoid problems is to ensure that both your landlord and your neighbours have absolutely nothing to complain about as far as your pet is concerned.
1. Always Ask – If you are thinking of trying to sneak a dog or cat into a rental property without asking the landlord’s permission, think again. Even if you manage to do so without arousing suspicion, there is a very good chance that it will come to light during a property inspection at a later date.
2. Check Your Insurance Policy – In the event that your pet should cause any damage, you will need to pay for the repairs. To make sure that this does not leave you short, check that your renter’s insurance will cover such damage. If not, look around for a new policy.
3. Use a Leash for Your Dog – No matter how well behaved your dog may be, you should always use a leash to keep it under control. You may love the way in which your dog greets you after a hard day’s work but your neighbours probably won’t want to be pawed by an overenthusiastic canine.
4. Clean Your Cat’s Litterbox Daily – If your cat uses a litterbox, be sure to clean it every day. This is especially important for apartment rentals as the smell could spread to other apartments via the ventilation system. Any accidents should be cleaned up immediately, for the same reason.
5. Beware of Balconies – Dog owners should never leave their pet unattended on a balcony.
6. Noise Control – If you have a dog that likes to bark, you should do your best to modify this behaviour before moving into a rental property. If you don’t think that you have the necessary skills to train it yourself, look into obedience training classes in your neighbourhood.
The main thing to bear in mind when living in rented accommodation with a pet is that consideration is key. Be upfront about your intentions, do your best to minimise the chances of your dog or cat becoming a nuisance and always repair accidental damage promptly. In this way, you should find that your landlord is happy to give you an excellent reference when you finally move on.