A huge thanks to Jennifer Riner of Zillow for providing me with this great Guest Post about how to rent when you have a big dog. I’ve never had a dog so these are concerns that I’m not used to thinking about.
Finding ideal rentals in today’s competitive market is difficult. Owning pets complicates the process and limits the number of prospective properties for tenants to consider. Attempting to sign leases with a Doberman, German Shepherd or other large breed of dog is time-consuming and often expensive.
Therefore, take the following factors into account prior to searching for rentals to increase the chances of discovering the right properties in convenient locations that boast pet-friendly policies.
1. Opt for Private Owners
Typically, private, single-family homeowners are more likely to rent to dog owners than multi-family apartment buildings. Property owner partialities vary, and some property owners are more dog-friendly than others. Unlike managers of large, multi-property investment firms, individual proprietors have the authority to change their policies when presented with well-behaved candidates. Moreover, most single-family homes have at least some yard space for dogs to run around and exert their energy, which means they are less likely to terrorize home interiors when they lack supervision during the work week.
Condominium owners might be more hesitant renting to tenants with large dogs because of neighbor proximity and potential liabilities. In common areas, like hallways and lobbies, conflicts might occur. Kids tend to gravitate toward animals, and dogs can be protective of their owners and territorial of their properties without realizing their strength. Therefore, condo or apartment lessors might prefer to avoid potential injuries and lawsuits relating to canines by restricting certain breeds.
2. Prepare for Fees
Aside from safety concerns, property owners often limit dog breeds or number of animals per household because their insurance policies won’t cover potential liabilities.
Typical apartment complexes charge supplementary damage deposits, ranging anywhere from $50 to upwards of $1,000, depending on the number of pets. On top of initial installments, leaseholders should expect to potentially pay additional rent each month for pets. Landlords sometimes charge $50 to $100 each month to cover animals’ amenities such as free clean-up bags, dog runs and pet-sitting services.
3. Dog-Proof Interior Spaces
Many renters who have pets worry about the potential damages their companions might make when they aren’t home. And, some landlords are more than willing to withhold portions of deposits for damage than others – especially when they collect separate retainers dedicated to pet damage at lease signing. Invest in pet gates and other precautionary barriers that keep large dogs out of carpeted rooms. Or, consider limiting dogs (especially those with separation anxiety who tend to have accidents) to large bathrooms or kitchen areas where tiled floors render clean-ups easy.
Dog owners should always have large crates on hand for puppies or newly-adopted pets. Crate training helps dogs deal with their anxiety when owners are away. Also, puppies can better adjust to smaller spaces like apartments when given boundaries early in their lives. Aside from establishing ground rules, keep toys in a designated region and roll up throw rugs until dogs are fully trained to do their business outside. Invest in spill-proof water and food dishes, so standing puddles don’t warp wood floors or lead to carpet stains. Finally, keeping pets well-groomed helps eliminate dirt, debris and bacteria throughout interiors. Wipe paws after long walks and regularly brush to minimize shedding.
Knowing potential hesitations from landlords, preparing for pet-related fees and practicing clean habits are the first steps to being a responsible pet owner and lessee
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When we first moved out, we moved into a house and bought a dog. Luckily, we were renting the house from a family member and the house wasn’t nice (it was a 400 square foot dump) so he did not care haha. We did make sure that she didn’t ruin anything though.
I am always tempted to get a puppy-but I have allergies and am never home! It’s amazing all of the things you have to think if you get a dog.
I think you guys have a lot better in the US. We don’t have a good renting culture here so tenants have hardly any rights and it’s basically impossible to rent with pets – big dogs being worst of all.
There is a crazy statistic that around 80% of Americans own some sort of pet. If we didn’t rent to people with pets, then you would seriously limit your pool of potential renters.
This is what we did when we moved, we found someone who is willing to take our Pit Bull. Most likely it would be a privately rented home but that’s ok as long as I can have my dog. These apartments are getting too strict these days. Thank you for your post.
I have to admit that when I rent out my little place I really don’t want to rent to people with pets. I live in a triplex and the other owners have dogs. They aren’t around enough for the dogs so the dogs bark until their people return. Also, the upkeep for a place is expensive. I can’t believe how much I’ve paid this year to fix things-and it’s just me! I think that’s why people have gotten so strict-it’s just expensive 🙂 I love puppies though.