Do Pets and Apartments Mix?
Do Pets and Apartments Mix?
by Kyle Thomas Haley
If you're a pet owner who is considering a move to an apartment
there are certain things you must be keep in mind. First,
whether or not your pet will be accepted by most landlords
depends primarily on the type, size and personality of your pet.
Dogs:
If you own a large dog, apartment living is probably not for
you. Not only will accepting landlords be hard to find, but your
dog will not be happy in the confined space of an apartment. A
large dog needs room to exercise and play, neither of which is
usually available in an apartment setting.
If you plan to move to an apartment, make sure your dog is one
that will adapt easily to this change in environment. Usually
smaller, lap dogs are the best choice. However, even smaller
dogs can cause problems.
If your dog barks or whines a lot you may well find yourself at
odds with the landlord, as well as with other tenants. Many
times your dog only causes a disturbance because it's lonely or
bored. If you're gone during the day, you can sometimes
alleviate these problems by hiring a pet walker to come in and
give your dog attention and exercise.
You must also keep in mind that most apartment complexes have
leash laws so you will have to accompany your dog each time it
goes outside. Since most complexes don't have areas where it's
safe for your dog to run free, this is as much a matter of your
dog's safety as it the protection of other tenants.
Cats:
Cats are the pets of choice for apartments. Most are not as
socially oriented as dogs and are quite happy left on their own.
As long as your cat has a nice spot to curl up and take a nap,
space isn't an issue. More than likely your pet is a house cat
so frequent trips outside aren't required.
But you must realize that some landlords do not accept cats any
more willingly than they do dogs. Some have a strict "no pets"
rule. If that's the case, don't consider renting there. If your
pet is discovered you may be evicted and/or fined.
Other Pets:
"Pocket pets" such as fish, birds, and reptiles usually don't
pose a problem when it comes to renting. However, you should
still check with your prospective landlord to make sure.
General Tips:
Landlords who do accept pets often require a pet deposit. This
is intended to cover any damage your dog or cat does to the
premises, as well as additional cleaning that may be necessary
when you leave the apartment.
If you're searching for apartments that accept pets, there are
many places to go for help. You'll find lots of websites and
message boards dedicated to this subject. You can also enlist
the help of a local realtor or relocation specialist who usually
have lists of "pet-friendly" apartments. Just make sure you're
clear on the policy regarding pets before you sign any rental
agreement.
If you take into account your pet's needs, as well as those of
your landlord, you'll be much more likely to find an apartment
that meets your needs.
Happy apartment hunting!
About the author:
Kyle Thomas Haley has been helping people relocate on the
Internet since 1999 for STANZEEKAY Inc's Relocation Websites:
Rental Apartment
Guide
and
Nationwide Relocation
Guide
Copyright 1999 - 2005 STANZEEKAY Inc. You have permission to
publish this article free of charge, as long as the bylines are
included and none of th
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