MARY JO NAGY | Pets Overcoming housing rules on animals

So you are moving, and you have a pet. You need to find an apartment or house that allows pets. You search the pages and find that there are few places that allow dogs or cats and then there may be a weight limit. If you do not want to give up your beloved family pet, what should you do?
Considering the many benefits that living with a companion animal can bring, it is unfortunate that so many landlords and building associations refuse all tenants with pets. The irresponsible behavior of a small number of pet owners has resulted in severe limitations for good, responsible pet owners. Overcoming the policy of not renting to people with pets will take a little extra thought and preparation on your part. However, if you want to keep your pet, you will have to make the effort.
Convincing a landlord
The following suggestions may help convince a potential landlord of your commitment to your pet, your respect for the landlord's property and willingness to abide by the community rules:
1. Make your request to have a pet to the person or group that has the ultimate authority to give you permission. This is usually the owner, however the owner may have given a property manager the right to make that decision. Asking the landlord's wife may not be valid permission.
2. Ask the landlord to come see your freshly groomed, well-behaved pet, possibly at your current home, to show that your pet has not caused any damage.
3. Give the landlord letters of reference from previous landlords, neighbors, veterinarians, obedience instructors or anyone else who can speak about your pet's good behavior.
4. Responsible pet owners take good care of their pet's health. You should show your pet's vaccinations are updated yearly and that your pet is on an active flea control program. In addition, have your pet spayed or neutered. An altered animal is less likely to create a problem.
5. Ask your landlord if the no-pets policy is a result of a negative experience with other tenants. Consider your landlord's position and discuss the problem openly. Understanding your landlord's feelings will encourage him or her to be more open to yours.
Put it in writing
6. Offer to sign a pet addendum to your rental agreement that makes you responsible for possible damage to property, injury to others, or any pest infestation caused by your pet. Many landlords do not charge any additional deposit, but a reasonable deposit is around $150.
7. Let the landlord know that you will keep the area clean. Discuss that your pet is housebroken or litter trained. A responsible pet owner will immediately pick up and dispose of dog feces and bag kitty litter before putting it into the garbage. Emphasize that you will always clean up after your dog goes outdoors and then make sure you do.
8. Let your landlord know that you keep your cat inside and your dog on a leash when in hallways and other common areas.
9. If you are looking to rent in a large complex or in a condominium, request a copy of the buildings' house rules pertaining to pets. Let the landlord know that you will abide by the rules and that you will respect the concerns of residents who do not own pets. A dog that barks uninterrupted for an hour will not please neighbors or other tenants.
10. Once you have permission to have a pet, make sure it is in writing. Getting verbal permission is not enough. If your lease has a no-pets clause in it, make sure it is crossed out on both copies before you sign it. You should ask about disciplinary procedures if something should occur. Is there a provision for warning(s) before punitive measures are taken? Get this is writing.
11. Invite the landlord to check on the pet after you move in, to make sure he or she sees that you are a responsible pet owner.
Pet owners do their part in keeping and adding to pet friendly rental properties in our area. We must change the attitudes of those that assume all pet owners are irresponsible. Show that you are responsible and committed to your pet. For information concerning pet friendly renting contact Angels for Animals at (330) 549-1111.
XMary Jo Nagy is a volunteer with Angels for Animals.