Anything you can do to position yourself in a better spot to get an exception made can help you, says Gary Malin, chief operating officer at The Corcoran Group. How to Rent an Apartment [2023 Rental Application Guide]. the pertinent information in your pets resume, What Pet Owners Should Ask Before Signing a Lease. While searching for a pet-friendly apartment, management companies can have pretty strict no-pet policies. However, many landlords and property managers can be flexible with policies if you can show that you and your pet are responsible tenants. Note that most rental insurance companies do not cover dog bites, so you may need to get a separate pet insurance policy. [Editors note: An earlier version of this article was published in October 2015. If a certain apartment community asks for a pet fee or a pet deposit, we make sure to include those in our descriptions. Finding a pet-friendly apartment isn't an easy task. His pet policy is geared towards how it affects other tenants. And how does one enforce this restriction? If you are paying pet rent or pet fees, its a good idea to make sure your apartment has amenities such as green space or dog walking stations to make it worth it. "Pets are our unconditional buddies that love us always, so we are definitely allowing thatyou have to," she says. Pitbulls and rottweilers are still prohibited breeds. Should Landlords Allow Pets in Rentals | Zillow Rental Manager But, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that some actually dont have those restrictions in place. Carry poop bags with you. Another common factor in breed restrictions is the weight and age of your dog. Because apartments are usually smaller than homes and condos, property managers may not want a large dog on-site. Searching for rentals in condos and co-ops can be a solution for pet owners. Pet-Friendly Apartments: What You Need to Know. It boils down to whats best for the dog. If you do, your pet could get sick if you switch foods. you can quickly search for pet-friendly apartments on Apartments.com. This is the breakdown of how canine weight categories are normally separated: Small dog: 22lbs or less. Moving The rules should make it clear that every owner is responsible for his or her pet, including the prompt clean-up of its mess. Finally, some apartments dont allow certain breeds of dogs, so its best to check before scheduling a tour. that remains small throughout its life is a good idea so that you dont have to Others believe that all dogs have the potential to be destructive, regardless of their weight. Common limitations are usually on the number of pets you could own at any given time, with some restrictions . But if theres no written ban, you may have some wiggle room to tell them all about the gentle behavior of your pet. If your pet does something to your property, you may be able to sue the persons insurance company for compensation. They can be as high as security deposits. One of the most common restrictions placed on dogs is weight limits. Number of pets. This can help reduce liabilities if a tenants dog causes damage to other tenants or their property, as well as making it easier for landlords to enforce any existing pet policies. Emotional Support Animals: Which Laws Impact Your Lease For instance, an HOA may limit each household to only two pets or one pet per certain square footage. When it comes to how big your dog is allowed to be in order to be allowed access to your apartment, different landlords will obviously have different requirements. Having weight limits helps landlords make sure that they are providing a safe and comfortable living environment to all their tenants. problem. residents or damage the rental property. Another option would be home boarding facilities where owners rent out space within their properties specifically designed for animals who need temporary housing while their owners go away on vacation . Security deposits can vary from $100 to $500 and perhaps even more, depending on where you live and the size and type of your pet. Restrictions - Max 2 pets per apartment. You can also provide your dog with plenty of chew toys and bones to keep them occupied. Ask enough questions that you know the community will be happy to have both you and your pet. To view rental properties that allow pets, make sure you select pet-friendly from the amenity list. A pets community can stretch a mile or two. The non-refundable fees are pet rent and pet fees. : Pets often get anxiety after a move, which may cause them to chew up baseboards and other wooden finishings in an apartment. California Housing Rental Laws Concerning Pets - SF Gate Under pressure to fill apartments, landlords in NYC are being more lenient about pets. HUD specifically states this: "While dogs are the most common type of assistance animal, other animals can also be assistance animals." Emily Myers is a senior writer, podcast host, and producer at Brick Underground. Heres how to estimate what a renovation will cost. Ultimately, it is best to contact your prospective apartment complex directly to inquire about their policies regarding pet weights. The Size Debate: What is Considered a Small Dog? A report by MSN Real Estate and Firepaw found that these landlords tend to bring in an extra $100 per month from pet rent alone, as Landlordology reports. If you're using a PC, click "More" and choose "Dog Friendly" or "Cat Friendly" under "Amenities.". $20/month pet rent for each cat. Read on for our guide on what weight-based pet restrictions are and how to repeal them so that you can have the fairytale apartment youve wished for. 40% of apartments that are pet-friendly require a deposit. The unintended consequence of this action, however, is that the owners may severely limit the pool of potential buyers for their homes. When choosing an apartment, it is important to consider the weight limit for dogs. Im open to any breed staying in my rental homes," says Patzer. When you call to ask if your pet is allowed in apartments, ask about the amenities that are most important for your pet. What Does The Fair Housing Act Say About Emotional Support Animals? If youre searching for a rental that will accommodate your pet needs, its worth having references for your dog. Beyond fees the apartment itself charges, check the costs of local dog walkers and rental insurance policies that include pet liability in case someone sues you for something your pet does. Let your landlord know you share similar concerns about cleanliness. Here are three things to try before you go ahead and accept the restrictions. Landlords need to be aware of several things when allowing pets on their properties such as local laws and regulations regarding pets in rental properties, proper maintenance and care procedures for pet owners, and security measures that need to be taken against potential damage caused by pets. *By signing up you agree to receive occasional emails on behalf of our sponsors, Copyright 2009-2023 by BrickUnderground | PrivacyPolicy | TermsofService | AdChoices | Login, National Association of Real Estate Editors. With a little proactive momentum, youll start recognizing names and faces before long. If Are you worried about breed restrictions while apartment hunting? Many art galleries and restaurants with outdoor patio seating allow your dog to hang out with you. Some apartments, for a variety of reasons, will only allow certain kinds of dogs. Make sure you confirm all of the regulations before moving in. Your HOA can place reasonable restrictions on the weight of your dog, if the CC&Rs so state. : Some properties may have a limit on the number of pets you are allowed to have. There are a wide range of variables to consider when dealing with pet issues in your association. Pet Rules and Restrictions for Condominiums and HOAs Finally, temperament should be taken into consideration as some breeds may not do well when surrounded by people or left alone often due to boredom or loneliness issues. We partner with apartment complexes to provide detailed pet policies in our pet-friendly apartment listings. In our experience, almost all apartments require tenants to pay a premium for bringing your canine or feline friend along. Some dogs may be more likely to damage a house if they are not well trained or if they are left alone for long periods of time. The weight limit of 50 is their way of saying they don't want "large" dogs, but small and medium sized are ok. While it may be easy to order your dog or cats regular pet food online, you may run out at some point. The apartment may be considered pet-friendly, and you may love the layout. IMPORTANT: Even if your dog does not show any signs of being overweight, it is important to have regular weight . In some circumstances, you may want to bring a pet into an apartment youre already renting. The weight limit says 50 lbs on our lease which we just realized but the leasing agent told us 60 lbs when we saw the place a few months ago and on our pay lease account it says 100 lbs. If you have any other questions about renting with pets, feel free to check out our ultimate guide to renting with pets. Explore pet-friendly apartment living available for you and your four-legged friend. Learn more about our Real Estate & Construction practice which covers areas including: condominiums, evictions, leases, construction litigation and more. Inform your landlord of the arrival of your furry family members and request a meet and greet if possible. Andrew is the former Director of Data Science at Apartment List, where he lead research into rental trends and affordability. Required fields are marked *. Some places put a weight limit on dogs because it helps them give a relative idea of the size they are okay with. Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. Dont forget a reference letter! Your city may not ban pit bulls, but your landlord can still restrict the breed from the building. Reptiles should largely be in cages. Thus, rental properties enforce breed restrictionsto protect the integrity and safety of a property Some apartments do not allow (or may charge additional fees for) dogs over 55 lbs. Why do apartments have weight limits on dogs? Surprising Answer Seeking out pet-friendly buildings will be your best starting point if you have a dog that exceeds 50 pounds. A maximum of two (2) similar pets (e.g., two dogs, two cats) may travel in one (1) container provided the animals are small enough to be accommodated in one (1) pet carrier." (Spirit) Introduce yourself and your dog to them. Size is important as larger breeds may not have enough space and may cause disruption among other residents due to their barking or other activities. PDF PET-FRIENDLY APARTMENTS BY COUNTY - Animal Welfare Association of NJ These include Chihuahuas that Unlike a pet deposit, this is nonrefundable. Small dogs typically stand 10 inches tall, or under, at the shoulders. Pet rent is extra rent charged for . Thats why we want to take a moment to outline four essential considerations you should make when youre looking for an apartment that can accommodate a dog, and how weve prepared our communities to meet you and your needs where youre at. California law limits how much of a pet deposit your landlord can ask for and when he can keep said deposit, but it doesn't prevent him from charging pet rent. Were rated 4.5 out of 5 because renters have so much success finding places they love. Will the board be willing to have a perfectly well-behaved dog removed because, (like many of us), it has gained weight as it aged? offices in Akron, Canton and Cleveland. The possibility of violations is one of the biggest reasons pets should be introduced to the property manager. Lets take a deeper look into the development? Other concerns may come with flea or pest control issues with pets. Our NYC building has a high energy efficiency rating. many dog breeds that are perfect for apartment living, such as because they Your email address will not be published. How to Keep a Dog Healthy in a Small Apartment, Turn Your Apartment into a Cat Wonderland, What amenities pet-friendly apartments include, Important neighborhood features for pet owners, Pet fees, security deposits and other financial considerations, Prepare for moving out clean-up procedures, Behavioral guidelines to avoid noise complaints and violations, How to prepare for a landlord meet and greet, Independent landlord, Steven Patzers best tips for presenting your pet, Do Not Share or Sell My Personal Information. What are Breed Restrictions, and Why do Apartments Have Them in Place? Get a good product for pet messes that can be cleaned and disinfected. The only issue is that she's about 5 lbs over the weight limit of 45 lbs. This can include a letter from a previous landlord or former neighbors attesting to your dogs good behavior. Here's how to do it, How buying real estate in NYC is unlike anywhere else, A guide to using a no-fee renovation loan from a NYC real estate firm, How to make your NYC renovation more pet-friendly, From Murray Hill to Long Island: Tired of renting, we bought a waterfront condo with a resort vibe, The Bronx makes list of the 50 most expensive neighborhoods in NYC for the first time, What to know about buying in Morris Park, where vintage Colonials and public transit attract families and commuters, NYC geothermal roundup: Where to find energy-efficient rental developments that ditch fossil fuels. No breed restrictions if 25 lbs. In general, landlords do not like big dogs because they are more likely to cause damage to the property. Whether you own Maybe you dont have one right now, but youre hoping to pick one up down the line, and you want make sure you wont run into any obstacles when you do. If you dont have one, go inside your apartment and return to pick it up as promptly as possible. may be able to negotiate on behalf of your pet. This makes them a great choice for those living in smaller living spaces such as apartments or condos. While pet liability insurance may not cover aggressive breeds, it does cover large Pet Policies for a Rental: Here's What You Need To Know Another option is to try introducing your pet to the manager. Do they have their own dog that doesnt play well with others? One of the most important things to consider when deciding to get a dog is whether or not you have access to yard space. While no set of rules will fit every association, a board considering new or additional pet restrictions should consider these points: Unless there is a designated, enclosed area for pets to run free, the rules should require all pets to be on a leash and attended by their owner when outside a unit. To further prove your dogs suitability for apartment living, To view rental properties that allow pets, make sure you select. Here are a few of the most common: However, many dogs, especially those from rescue shelters, are mixed breeds. Create a dog resume. Generally, landlords want to know your cat will be happy living indoors. Owners should be required to pay the cost of any clean-up the association is required to undertake because of an ill-behaved pet, including attorneys fees and enforcement assessments (to the extent permitted by local law and the governing documents). Every day, people create resumes to showcase their best qualities, highlight their qualifications, and spotlight the characteristics that make them shine in the competition. If you are concerned about your dog damaging your home, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it. I have a deep understanding of canine behavior, and Im always striving to learn more and perfect my techniques. associated with having pets in apartments: Security deposits, pet fees and pet rent. Many apartment communities have weight limits and breed restrictions, and many do not accept cats and other kinds of pets. Some complexes may have a weight limit for dogs, while others may not. A dog is the mans best friend, and he benefits from its companionship, protection, and, in some cases, a source of income. One reason is that larger breeds tend to cause more damage than smaller ones which can lead to costly repairs or replacements if something breaks or gets damaged by the dogs activity levels or size itself. [Help] Getting my dog into my apartment when she's 5 lbs over - Reddit Besides for paying a pet deposit, theres also pet rent that is common in corporate-owned apartment buildings. Every month, youll get an inside peek at whats happening here at Renterverse no launch pad required (just an inbox). Another trap boards fall into is banning dogs and/or cats altogether. If youre looking to move into a rental with a large dog, heres how to find an apartment that will welcome you and your furry friend. How to Deal with a Models Lip Being Bit Off by a Dog, Why Your Dog Refuses to Leave the Park and How to Solve It, Did Jeffrey Dahmer Kill a Dog? Invite the landlord to visit you and your pet in your current home or offer to bring your pet to meet them. I don't want to be fined for an illegal animal. . Lack of exercise: Too much food and too little exercise produces a typical result: Obesity. Talk to you soon! your pets good behavior. The breed's history of attacks, barking, lunging, snapping, and overall body language are all ways that dogs end up on the restricted breed list. If the dog causes problems (ie he barks, damages stuff or you don't clean up after him) the landlord will use anything he can against you. Additionally, HOA's have the right to limit pets as long as all restrictions are stated clearly in the community restrictions list. For example, a landlord might only allow dogs under 20 pounds. She's my dream dogfemale boxer, around 4 years old, super calm and well trained, loves to nap and cuddle. It will speak volumes for them to see your well-behaved and freshly groomed pet. obedience of your pet. Serving the region for over 100 years with nearly 70 attorneys, Buckinghams mission is to deliver meaningful experiences through the practice of law, exceed expectations in terms of service, counsel and business sense, and to offer continuous value to the industries, communities and clients they serve. Include why your dog is an exception to the breed restriction policy in your letter. If your dog weighs more than 25 pounds, most apartments will not allow it. You also cannot impose weight, breed or size restrictions on the animal. Himmelstein McConnell Gribben & Joseph LLP, What you need to know about upgrading your electrical system when renovating. Additionally, since landlords are responsible for any damages caused by tenants pets they will often impose weight limits as a way of protecting themselves from liability concerns if something were happen while the pet was on-site at the building. Landlords frequently have difficulty locating high-risk or aggressive breeds of dogs. Regardless we told the agent when we took the apartment we would be getting a boxer and she said . Can Dogs Enjoy the Benefits of Eating Turkey Gizzards? Note: Pet-friendly doesnt necessarily mean the same thing to all apartment communities. Host a meet-and-greet interview between your dog and the potential landlord so that they can see for themselves the behavior and Large dogs are known to be mellow, which is a good indicator that they will thrive in an apartment. Think carefully before imposing a size limit on dogs. you currently dont have a dog but youd like to get one, choosing a small dog Franco says this is because individual owners can usually make their own decisions about whether to allow a dog or not, assuming the condo or co-op building doesn't have restrictions. If the person is renting out their own unit, this will probably make it more likely that theyll be okay with accepting a range of pets. Rental properties Nonetheless, if you are willing to make some compromises, the experience of living with a dog may be a rewarding one. Sound will carry more loudly across walls in wooden framed buildings. will avoid letting tenants bring these dogs into the apartment building because Ask if there are size restrictions such as not allowing dogs over 25 pounds if you have one. Make sure you know the policy for how the property verifies complaints before they turn into violations. Common breeds that may be restricted include Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Wolf dogs (part wolf and part dog), Presa Canarios (also known as a Canary Mastiff) and Doberman Pinschers. Feeding habits: Feeding table scraps and "people food" can lead to obesity. Malin points out youre more likely to find a landlord who can make a weight exception if they are already open to considering pets. But, if you do have an emotional disability and have been certified as emotionally disabled by a duly licensed certified mental health professional, you can obtain an ESA letter. Q: What are some alternatives to renting an apartment with a dog breed that exceeds the weight limit? Additionally, big dogs tend to bark more, which can be a nuisance for neighbors. Consider grandfathering current pet-owners if the rule change would cause them to be in violation. One of the big problems with Condo Boards enacting Pet Restrictions and Condo Pet Rules is that they do not apply to Assistance Animals such as Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals. Due to the rise in apartment ownership, some communities have begun to prohibit certain dog breeds. Do they want a dog around? For any kind of pet, youll also want to take into consideration the size of the property, layout of rooms, ease of cleaning, natural lighting, window orientation, pet hazards or dangerous areas, location of neighbors and other on-site or close-by amenities. Even if you find the apartment you want but the pet policy isnt working in your favor, its always worth asking if the landlord will make an exception. Additionally, smaller dogs tend to cause less disruption to neighbors and other residents, making them ideal for apartment living. If they bark a lot at me, Ill worry they may disturb other tenants in the building. While your cats may not need to go outside, they do need attention. When choosing a dog breed for an apartment setting, there are a few factors that should be taken into consideration. If you spend long periods of time in solitary confinement with your pet, they will become more acquainted with you and will provide you with mutual assistance. Most apartments, including here at HILLS, have weight limits for dogs, which is usually between 25 and 60 pounds. The firm will now allow tenants to have two dogs rather than one, and increase the maximum weight limit from 50 to 75 pounds. Once youre in touch with an individual landlord or apartment complex, tell them you have a pet and are looking for an apartment with pet-friendly amenities. Companies that previously denied pets are in some cases allowing themwhere one pet was acceptable now you might be able to have two. Pet rent is an extra monthly charge, generally in the $50 to $100 per month range tacked on to your existing rent. Why Apartments Have Weight Limits on Dogs GeekedOutHome Previous health records showing proof of vaccinations. Finally, it is also recommended to look into insurance policies that can help cover any potential damages caused by your pet while living in the apartment complex. For example, if your dog barks at unexpected noises, make sure youre not taking on an apartment near the elevator. The main disadvantage of having a weight limit for dogs in apartments is that it excludes some breeds from residing in an apartment complex. Sometimes people need to see to believe. When you call apartments, check to see if these services are nearby. If youre certain your dog will make a good impression Malin says it might even be worth offering to bring the dog to the building to meet residents. Its important to understand the pet policies when deciding on where to live. As a result of their breeding, select dogs are naturally stronger andterritorial. Youll find that private landlords tend to be easier to negotiate with, as it is ultimately their decision whether or not to allow pets. Dogs need interaction with other dogs in order to stay happy and healthy. In addition, theres the noise factor to consider. Once these questions have been answered, the board should be sure that it has fully thought through the impact of a rules change. If you have roommates, its important to make sure everyone is on board with the idea of having your furry friend in the apartment. Sometimes their height is misleading in this regard. Deposits are generally at least partially refundable. Here at HILLS, we have dog parks at many of our apartments where your dog can be let off the leash and, lets be frank, do their business in peace. Yes, we know it sounds a bit strange. It might sound funny to make your dog his/her own resume, but it can be very valuable. (856) 784-9500 Most of us think of dogs and cats as typical household pets but, for some people, pot-bellied pigs, snakes, rats and other creatures are pets.. account of your pets personality, they may allow your dog on the property. Choosing an apartment thats outside of the city might be your best bet for finding a home without pet weight restrictions. Highlight all the positive qualities of your pet. According to a Gallup poll, 44% of Americans own a dog, and 29% own a cat. Since the age of six, Ive been living in apartments. Medium- to large-breed dogs may not have enough room to be kept in small quarters, so keeping medium- to large-breed dogs in small quarters is a good idea. restrictions. Ask Sam: Our landlord didn't fix a broken front door lock and my bike was stolen. Grooming signals the pet is well-taken care of. The worst offense a dog owner can commit in a community environment is to not clean up after their pet. All photos, videos, text and other content are the property of RentGroup Inc. Pay attention to your pets needs, like feeding your cat quickly if its meowing at mealtime. Finally, ask previous landlords to draft a letter that attests to Does The Weight Of A Dog Affect How Likely They Are To Damage A House What Is The Ideal Crate Size for a Bernese Mountain Dog? When you call apartments, check to see if these services are nearby.