Residents
Owners
Can you have a pet when you rent your home or apartment? In most rental situations, you can have pets and it will only affect you financially. Landlords usually feel strongly one way or the other regarding pets. While some landlords are absolutely against having pets in their property for the mess they can cause, damage they can cause and other annoyances like noise and smell, other landlords feel that they are like children to an owner and they want them to be able to bring their family to a rental unit.
Even if they feel strongly about allowing pets, there are going to be some strict rules including the number of pets, breed restrictions and rules in the lease agreement about paying for any damage caused by the pet and for extra fees in the lease. You’ll have to sign a tenant pet agreement and here is a look at what you can expect the agreement to spell out.
Pet Types
Your written agreement with a landlord will vary with each property but in most cases, you’ll have to agree to certain pet types being allowed or prohibited. Some landlords will only allow one pet while others are only concerned about the weight limit.
Sometimes it has to weigh a pet under 20lbs and other times, it can be any size pet as long as you keep it to just 1 or 2. You may be restricted on the type of breed where certain aggressive breeds won’t be permitted. This will vary with each property so be sure to read the agreement carefully before signing.
Deposits
You should have an arrangement on a pet deposit or monthly fee before signing your lease. Sometimes pet deposits are non-refundable to cover any wear and tear caused by the pet. Other times, your pet deposit is refundable as long as the property stays in good condition upon moving out. Find out if there are monthly fees in addition to the initial deposit and if that number can ever change in the case of renewing your lease.
In addition to these items on your pet agreement, you’ll have to sign that your pet will stay quiet, not cause damage caused by boredom, that it will not disturb other neighbors and you’ll need to provide proof of their vaccination records and city registration. If you have a service animal, find out the specific laws on this scenario since they are protected by federal law.
