As a renter, it’s important to be aware of your rights and what your landlord can and cannot do. One common question is whether or not landlords can refuse to allow pets
in their rental properties.
The answer is yes, landlords can refuse to allow pets for several reasons.
However, there are several ways explained in this article that you can get around it e.g Getting pet insurance, renting from private owners, getting a pet resume etc.
More households have pets nowadays.
Here are some of the most common reasons landlords might choose not to allow pets on their property.
Reasons Landlords can Refuse Pets in their Rental Properties
One of the most common reasons that landlords cite for not allowing pets in their rental properties is the potential for damage that animals can cause.
Even well-behaved pets can scratch floors, urinate indoors, and leave hair and dander around the rental unit.
Among the reasons landlords can refuse pets in their rental properties is because they can be the cause of;
- Damage
- Noise
- Fouling and odour
- Infestation
- Allergies
More on this is explained below.
Damage is One of the Reasons Landlords can Refuse Pets
As a pet-owner, it’s understandable that you would want to bring your furry friend along with you when you move. Unfortunately, many landlords have a strict no-pets policy for a reason – pets can cause damage to the property.
From chewing on walls and furniture to having accidents indoors, there are many ways that pets can cause damage to a rental unit. In some cases, the damage may be minor and easily fixed with a bit of touch-up paint or new carpeting. However, in other cases, the damage can be much more significant – resulting in costly repairs or even requiring the landlord to replace major appliances or fixtures.
Ultimately, it’s up to the landlord to decide whether or not they want to allow pets in their rental units.
Noise is One of the Reasons Landlords can Refuse Pets
Noise is one of the main reasons landlords refuse pets. Dogs bark, cat’s meow, and both can make other noises that can disturb tenants and neighbours.
Most dogs for example bark at about 100 decibels and 500 Hz. This continually can cause stress and loss of sleep.
Landlords often require pet deposits or fees to help cover any damages that may be caused by a noisy pet.
Some apartment complexes and rental homes have strict rules about noise levels, and pets can make it difficult for tenants to comply with these rules.
In some cases, landlords may allow tenants to have a pet if they sign a pet addendum or agreement that outlines specific rules about the pet’s care and behavior.
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Is Infestation One of the Reasons Landlords can Refuse Pets?
Pets can bring joy and companionship to our lives, but they can also bring unwanted pests into our homes.
Landlords are often hesitant to allow tenants to keep pets because of the risk of infestation.
Fleas, ticks, and other parasites can easily hitch a ride on our furry friends and make themselves at home in our homes. once an infestation takes hold, it can be tough and expensive to get rid of.
In some cases, the damage caused by pests can even lead to eviction.
While it is understandable that landlords want to protect their property from infestation, this policy can be very difficult for pet owners.
Many people rely on their pets for emotional support and companionship, and taking away this option can create significant hardship.
Is Fouling and Odour One of the Reasons Landlords can Refuse Pets?
An average dog excretes three-quarters of a pound of waste per day or 274 pounds per year and cat poo contains the Toxoplasma Gondii parasite which has been known to cause birth defects if it gets into humans.
Pets can cause a great deal of damage to a property, and the cost of repairs can be very high. Landlords are also concerned about the health and safety of their tenants, and pet owners must be responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
Odours left behind from animal faeces can stick around for a long while, clinging on to furnishings making them unattractive to prospective tenants.
The stains left by this waste will require professional cleaning services.
Allergies are One of the Reasons Landlords can Refuse Pets
There are a number of reasons that landlords refuse to allow pets in their rentals, but one of the main ones is allergies.
Many people are allergic to pet dander, which can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems.
Even if a landlord doesn’t have allergies themselves, they may be worried about potential liability if a tenant has an allergic reaction to a pet.
Ultimately, it’s up to the landlord whether or not to allow pets in their rental units. However, allergies are one of the main reasons that they might choose not to do so.
What Happens if you’re Keeping a Pet without a Landlord’s Consent?
If you have a pet and your lease does not allow pets, you are breaking the terms of your lease agreement.
This means that your landlord could ask you to move out or give you the notice to vacate.
Tenants must seek written consent from the landlord if they have added a no-pets clause to their contract or specified that their tenants must seek permission first.
If you are asked to leave, you will need to find another place to live that allows pets. You may also be responsible for any damage that your pet has caused to the rental property.
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Can a Landlord Evict you for Having a Pet?
If you’re a pet owner, you may be wondering if your landlord can evict you for having a pet. The answer is, that it depends. While some landlords have a no-pets policy, others are more lenient.
If your lease doesn’t specifically mention pets, then you may be able to have one without fear of eviction.
However, if your lease does forbid pets, then you could be evicted if your landlord finds out that you have one.
If you’re thinking about getting a pet or already have one, it’s best to check with your landlord first.
They may be willing to make an exception for you if they know that you’re responsible and will take care of the animal.
Ultimately, it’s up to the landlord whether or not they want to allow pets in their rental property.
How to get around Pet Restrictions
Most apartment complexes and rental homes have pet restrictions in place, which can make it challenging to find a place to live if you have a furry friend. There are, however, some ways to get around these restrictions.
Get Professional Training for Your pet
If you live in an apartment, condo, or other types of housing that has pet restrictions, you may feel like you’re limited in your choice of pets. But did you know that you can get professional training for your pet to help them get around these restrictions?
There are many benefits to professional training for your pet. Not only will it help them behave better around other people and animals, but it can also give you peace of mind knowing that your pet is well-behaved and won’t cause any problems.
If you’re interested in getting professional training for your pet, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, be sure to find a reputable trainer who has experience working with the type of animal you have.
Second, make sure the trainer uses positive reinforcement methods, as this will be more effective in the long run.
Offer a Pet Deposit
Offering a pet deposit can help you get around pet restrictions that may be in place at your potential rental property.
By offering a pet deposit, you are indicating to the landlord that you are willing to take responsibility for any damage that your pet may cause.
This can help to ease the landlord’s concerns about renting to a tenant with a pet.
In addition, offering a pet deposit shows that you are prepared to financially cover any damages that may occur.
Provide a Reference for Your Pet(From previous Landlords)
Pets are valuable members of the family, but sometimes they can be a barrier to renting an apartment or home.
Many landlords have pet restrictions in place, which can make it difficult to find a suitable rental property.
However, there is a way around these restrictions – by providing a reference for your pet.
A pet reference is simply a letter from a previous landlord or property manager attesting to your pet’s good behaviour.
This letter can go a long way in convincing a potential landlord that your pet is well-behaved and will not cause any damage to their property.
If you have a good relationship with your current or past landlord, ask them to write a positive reference for your pet.
If you do not have such a relationship, you can try reaching out to local animal shelters or rescue groups – they may be able to provide you with a reference letter.
Rent from Private Owners
When it comes to finding a place to rent, there are a number of different options available.
One option is to go through a rental management company. However, another option is to rent from a private owner.
There are a few advantages to renting from a private owner that can help you get around pet restrictions.
First, when you rent from a private owner, you usually have more flexibility in terms of pet policies.
This is because the owner is not bound by the same rules and regulations as a rental management company.
As such, they may be willing to work with you on a case-by-case basis when it comes to your pet.
Second, renting from a private owner also gives you the opportunity to get to know your landlord better. This can be beneficial if you have questions or concerns about the property or your lease agreement.
Get Pet Insurance
When it comes to where you live, your pet is usually an important part of the family. But what happens when you move and your new landlord has a no-pets policy? It can be difficult to find a new place to live that allows pets, and even more difficult to find one that is affordable.
One way around this problem is to get pet insurance. By insuring your pet, you can often bypass pet restrictions that landlords may have in place. This type of insurance will cover any damages that your pet may cause, as well as any medical bills that may be incurred.
Not only will pet insurance help you get around pet restrictions, but it will also give you peace of mind in knowing that your pet is protected.
Register Your Pet as an Emotional Support Animal
If you have a pet that offers you emotional support, you may be able to register them as an emotional support animal (ESA). This can help you get around pet restrictions in your housing or workplace.
To register your pet as an ESA, you will need a letter from a licensed mental health professional. This letter should state that you have a mental health condition and that your pet provides emotional support that helps alleviate some of your symptoms.
Once you have this letter, you can provide it to your landlord or employer. They may make reasonable accommodations for you, such as allowing your pet to live with you in a no-pets building or coming to work with you.
Registering your pet as an ESA can offer many benefits, but it is important to make sure that your pet is well-behaved and does not cause problems for others.
In conclusion, landlords can refuse pets in their rental properties for a variety of reasons. Some landlords may be concerned about damage to the property, while others may not want to deal with the extra noise or mess that pets can bring.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to make sure that you understand your landlord’s policy on pets before you move in.
