If you’re a dog 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 may depend on the breed, size and personality of your pet. Sometimes a landlords insurance will prohibit them from having certain breeds on their property. It’s much more common to run into weight restrictions, though, and many apartments will have a weight limit of around 25 pounds.
If you own a large dog, you may have better luck renting a single family home from an individual. A more involved landlord is usually ore willing to rent to someone who has a larger dog, plus, you can have the added benefit of your own yard if you have an energetic large dog. While some large dog breeds seem to be very calm and laid back, some are pretty active and just will not get enough activity if they are confined to an apartment.
If you do plan to move to an apartment, make sure your dog can adapt to this type of environment. If your dog barks or whines a lot you may well find yourself at odds with the landlord, as well as with other tenants. Your dog may only make noise because he’s lonely or bored, but may also bark at strangers that he hears nearby until he gets used to the new people all around him. 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 some extra attention and exercise.
You must also keep in mind that most apartment complexes have leash laws, so you will have to leash walk 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. ANd most apartment complexes also require that you clean up after your dog immediately.
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 your landlord’s rules, you’ll be much more likely to find a rental that meets your needs.
