When home foreclosures force displaced families to search for rental property, finding pet-friendly housing can be a challenge. Dog owners often find that pets are not welcome. Pet-friendly landlords can seem few and far between as the American dream of owning a home gives way to a failing real estate market.
More Homeless Pets Due to Foreclosures
Sadly, shelters across the nation are reporting that they’ve seen a rise in pet surrenders related directly to the housing slump. Renting with dogs in a weak housing market may not be an easy thing. Many landlords who forbid dogs have encountered problem pets in the past. They are not thrilled with chewed door facings, clawed screens and urine soaked carpets or neighbors’ complaints of messes in the yard and howling. And who can blame them? But with a little perseverance, ‘no’ may not have to be the final answer.
Convincing a Landlord to Accept Your Dog
Not all dogs are unruly and not all dog owners are irresponsible so if the landlord can be convinced that she won’t have a problem, renters may be able to keep their furry family member after all.
- Find out the reasons for a no-pet policy. That way you know exactly what concerns to address.
- Give your dog a good grooming, brush up on his manners, and invite the landlord to meet him.
- Assure her your dog will always be supervised or on leash while outside.
- Assure her your dog is housetrained and that you will pick up after him outside.
- Offer to pay a refundable pet deposit and sign an agreement to be responsible for any damage your dog might cause.
- Provide her with your dog’s obedience class diploma or Canine Good Citizen certificate or any other titles he may have earned.
- Show her vaccination records and health certificates.
- Provide a list of references such as previous landlords or neighbors, pet sitters, veterinarians, and obedience trainers.
- Don’t give up easily. If the answer is still ‘no’ find out if there’s a board of directors or other authority you can take your case to.
Being a Responsible Pet Owner
If the landlord does agree to welcome your dog along with your family, all details should be in writing before the lease is signed. After you’ve moved in, it’s important to keep your word and be the responsible dog owner you promised to be. Make sure your dog is the good citizen you’ve portrayed and don’t allow him to become a nuisance. Your good example can help change public perception of dog-owning renters and may help prevent other families from losing their pets to foreclosure.
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