I guess you could say it depends on who you ask. If you ask me, it’s non-negotiable. My pets have always been a deciding factor where I live. As a baby boomer who loves dogs, I won’t live in a place they’re not welcome. But, hey, that’s me.
The Important Role That Pets Play When Choosing a Home
Will your cat or dog decide where you live?
If you’re a pet lover and owner, probably so. Pet owners today have a strong bond with their furry friends. Where you go is where your pet will go.
I have two dogs that I adore, and the ones before them. I would never consider moving them.
So what happens when the condo you’re planning to buy will not accept your pet?
Pet-friendly condos and even homeowner’s associations usually have pet restrictions which fall under their Rules and Regulations. Pet Restrictions can refer to breed, weight, number of pets, type of pets, or even no pets allowed.
If you’re planning a move to a condo and you have furry friends, always ask what the pet restrictions are. Better yet, get a copy of the restrictions in writing. Then get yourself a good pet-friendly buyer’s agent who will help you find the condo or type of home you’re looking for.
Pet Restrictions
Pet restrictions may vary whether you buy or rent a condo, so make sure you do your homework first.
There are condos that allow pets on sales but prohibit them on rentals. Crazy, but true. They feel tenants are not as responsible with their pets as condo owners.
Some condos allow pets on rentals sometimes with an additional monthly fee. Have your buyer’s agent check for you or you check. This is very important, because you don’t want to sign a lease, or buy a condo, only to find out you’ve been approved but your beloved cat or dog has not. That would be devastating!
If you’re planning to rent someone’s condo, either annually or seasonally, ask what the pet restrictions are. If the condo itself is agreeable to pets on rentals, is the landlord also agreeable to accepting pets? Some landlords are; some are not. If they are, will they only allow pets under 20 pounds? Will they take a cat? A large dog? Multiple pets? If you have pets, you must know this information!
Tips to Try When You Have a Pet
When dealing with a private owner who only wants a small pet and you have a large dog, here are some tips to try.
Be Honest
First, always tell the truth about your pets. They will find out sooner or later anyway. Don’t try to hide or sneak them in. The neighbors have eyes and ears. You want to be open and honest about your pets.
Offer a larger pet deposit or offer to pay more than the asking price. If you are renting, owners are worried about damage to their premises, which is easy to understand. Puppies can chew on drywall and stain carpets. Dogs and cats can scratch floors. You know what I’m talking about.
Sometimes offering a larger deposit may help convince an owner to rent to you. Write a letter about your pet. Include a photo, explaining how well trained s/he is. Make sure to include a note from your vet showing your pet is up to date on his shots and that s/he is spayed or neutered.
Liability When It Comes to Pets
If you have what is termed an “aggressive” breed, it’s going to be hard for you to rent a condo, as they may not be covered under the landlord’s insurance or your own. It’s a liability for the owner.
Same thing goes if you’re looking to buy a condo or even a home in a gated community with what they call an “aggressive” type dog. It’s unlikely you will get past the building or community’s insurance. It’s also unlikely that the condo or homeowner’s association allows what they call “aggressive” breeds. Very few do.
Always Ask
Ask the condo if they restrict any other types of pets. It will be spelled out on their documents, and they will tell you. I would get the documents, because I personally have had managers who did not know the correct information and turned buyers away when they could have bought a home. This was many years ago, and I learned a valuable lesson. Get it in writing! Exotic animals are often restricted.
Ask about their pet policies. Are there designated dog-walking areas? Do they require your dog’s DNA? Yes, don’t be surprised, but some places require it today. Crazy as it sounds.
Is there an additional cleaning fee when you move out? Is your pet deposit refundable or non-refundable? Is there a pet deposit? Is there an additional monthly fee for your pet?
Get It in Writing
Whatever terms you and your condo, community or landlord agree to regarding your pets, make sure you get it in writing. It should be included in your lease or on a copy of the restrictions. Words tend to go out the window. If you’re buying a condo, make sure to get a copy of the pet restrictions, whether in print, on disk or by email – but get them.
Don’t sign a lease if the pet restrictions, or some language relating to your furry friends, are not included. When all is said and done, it comes down to that lease. If your pet is not on the lease, guess what? You could have a problem. And who needs it at this age?
What If My Pet Is a Service Pet?
If your pet is a service animal or an ESA (Emotional Support Animal), your landlord, condo or community must follow the law at HUD.gov. Your community may have some additional documentation needed and your state may have some, so please check that, as well.
Being a Responsible Pet Owner
It’s your job to be a responsible pet owner. That means no barking late at night or early in the morning. And don’t leave your dogs unattended in the backyard! You may be an early riser, but your neighbors may be asleep. It also means picking up and properly disposing of your dog’s poop. No big deal really as many places have dog stations and, if not, you can easily buy bags pretty much anywhere today.
Be mindful as some people are allergic and others are afraid of dogs. Respect them, and keep your dogs on a short leash when they’re around.
I know it’s hard to believe, but not everyone loves our furry friends as much as we do!!
If you have cats, keep the litter box clean. Smells can travel in a condo, so this way you avoid any potential problems with neighbors.
Final Thoughts
Odds are, if you have a pet today, you’re going to take Teddy or Chloe into consideration before moving. Whether you plan to rent or buy a condo or a house, do your homework first. One thing you should strongly consider is finding a pet-friendly REALTOR®. After all, our pets are a big part of our world, but we’re their whole world. We owe it to them to take them with us and give them a good home. After all, isn’t that what you want?
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
― Roger Caras
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you have pets who mean the world to you, and you won’t move without them? I totally get it. If you’re planning to buy a condo or home with a dog or cat, please check all your facts first. If you’d like to have a conversation or you need help, let’s talk about it!!!
