Pet damage denotes any damage a pet causes to a rental property. Apartment damage can comprise damage to walls, furniture, the floors, and appliances. Common instances of pet damage include chewed furniture, broken appliances, dents, and scratches to the walls and floors.
As a pet owner, you must recognize what’s deemed pet damage in a rental agreement. This way, you’ll protect yourself against unforeseen financial losses. You find that most lease contracts have a segment that tackles pet damage. Typically, this section stipulates the kinds of damage that are considered pet damage and indicates the renter’s responsibilities for repairing apartment damage. Here’s what you should do in case your pet causes apartment damage.
Document the Apartment Damage
Perhaps the most significant step to take is to ensure you document apartment damage. This implies taking videos and photos, and including any essential context and descriptions.
Be sincere with your Landlord
If your pet causes apartment damage, be transparent with your landlord about the issue. The last thing you want to do is to conceal the apartment damage or divert the blame to something else. The sooner you inform your landlord regarding the apartment damage, the sooner the repair process can take place.
Obtain Repair Estimates and Evaluate Repair Costs
Consider using the vendor network that exists within the rental housing sector. Gathering numerous estimates will ensure you’re ready to make the needed fixes to your rental. Once you recognize the amount it will cost to repair the apartment damage, you can generate a plan to discuss with the landlord.
Examine Your Pet Policy
You should examine your present pet policy and note whether anything needs clarity or could be misconstrued and then make the necessary changes.
Take Measures to Avoid Future Damage
Once the landlord resolves pet damage, you want to take measures to avoid future damage from taking place. This might include exercising more diligence when it comes to pet monitoring or investing further in pet-proofing measures.
Furthermore, the best way to prevent apartment damage is to ensure your pet is well-socialized and trained. You might want to give them access to plenty of activities and toys to keep them entertained as well. Beware that bored pets have an increased likelihood of getting into trouble, so ensure your pets obtain mental stimulation and adequate exercise daily. This way, they won’t chew on things or scratch furniture, causing unnecessary apartment damage.
Another important measure includes supervising your pet constantly. This is necessary when you own a kitten or puppy. After all, kittens and puppies are still learning and they might not know what’s appropriate and what isn’t proper to chew on.
Remember, prevention is ideal, and taking proactive measures to protect the rental will help you prevent expensive pet damage and sustain positive relations with your landlord.
Final Thoughts
If you note that pet damage is beyond your capacity to repair, ensure you inform your landlord immediately.
Apartment damage from pets can be an expensive issue for landlords. However, recognizing what’s deemed pet damage can protect you as a renter against financial losses resulting from apartment damage.