Pet ownership is excellent for people and animals. Your pet will always be glad to see you upon your return home. Furthermore, you’ll always have company while watching TV or taking a walk. However, renting can be tricky as a pet parent.
If your rental contract doesn’t permit pets, it might be tempting to sneak in a furry friend, particularly when your landlord rarely stops by. However, maintaining a pet without the landlord’s approval could result in serious problems. Ensure you familiarize yourself with these policies if you’re a pet owner.
Fines
In some instances, the property owner might fine you for sneaking a pet without obtaining approval. Beware that fines are usually per pet. While some property owners might charge a specified amount, others can charge you for the days your pet lives in the rental.
Keep in mind that the landlord should only charge you if your lease covers details regarding any pet-related fines. In the event that the landlord seeks an amount that the lease doesn’t feature, it might be possible to file a civil case to recover your costs.
However, the court can’t legally tell you to maintain the pet. You’ll undoubtedly incur charges for unauthorized pets-having pets when the lease doesn’t allow it or owning more pets than what’s permitted.
Neighbor Complaints/Pet Nuisance
While you have rights to a rental, so do your neighbors. If your dog’s late-night barking or tendency to dig beneath the fence disrupts your neighbors’ quiet and peaceful enjoyment of their homes, the property owner might protest.
Ensure you keep your dog’s behavior under control and discuss any complaints with the neighbors. You’ll discover it’s frequently easier to resolve the matter amongst yourselves than involve animal officers or landlords.
Bear in mind that local laws might drive the police officers to issue fines to renters with loud or destructive dogs. Even if the law permits you to own a pet, you might still face eviction if your pet is a bother or nuisance.
In this case, the pet would need to behave in a manner that disrupts your neighbors’ capacity to reside in their homes comfortably and safely. Such related nuisances include aggressive behavior, loud barking, and defecating or urinating in the building’s public areas.
Nevertheless, a one-time incident of poor conduct by your pet is insufficient for eviction; the behavior should be ongoing and repeated. Keep in mind that anti-discrimination laws don’t require a property owner to permit somebody to maintain a pet that’s a nuisance even if it’s an emotional support pet.
You can still face eviction if the emotional support pet is a nuisance. Nevertheless, antidiscrimination laws could give you and the pet another chance. You can seek time to improve the situation, which could include seeking training for the dog or enhancing how you care for your pets.
Pet Removal
If your pet lacks a pet-clause and you get one, the landlord has the legal right to request you to remove the pet from the property.
If you wish to keep your pet, you’ll need to move. Keep in mind that moving during the lease will imply a violation of the lease and you’ll have to pay heavy fines, sublet the rental, or discuss with the landlord to terminate the lease early.
Final Thoughts
While living with a pet in a rental has its benefits, it also comes with consequences if you don’t abide by the law. Therefore, it’s imperative you recognize the policies when it comes to renting with a pet to avoid unnecessary fines.
For more information on pet policies, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a message.
