Convincing an apartment manager to allow dogs: how?

[LM1313]

My apartment lease allows cats but not dogs . . . I'd really like to have a dog again. What can I do to convince my apartment manager?

[happycats]

Offer him a "damage deposit" telling him that he gets to keep it when you leave if your dog does any damage (to be returned to you if the dog doesn't)


Money always talks!

[SableCollie]

It also helps sometimes to assure the landlord that the dog will be spayed/neutered, have its shots, you will take it to obedience classes, and you will always "scoop the poop". Sometimes they feel more comfortable if you crate the dog when you are not home. Usually their main concerns are destruction to the apartment, constant barking, jumping on or otherwise bothering other tenants, and dog poop being left on the grounds. You have to explain how you will prevent all of these problems, and offering a bit of money can help!

Good luck!

[rainbow]

I agree with both Happycats and SableCollie. The only problem is, is that if he allows you to have a dog, then he will be setting a precedent for others who may not be as good an owner as you are. But, it's definitely worth a try. Good luck.

[mummummum]

If they are still hemming and hawing, you may want to construct a very simple agreement laying out what you agree to do ie. poop n' scoop, leashing, obedience classes. But, stay away from including any consequences ie. eviction or termination of tenancy, explaining that these are already covered in the terms of your lease and whatever residential tenancy legislation exists in your state.

[~michelle~]

some pet insurance companies cover your pet if they cause any damage to the property. mine does and they sent me a letter to use for all future landlords

[LM1313]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys! One person in the complex does have a small dog right now. She lived there with the dog before the complex was sold to the current manager, who changed the rules to no dogs, but since she already had the dog, she got to keep it. I don't know why he changed the rule, but I'll ask and see if I can work around it.

You know, I do have renters insurance, I wonder if it covers pet damages at all.

[rainbow]

Hope you can convince him. Good luck and let us know what he says.

[Frenchy]

A deposit , yep , money talks. Hope this works out for you.

[~michelle~]

maybe references from current neighbours about how thedog is not a disturbance as well

[LM1313]

I didn't get a chance to ask him yesterday, so I'm going to do it tonight. *crosses fingers*

[happycats]

GOOD LUCK !!

[i_have_too_many]

Someone told me once that a landlord can not tell you that you are not allowed to have a pet, something about a prejudice? Apparantly there is a law somewhere about this and even though it is their building, they can not keep you from having pets.

Dont quote me on this but that is just what someone told me once. I would rather go about it another way though instead of rustling up trouble with the land-lord. I would think if you can type up an agreement that you both decide is fair, and both sign it, you should be ok. But include EVERYTHING that may come up. Size of dog, type, coat type, possible breeds accepted, rules when you are away/home, etc. You dont want to miss anything then get caught if something happens later that you did not plan for.

Good luck

[rainbow]

Did you convince him?

[phoenix]

Originally Posted by i_have_too_many

Someone told me once that a landlord can not tell you that you are not allowed to have a pet, something about a prejudice? Apparantly there is a law somewhere about this and even though it is their building, they can not keep you from having pets.

Dont quote me on this but

Good luck

Sorry to quote you when you said not to,

This is kind of true in Ontario, but not necessarily in the US. In Ontario, a landlord can say you can't have pets, (ie. they can not choose you), but once you are in, they can't evict you for it UNLESS the animal is causing others to have lesser enjoyment of the property or if there are allergies.

Good luck convincing your LL; I think it would be better if they could meet the dog and hear from references, but since you don't have a dog yet, I'm not sure how that would be possible.

[LM1313]

Well, it went over like a lead balloon. He basically said that if he let me have a dog then he'd have to let everyone have a dog, etc, etc. I don't think I'll be able to change his mind. I guess I'll just continue saving for a house where I can have ANY DOG I WANT, MWAHAHAAAA! Ahem, excuse me!

[Hunter's_owner]

I understand exactly what you are going through.
I am currently renting a house with a friend. It is the friend's parents house, they bought to rent out.
There I am allowed pets. But now, I want to move out and am not quite ready to buy yet, but finding a place that will allow me to have a "big" dog is very very hard. :sad:

[mummummum]

I'm sorry to hear that LM. I guess it's time to get super-serious about that Home & Dog Ownership savings account.

HO maybe you should descibe Hunter as a medium sized dog ? He's under 70 lb's isn't he?

[happycats]

Can't you say that it's a therapy dog??

[Hunter's_owner]

Under 70...