Renting with dogs

[elizabethann]

I rent with one dog and 2 cats. I was at my apartment for 8 years and left for about 6 months. I then came back (this time with a dog). I had to beg my landlord to let me keep Fenway. She was so happy to have me back (because I am a good tenant) that she said "yes".

Luckily, my neighbors are pretty cool because Fenway barks everytime he hears them come home (even at 2 in the morning).

My neighbor also has a dog and the landlord knows about it. However, she kind of "lied" to the landlord about her dog. She said she would have the dog on weekends because it's a dog she grew up with and she couldn't bear to not see it. But the dog lives with her full-time. She's a cool black Lab and is older so she is very calm, cool and collected (unlike Fenway). She doesn't bark and you wouldn't even know she was in the apartment, she's so quiet (again, unlike Fenway).

Luckily, my neighbor lives over 1 hour away and she is a "hands off landlord". I can't remember the last time I saw her. Probably over 5 years ago!

Renting with animals (especially dogs) is tough.

I dream of someday owning my own home in the country where Fenway can bark and bark all he wants.

[lv4dogs]

Check with your local shelter too. The shelters in my area have a booklet with pet friendly apartment listings.
Good luck.

[pnance]

I rented for about 8 years before we bought this house. Initially I only had one small dog (10lbs) and a cat and found it hard to get a place. I even had to not mention the cat in 1 apartment. When we moved to our last rental (a house) the landlord had a restriction based on breed (rottweilers, chows, and pits were no). I didn't agree, but it was the only place we found that would accept the then 2 dogs (10lbs) and (55 lbs) plus a cat without a hassle. I agree that you should try for older homes w/o new carpet, etc. I usually had much better luck with those than ones that were advertised as just renovated or new carpet, etc. Also call around before you drive around. If it doesn't list or just lists pet ok, call to check the restrictions. It will save you a lot in gas and time.

[king2005]

My dad rented a place for 6yrs+. Max (my old dog) started to get upset in the lower end. My dad had special cleaners come every year to clean the rug. The landlord loved Max & when he walked into the apt. he saw the stains. He said, looks like you guys tried to clean it. We said yes. Before we leave (whenever that happeneds) We'll replace the carpet for you.

The landlord said why? its crap carpet, I don't care, besides, Max is a great dog & can crap all over the place if he has too. Don't worry about it. I'll put hardwood flooring in when you guys move out, or when Max passes on (Max had to be on a carpet)..

We were lucky in this case. The landlord was rich & LOVED Max. He was the only man that Max let in the house when nobody was home. We don't know why, but it was good, cause we liked getting things fixed