Pet-Friendly Rental Housing (put together by the Toledo Area Humane Society)
You and your furry friend may discover that unfortunately many rental-housing properties have a "No Pets Allowed" policy.
There are rental properties that do allow pets. To help you, we have created a database of properties (both apartments and mobile home parks) that allow pets and their restrictions, as well as those that do not allow pets. The list is broken down by geographic area, so you can easily search by North,South, West, or East Toledo.
This database is a work in progress. If you know of a property that is listed improperly, or not included, please let us know.
Click here for apartments that allow pets. (PDF.)
Click here for mobile home parks that allow pets. (PDF.)
If the place that you choose to live does not allow pets, we have some suggestions that may enable you to switch that "No Pets" to "Pets Welcome."
In the end, your landlord may come to like the four-legged tenant variety as much as the two-legged!
First and foremost, honesty is definitely the best policy with your landlord. Yes, potty breaks at midnight with your dog or sneaking huge bags of cat litter into your apartment under your shirt is slightly suspicious!
Some landlords will consider adding stipulations such as:
Weight Limit/Small Breed OnlySpay or Neuter Clause
De-Clawing Clause
(Pets who fulfill these stipulations are considered more desirable
by landlords as they are less likely to be destructive or roam.)
A pet deposit that is paid initially, before renting or adopting, can help sway some landlord since it is a security to defray any costs incurred by pet damage. For example, a $250 deposit with $50 non-refundable for carpet cleaning is a good standard security policy.
Consider an introduction of your pet to your landlord. Puppy-dog eyes and affectionate feline kisses are great sabotage techniques - no one can resist!
If you've previously rented with your lap-warmer, offer a letter of glowing recommendation to your potential landlord.
Clearly express an open invitation to the landlord to see your place after you've moved in to witness your pet's adjustment themselves!
If you are already in residence and are attempting to change a current pet policy, strength is indeed in numbers! Post a petition in the laundry facility or near the mailboxes—any spot frequented by large numbers of residents daily will suffice! Submit this petition to your leasing manager and request a meeting with supportive tenants to discuss changing the policy. Be kind yet firm!
If your landlord allows you to have a pet or change a pet policy, make sure to get everything in writing and signed by both you and your landlord. This contractual agreement will legally protect you and your pet from your landlord having a sudden change of mind.
If you have successfully changed a policy or your particular landlord's mind then the responsibility to set a good example and to insure the policy remains active for others to benefit is placed in your hands and your pet's four paws. Follow the rules set in your policy faithfully and prevent your pet from damaging the property. If damage occurs, contact your landlord immediately and offer to pay for the cost or have it taken out of your pet deposit. Make sure to thank your landlord for allowing pets. Keep your dog from barking and clean up after them on your daily walks.
If you follow these simple suggestions, both you and your pet will benefit tremendously. Eventually, all rental properties will be more than happy to welcome not only you but your pet also! Good Luck!
|
