Adopting a pet can really bring happiness to a home. However, if you have a pet, there are additional things you have to think about when you’re renting. For instance, how it gets more challenging to find your new home. A lot of single-family rental properties in Raleigh may seem to be a place where a furry family member would gladly call home. However, landlords and/or property owners may not be ecstatic about the idea of having animals on their property.
Tales about irresponsible tenants are plentiful but they do not represent the whole group. But because of the mistakes of a few, everybody suffers. Now, otherwise responsible pet-owning tenants have to be treated like the irresponsible ones. With the difficulty you may face to have pets in rental homes, you may want to reconsider your decision to adopt— or at least take a few things under consideration. Honestly answering these seven questions will give you a fuller sense of how adopting a pet will change your life.
1. Does your landlord and/or lease allow pets? If so, what are the restrictions?
As a tenant, the primary question you need to have answered is whether or not you can bring the pet you plan on adopting back home with you. Some landlords are open to the idea of allowing pets, while other landlords have strictly banned all animals from the premises. Review your lease; most leases will clearly state which way your particular landlord leans. If your lease allows pets, then be sure to read the details of the lease carefully. There may be restrictions on animal type, size, breed, and so on. You may need to find out if there are local regulations for rules about keeping animals in your particular neighborhood. If things aren’t very clear, ask for clarification. Because getting caught with an unauthorized pet might result in severe penalties.
2. Do you or anyone living in your rental home have allergies?
Millions of pet owners find out that they are allergic to their own pet a little bit too late. As stated by AAAAI (American Academy of Allergy Asthma, and Immunology), pet dander, saliva, and urine can all trigger allergic reactions and even aggravate asthma symptoms. If you or someone else in your rental home has allergies or other respiratory issues, adopting a pet may seriously impact your’s and someone else’s health. Then you’d need to get specialized treatment for your symptoms which can increase the financial burden of pet ownership.
3. Do you have a yard or enough space for a pet?
Pets need space to play, explore, and live their lives. Whether your pet is very small or very large, this is still applicable. So, before you adopt a pet, find out if you can adjust the rental home in such a way that enough space can be opened up for your pet to live a healthy life. For instance, dogs need access to a safe, secure yard (or another assigned area) to do their business. Generally speaking, the bigger the pet, the more space you’ll need.
4. Are you home enough to care for it?
We often think of the benefits of adopting a pet but overlook the responsibilities. If your job or other commitments take you away from home for long hours or demands that you travel a lot, adopting a pet may not be a good idea. Pets require constant care and attention, so if they are repeatedly left alone for prolonged periods of time, they may begin to develop unhealthy and destructive habits. A bored or anxious animal can destroy furniture, bedding, and other household items, and dogs may become a nuisance by barking excessively. The only way to remedy their condition is for you to spend time interacting with your pet. This will help them engage with you mentally and physically.
5. Do you have a backup plan for when life gets busy?
Traveling after adopting a pet can take a lot out of you. If you need to plan a trip because of something that comes up, and you have to stay out of the house for a while, you really need to have a backup plan for animal care. There really aren’t that many places that allow animals. On top of that issue, traveling with your pet also increases their anxiety and makes them feel scared. So, in the event of an emergency, you have to be prepared to call for help. You can have a friend or family member be the backup care for your pet, or if those options aren’t good for you, hire a pet care service.
6. Are you financially ready for a pet?
The cost of owning a pet doesn’t end with the adoption fees. Practically all animals need regular medical attention and for a lot of them, routine grooming is also required. Animals sometimes get sick or injured and you’ll need to prepare for that. That means saving up funds to pay for emergency medical care which can easily run into thousands of dollars for just one incident. Then there is another financial aspect of owning a pet that is connected to your status as a tenant. Many landlords charge additional fees and/or higher rent for tenants who want to keep a pet on the property. Yet these extra costs do not yet include the potential property damage your pet might cause, which, in all likelihood, you would have to pay out of pocket. This is why your financial situation is one of the most important matters to consider. You need to be financially ready to adopt a pet before actually doing it.
7. Are you prepared to care for your pet for the next 5 to 10 years (or more)?
A lot of pets live long and healthy lives. This means that pet owners should plan to have them for 5 to 10 years or even longer, and should take this into consideration if they rent a home. Take a few moments to think about the future you want to have, then think about how a pet factors into that. Doing this would make you more informed so you can make the best decision for yourself. Who knows, maybe a pet is what you need.
In Conclusion
If you’ve answered the seven questions and are ready to go and adopt a pet, there’s still one last thing you need to do. Communicate with your landlord or Raleigh property manager to make sure they know your plans and can make the needed adjustments to the terms of your lease.
Are you interested in renting a home from Real Property Management Raleigh? A number of our rental properties allow pets. Browse our rental listings and give us a call at 919-481-0008 to schedule a showing.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
