Adopting a pet can be a rewarding experience. But when you are renting, having a pet makes it more difficult to find a new home. A lot of single-family rental properties in Muskegon may have the facilities that are just right for a furry family member. However, landlords and/or property owners may not be too happy about 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 challenges you may face, it pays to consider some things before deciding to adopt and bring a pet into a rental home. By answering these seven questions, you will be able to get a better sense of how your life will be affected when you adopt a pet.
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 fine with it and are open to allowing pets in their property, but there are others who have strictly banned all animals from the premises. Examine your lease again; most leases will clearly state which way your particular landlord leans. If your lease allows pets, see to it that you read it carefully, and note if there are any restrictions on animal type, size, breed, and so on. You should also check local regulations for rules about keeping animals in your particular neighborhood. If things aren’t clear, don’t be afraid to ask. Because if you ever get caught with an unauthorized pet, the penalties can be quite strict.
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. The AAAAI (American Academy of Allergy Asthma, and Immunology) states that pet dander, saliva, and urine can all trigger allergic reactions and even aggravate asthma symptoms. If anyone that lives in your rental home suffers allergies or other respiratory issues, bringing in a pet into your living space may seriously impact your health. Something you may need to do is get specialized treatment for your symptoms. This 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. And it doesn’t matter if the pet you chose is very small or very large. Before adopting a pet, think about whether or not your rental home can be adjusted to create enough space for your pet so it can live a healthy life. Take dogs, for instance, they need access to a safe, secure yard (or another identified 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?
When it comes to adopting a pet, we usually like looking at the benefits it brings us, but we rarely consider the responsibility it demands. If doing your job or other commitments means staying out of the house for long hours or having to 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 fix this is to spend time interacting with your pet. This would encourage them to mentally and physically engage with you.
5. Do you have a backup plan for when life gets busy?
Traveling after adopting a pet can be very demanding. If an opportunity or obligation comes up and you have to plan a trip that demands that you stay away from home for a while, you must 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 will need to have prepared backup care for your pet. This can be in the form of a friend or family member or even a pet care service. The important thing is that you get someone taking care of your pet.
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. If your animal gets sick or is injured, you’ll need to take them to the vet as soon as possible. The funds to pay for emergency medical care can easily run into thousands of dollars for just one incident. In addition to that, there is a financial aspect of owning a pet that connects directly 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. But these don’t even include any extra costs that may arise from the potential property damage your pet might cause. Those additional expenses may have to be covered out of your pocket. This is why being financially ready to adopt a pet is one of the most important matters to consider.
7. Are you prepared to care for your pet for the next 5 to 10 years (or more)?
The lives of many pets are long. 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. Consider your future and the plans you have and see if having a pet would change anything. Doing this would give you a better sense of whether or not adopting a pet is the right choice. Who knows, maybe a pet is what you need to see your future plans come true.
In Conclusion
If you’ve answered all of the questions above and are ready to adopt a pet, there’s still one thing you have to do. Communicate with your landlord or Muskegon property manager so they would be aware of your plans. This way, they can make the needed changes to the terms of your lease.
Are you interested in renting a home from Real Property Management Investment Solutions? A lot of our rental properties allow pets. Browse our rental listings and call us at 616-419-4578 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.
