By law, the landlord has the right to set a pets allowed or a no pets policy. As the owner of the property, they have every right to establish limits on how their property is to be used. Therefore, it is up to the renter to find a landlord who is open to the tenant having an animal.

Many pet friendly landlords demand a pet deposit that may or may not be refundable. Some even charge a “pet rent”. They may want the number and description of your animals written into the lease.

To avoid such charges and restrictions, some people try to sneak pets into the home. This is not a smart decision. Keeping an animal in violation of pet regulations or a no pets policy, may cause eviction or other legal action against you.

Landlords cannot automatically withhold money from pet owners’security deposits, only charge for actual damages. If your pet did damage the apartment, the landlord may charge you for the repairs.

So give it some real thought about if your want to have a pet in a rented place. Should you decide to have a pet, keep in mind the safety of the other tennants. Guard dogs may be mucho but they really can be a problem.

Think about the comfort of your neighbors and the barking and whinning your loved pet may make while you are not at home. And last but not least, get renters insurance with pet coverage.