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. Many single-family rental properties in Trinidad may seem like it’s the ideal home for a furry family member. However, landlords and/or property owners may not be thrilled by the thought of having animals on their property.
Accounts of irresponsible tenants are plentiful, and their misbehavior gives otherwise responsible pet-owning tenants a bad reputation. This is sadly an instance where the fault of the few punishes the whole. With this resistance to pets in rental homes, it means that there are things you have to strongly consider before deciding to adopt. By going through these seven questions, you will better see how adopting a pet will impact every facet of your life.
1. Does your landlord and/or lease allow pets? If so, what are the restrictions?
As a tenant, the most important question to ask yourself, before entertaining the idea of adopting a pet, is whether or not you can even bring your pet home. There are landlords that are open to allowing pets, but there are also those that have strictly banned all animals from the premises. Take a look at your lease again; most leases will clearly state which way your particular landlord leans. If your lease allows pets, make sure to read it carefully, paying to any details that may indicate 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 you have any unanswered questions, don’t be afraid to ask. Because the penalties of having an unauthorized pet can be quite significant.
2. Do you or anyone living in your rental home have allergies?
Millions of pet owners realize a little too late that they are allergic to their own pet. As reported by the 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 anyone living with you has allergies or other respiratory issues, a pet can seriously impact your or their health. This would require you to get specialized treatment for your symptoms, which can raise 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. Before adopting a pet, you have to think about its ability to have a healthy life. You have to check if the rental home can be arranged to have enough space for your pet. For instance, dogs need access to a safe, secure yard (or another specified 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 spend a harmful amount of time alone, they might 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 really be a challenge. If you need to plan a trip to fulfill an obligation or grab an opportunity, you can’t just leave your pet home alone. You’ll need to have a backup plan for animal care. There are only a few places that welcome you bringing your animals. But even if they have a nice place to stay, traveling with your pet can still scare them and make them feel anxious. This means that in the event of an emergency, you must have backup care for your pet. This could be a friend or a family member or 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. Most animals require regular medical attention and a lot of them should also have routine grooming. If your animal gets sick or is injured, you’ll need to get him emergency medical care. The funds to pay for that can easily run into thousands of dollars for just one incident. There is also a financial aspect of owning a pet that relates 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. 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 you need to make sure you’re financially ready to adopt a pet. This is probably one of the most important things to consider.
7. Are you prepared to care for your pet for the next 5 to 10 years (or more)?
Several pets have long and healthy lives. This means that pet owners who rent should plan to have them for the next 5 to 10 years or even longer. Spend some time to think about your plans and goals, then think about how adopting a pet may affect those plans. When you do this, you can better decide whether or not taking in a pet is a smart choice.
In Conclusion
If you’ve gone through all the questions above and think you’re ready to adopt a pet, there’s still one more thing you have to do. Communicate with your landlord or Trinidad 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 DC Metro? A number of our rental properties allow pets. Browse our rental listings and contact us at 202-269-0303 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.
