Scenarios with irresponsible tenants are plentiful, giving otherwise responsible pet-owning tenants a nasty rep. This disinclination of pets in rental homes suggests that there are a lot of considerations to reflect on before deciding to adopt. By asking yourself these seven questions, you could gather an insight into how adopting a pet will alter one or all the details of your life.
1. Does your landlord and/or lease allow pets? If so, what are the restrictions?
As a tenant, the first and most relevant question to inquire when giving thought about adopting a pet is whether or not you might be able to bring your pet home. Various landlords are open to allowing pets, though others have strictly banned all animals from their premises. Most leases will clearly state which way your particular landlord leans. If your lease allows pets, ensure to read it carefully for various restrictions on animal type, size, breed, and so on. You will additionally need to research the local regulations for rules about keeping animals in your particular neighborhood. On the off chance that you have any questions, see to it that you find out first. The penalties for being caught with an unauthorized pet could be really burdensome.
2. Do you or anyone living in your rental home have allergies?
There are millions of pet owners who discover quite belatedly that they are allergic to their own pets. As determined by the AAAAI (American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology), pet dander, saliva, and urine can all trigger allergic reactions and likewise aggravate asthma symptoms. If you or someone residing in your rental home has allergies or other respiratory issues, adding a pet to your living areas will seriously impact your and their health. At the very least, you would need specialized treatment for your symptoms, which will contribute greatly to 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. This is a fact whether your favored pet is very small or very large. Once adopting a pet, take into account whether your rental home might be arranged to provide the spaces your pet will require to keep a healthy life. By way of illustration, 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?
The point of adopting a pet may sound pleasing, yet if your job or other commitments keep you away from home for many hours or necessitate you to travel mostly, adopting a pet may not be a good idea. Pets require constant care and attention, and anytime they are cast aside all too frequently, this can lead to them developing 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 exact solution to this is to spend time interacting with your pet, inspiring them to come and truly engage with you both mentally and physically.
5. Do you have a backup plan for when life gets busy?
Traveling after adopting a pet can potentially be a real nuisance. If anything happens or you plan a trip that necessitates you to be gone long from home for quite a while, you must have a backup plan for animal care. Some places do permit you to bring your animals with you, and traveling with your pet can cause them to be upset and panicked. In the event of an emergency, you will want to have backup care for your pet, whether it can be found from a friend or 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. Animals need regular medical attention and, for many, routine grooming. If your animal gets sick or is injured, you have to be able to procure the funds to pay for emergency medical care, which can easily run into thousands of dollars for just one incident. Various financial aspects of owning a pet are more specifically linked 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 cover enough to provide for the potential property damage your pet might cause, which you will all likely pay out of pocket. This is precisely why determining if you are financially ready to adopt a pet is one of the most vital aspects to obtain.
7. Are you prepared to care for your pet for the next 5 to 10 years (or more)?
Several pets could live long lasting, good lives. What this simply means for pet owners who rent is that you will have this pet with you for 5 to 10 years or even longer. Taking a while to look at your intentions for the future and how a pet might factor into those goals and intentions is an imperative key to making the best choice now.
Before you rush into adopting a pet, make sure you’ve addressed all relevant questions and prepared yourself for pet ownership. It’s important to communicate with your landlord or property manager in San Gabriel to inform them of your plans and see if any adjustments can be made to your lease regarding pet restrictions.
Are you excited about renting a home from Real Property Management Fairmate? We have a variety of rental properties that welcome pets. Browse our rental listings and call us at 626-691-9749 to schedule a showing.