For most of you who are responsible adults and great pet parents, this is a given. But don’t be surprised – there are many tenants who not only neglect their pets, but disrespect their rental and those of their neighbors – which has only compounded many landlords’ paranoia.
Unless your pet is properly trained, you may want to consider crating or caging it while you are away. Most of the damage occurs when the tenant is not home, so use your best judgment. If you are going to be gone all day, your pet may not be able to prevent itself from urinating all over the place. A sensible alternative may be to hire a pet walker or buy a crate to control and isolate any possible damage.
As if you didn’t already know most of the information contained within, here is a list of the most common pet owner responsibilities for those that intend on renting…
Common Pet Owner Responsibilities:
- Provide good nutrition, grooming, exercise, flea control, routine veterinary care and yearly inoculations. Dogs and cats must wear identification tags and collar whenever outside the unit.
- Clean up after pet inside the rental unit and anywhere on the development property. A “pooper scooper” and disposable plastic bags should be used. Pet debris should not be deposited in a toilet. You will most likely be responsible for any blockages that occur.The outside patio, porch or deck – if any – should be kept clean and free of pet odors, insect infestation, waste and litter at all times.
- Restrain and prevent the pet from gnawing, chewing, scratching or otherwise defacing doors, walls, windows and floor covering of the unit, other units and common areas – as well as all shrubs and landscaping.
- Pets should not be tied up outside or left unattended on a patio, porch or deck at any time.
- Do not alter you unit, patio, deck, or other outside area to create an enclosure for an animal without the expressed written permission of the landlord.
- Pets should be restrained at all times when outside. No pet should be loose in hallways, elevators, or other common areas.
- Any visitors you have with pets should generally conform to the landlord’s policy.
- Pets should not be allowed to disturb the health, safety, rights, comfort or quiet enjoyment of your neighbors. Excessive barking, whining, chirping – or other unruly behavior – needs to be controlled.