10 Common Myths of Pets in Apartments
Myth: Renters are transient: they will eventually move and leave the landlord stuck with their pet iguana.Fact: Renters with pets show a higher sense of belonging to a community. They tend to stay put, and landlords can count on lower vacancy rates and dependable tenants. It’s only the very rare tenant who leaves a pet behind.
Myth: Renters with pets are irresponsible, allowing their animals to stink up the place
Fact: In a 2005 survey, landlords who permitted pets in their buildings described the tenants as “ideal” because their sense of responsibility toward their animals extended to higher levels of responsibility toward property.
Myth: Renters with pets annoy other tenants
Fact: Recent studies note that renters with pets actually contributed to a sense of safety and security in a building for two main reasons 1) their work-home schedules were more predicable and low-key 2) their dog-walking schedules were viewed as nightly patrols
Myth: Renters with pets are difficult to control; they allow the building to become overrun with animals.
Fact: Authorizing tenants to keep pets actually increases a landlord’s control over the building. By interviewing tenants and their pets at the lease-signing, landlords can avoid the issue of pets that are simply snuck in. With the rules up front, landlords know exactly who has pets and how many there are.
Myth: Renters with pets make trouble for tenants with allergies.
Fact: Landlords can establish pet-friendly floors and make room for both kinds of tenants.
Myth: Renters with Pets tend to be isolated, animal-centered “crazy-cat ladies”.
Fact: Renters with pets tend to be more socially connected. A number of studies show that people with pets report better mental health, less depression, and higher levels of fitness and activity. They actually make fewer medical appointments and their children miss fewer days of school.
Myth: Renters with pets are not economically viable for landlords
Fact: In 2007, United States citizens spent 41-billion dollars on their pets. The trend is similar in Canada. This gives evidence of a major resource or target market. Landlords can advertise vacancies at obedience classes, grooming salons, and kennels in order to attract tenants. In addition, tenants with pets are willing to pay more rent in order to keep their companion animals. Landlords can charge a pet-fee per month (i.e $20 extra/month/per pet); they can also charge a non refundable damage deposit as well as a pet deposit. Because many people will attempt to keep pets anyway and risk eviction, landlords lose out on these financial possibilities by including no-pet clauses in the lease agreements.
Myth: Renters with pets are more trouble than they’re worth.
Fact: A study conducted in 2005 noted that landlords spent less than one hour/year dealing with pet related issues. Moreover, problems can be headed off at the beginning by having renters submit up to date veterinary records with their leases. They can even submit their dog’s obedience school diploma. Some landlords include a three month trial, during which a tenant must prove compliance with the rules of the property.
Myth: Renters with pets introduce unforeseen problems.
Fact: Renters with pets experience a sense of goodwill toward their landlords. The research shows that people with pets are cooperative and problem-solving people. Also, the resources available for dealing with troubles with hamster cages to bird baths are limitless: a quick internet search can lead a landlord to a number of sites with suggestions, programs and advice. Visit www.petfriendlyrentals.ca if you are a landlord or renter concerned about pets in your apartments.
Myth: Renters with pets don’t understand property ownership.
Fact: Renters and landlords aren’t different species. In fact, many landlords keep pets themselves and many renters are saving to buy. Some renters are seniors who used to have their own houses. A solid ground of mutual understanding exists. By keeping the lines of communication open through lease negotiations, as well as fair and agreed upon contract regarding damage and noise, renters and landlords can interconnect through the pet world. They can work together toward solving the widespread problem of abandoned animals and people in our communities.
