Barking Dogs and Nuisance Cats: Pet Owners Beware!

Sometimes when apartment shoppers are seeking a new place to stay, the last thing they think about are the neighbors.  But if you are an allergy sufferer, particular about a quiet atmosphere and can't stand pet odors, you may want to take special care to check out who is living around you.

Years ago I had the opportunity to manage a stinking situation involving a renter's two pet cats.  Two neighbors were irate because after repeated warnings and promises to clean up behind her cats, the stubborn and/or lazy cat lover just didn't want to comply.  Finally, after a confrontation and a company's request to do a trial cleaning of the apartment unit with a new device, we all agreed that was what would be best for now or otherwise the cat lover was going to face eviction.

If you are a pet owner, please be advised that your neighbors will not be very understanding when your pet is a repeated offender of policies. Some pet lovers forget what the problems might be when keeping pets in rented units.  So let's go over some. 

If a pet runs out of the unit, that's a problem. 
Stinks up your place as well as the hallway, that's a problem. 
Makes a lot of noise, that's a problem.
Scares neighbors, that is definitely a problem!  Don't be surprised if suddenly the dog, cat or other animal suddenly disappears.

Most property management companies charge a pet deposit.  Basically, this is like a security deposit.  It is used to cover damages that your pet may cause while he or she resides with you.  Depending on the animal, determines how much the pet deposit might be.  The bigger the animal the larger the pet deposit.

When people seek a new place to stay, they do not want to inherit any new problems especially from those who love their pets.  So pet owners must understand that not everyone loves animals like they do.  There are still many establishments that consider animals unclean no matter how many baths, medicines, and visits to the vet.  Pet issues usually are mild in most complexes because renters typically follow the rules. 

Wouldn't it be a perfect world if all people would just follow the rules?

Nicholl McGuire