| If you're a pet owner who is considering a move to | | | | not as socially oriented as dogs and are quite happy |
| an apartment there are certain things you must be | | | | left on their own. As long as your cat has a nice spot |
| keep in mind. First, whether or not your pet will be | | | | to curl up and take a nap, space isn't an issue. More |
| accepted by most landlords depends primarily on the | | | | than likely your pet is a house cat so frequent trips |
| type, size and personality of your pet. | | | | outside aren't required. |
| Dogs: | | | | But you must realize that some landlords do not |
| If you own a large dog, apartment living is probably | | | | accept cats any more willingly than they do dogs. |
| not for you. Not only will accepting landlords be hard | | | | Some have a strict "no pets" rule. If that's the case, |
| to find, but your dog will not be happy in the | | | | don't consider renting there. If your pet is discovered |
| confined space of an apartment. A large dog needs | | | | you may be evicted and/or fined. |
| room to exercise and play, neither of which is usually | | | | Other Pets: |
| available in an apartment setting. | | | | "Pocket pets" such as fish, birds, and reptiles usually |
| If you plan to move to an apartment, make sure | | | | don't pose a problem when it comes to renting. |
| your dog is one that will adapt easily to this change in | | | | However, you should still check with your |
| environment. Usually smaller, lap dogs are the best | | | | prospective landlord to make sure. |
| choice. However, even smaller dogs can cause | | | | General Tips: |
| problems. | | | | Landlords who do accept pets often require a pet |
| If your dog barks or whines a lot you may well find | | | | deposit. This is intended to cover any damage your |
| yourself at odds with the landlord, as well as with | | | | dog or cat does to the premises, as well as additional |
| other tenants. Many times your dog only causes a | | | | cleaning that may be necessary when you leave the |
| disturbance because it's lonely or bored. If you're | | | | apartment. |
| gone during the day, you can sometimes alleviate | | | | If you're searching for apartments that accept pets, |
| these problems by hiring a pet walker to come in and | | | | there are many places to go for help. You'll find lots |
| give your dog attention and exercise. | | | | of websites and message boards dedicated to this |
| You must also keep in mind that most apartment | | | | subject. You can also enlist the help of a local realtor |
| complexes have leash laws so you will have to | | | | or relocation specialist who usually have lists of |
| accompany your dog each time it goes outside. Since | | | | "pet-friendly" apartments. Just make sure you're clear |
| most complexes don't have areas where it's safe for | | | | on the policy regarding pets before you sign any |
| your dog to run free, this is as much a matter of | | | | rental agreement. |
| your dog's safety as it the protection of other | | | | If you take into account your pet's needs, as well as |
| tenants. | | | | those of your landlord, you'll be much more likely to |
| Cats: | | | | find an apartment that meets your needs. |
| Cats are the pets of choice for apartments. Most are | | | | Happy apartment hunting! |