Special offer

You're a renter and you can't have a dog. Whose fault is that?

By
Industry Observer

Truth is that I don't ever want to find myself living somewhere without at least one dog in the house.  Granted, many folks couldn't care less about having a canine companion, and some find the idea repulsive.  That's fine, but I think they're missing a lot.

If you are a renter and you can't have a dog, the first thought may be that it's Mr. Landlord's fault because he's the one who says there are no dogs allowed.  Well, although that's correct to a point, it's really not his fault.  You chose to live there, and you choose to remain there.  If you're wondering who should be blamed, find a mirror.  You're living in temporary housing, and there are certain things you can't do in temporary housing.  You can't have a dog, you can't decorate the way you want, and you can't stabilize your monthly housing expense.  Yes, Mr. Landlord is probably going to give you your anniversary present when the lease renews.  The rent is probably going up.

There are a number of reasons for living in temporary housing.  Maybe you're planning to move to Australia next year, or maybe you're recovering from an economic setback.  Maybe you're just getting started and don't have enough of a financial cushion to get into something a little more permanent.  Of course, not all rentals are temporary housing.  Some are permanently occupied by folks who are just not going anywhere, and they are the "good tenants" that landlords love.

Unless you're planning on going nowhere permanently, now is the time to start planning for that new puppy.  Call or email with questions about home buying or dogs.  I'm happy to help you with both, but I can only represent you in the home buying part.  Both are great lifestyle upgrades.

Posted by

 Mike Carlier  Lakeville, MN

 

612-916-3033

 

Adrian Willanger
206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com - Seattle, WA
Profit from my two decades of experience

E.J. - I agree I think people who don't have a dog are missing something special, that being said I will usually rent to individuals with dogs on a case by case situation. Keep up the good work.

 

Best

Dec 16, 2011 08:01 AM
Marnie Matarese
DWELL REAL ESTATE - Sarasota, FL
Showing you the best of Sarasota!

I could not live without my dog and all of my home choices have been made to accomodate him or the dog that preceeded him.  Before dogs it was my cats.  Many of the condos on Longboat Key are absolutely pet intolerant and the first question I ask any prospective buyer is "Do you have any pets?"

Dec 16, 2011 08:38 AM
Mike Carlier
Lakeville, MN
More opinions than you want to hear about.

Adrian, it's a difficult call for a dog-friendly landlord.  Have your experiences been mainly good renting to dog owners?

Marnie, we have been involved with agility and field work with our Goldens.  Before getting into real estate, we started looking for a home that had room for agility training.  At the time, it was not easy to find an agent who could grasp the concept of needing a spot on the property, at least 100 X 100, flat with no trees.  Started out emailing over fifty agents, and almost all of the emails went unanswered. 

Dec 17, 2011 02:18 AM
Ronald Curtis
Sapphire Associates - West Palm Beach, FL
Negotiating the best price and terms for my Buyers

Hello Mike......

The landlord won't accept pets.

Move on, and find one who will.

RJ

Dec 17, 2011 12:07 PM
Mike Carlier
Lakeville, MN
More opinions than you want to hear about.

RJ, temporary housing that accepts pets is still temporary housing.  Renting is fine for people who don't want to own their own place, and for people who have no resources for the lifestyle upgrade.  Some folks are content to live in their cars. It's their choice and does come with the advantage that Mr. Landlord can't raise the rent.  Then again, homeowners get that advantage too.

Dec 18, 2011 01:46 AM