FAQ 4: Hey Rich, I know the listing says no pets, but...

Rentals in Crofton, MD, and the surrounding area are robust, and very competitive. Owners of rental properties pretty much control the market, and if you want to rent here, you need to follow their rules.

One of the “rules” that owners employ is the pet policy when renting their unit. Here, we have three data entries in the MLS, no pets, pets, pets case by case.

Now, you would think that when a listing says “no pets” that it really means “no pets.” You would be wrong though if you listened to about half the rental inquiries I get. “Rich, I know it says no pets, but my dog is only ten pounds. My cat has never peed on a rug. My ferret is very quiet and never goes out. Do you think the owner would let me have a dog, cat, ferret, etc.?” I’m sure your experience could be different, but mine is that when an owner says “no pets,” they really mean “no pets.” If they wanted to do otherwise, they could have chosen the pets on a case by case basis.

I’m not advocating getting rid of your pet so you can get into a nicer rental. Not at all, I have two dogs myself. Of course, my two dogs have never peed or pooped in the house '-) Your search may be a little harder, it may take a little longer, and you may have to pay a little more, but there are units out there that do accept pets. The ones that say NO, usually mean it.