Are you searching for a new home for you and your four-legged family members? While touring apartments, you might notice that most communities charge pet rent as well as an additional security deposit, and for a moment, you might wonder, “Should I risk owning a pet and not telling my apartment management?” This is an understandable question and something that lots of people consider, but it is never a good idea. Keep reading to discover why it’s so important disclose pet-ownership right up front.
Peace of Mind
There’s nothing worse than living with something to hide, and this is especially true of pet-ownership. Everytime a maintenance technician comes by, or you see a leasing agent walk past, you will have to worry about hiding your dog or cat, which isn't always easy since they have minds of their own? Don’t waste your time worrying about hiding your pet when you could pay a small monthly pet rent for peace of mind.
Security Deposit Coverage
At the end of the day, a security deposit is there to help protect you. Should you move out and the apartment has significant damage, the amount of money needed to make repairs would come out of the security deposit instead of out of your pocket. Plus, after move-out, you will receive back your leftover deposit, which is always a nice bonus to have. When you pay an extra deposit for your pet, you will have to spend less money after you move out for any damages that the pet might've made to the apartment.
It’s HArd to Hide the Obvious
It’s often quite obvious when a pet is living or has lived in an apartment. During your residency, your cat will try to sit on the windowsill to watch the outside world, and your dog will bark. After residents move out, maintenance will do a walkthrough to determine if there are any repairs needed. Pets have accidents while they're living indoors, and those accidents will stain the flooring and leave a lingering smell. Plus, cats tend to scratch apartments and potentially spray the carpet and walls. If a pet has been living in an apartment for a few years, it will be evident to the trained staff. So why take the risk?
At the end of the day, it’s not worth the risk to own a pet without informing your apartment management team. When applying for an apartment, be sure to disclose how many pets you are bringing with you and what kind; it will pay off in the long run. Do you have any questions for us about living in a pet-friendly apartment? Please share them with us in the comments below.