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What to Check When Renting a Pet-Friendly Apartment? Whether you have a cat or a dog, there are some things to look for when renting a pet- friendly apartment. These include the pet deposit, breed restrictions, and service animals. You should also check if a tenant must clean up after their pets. Pet owners should not leave their pets unattended inside or outdoors. Pets should be kept in a separate area and indoors. Birds and small reptiles should be contained in cages. Pet deposits Before choosing apartments for rent in Austin, make sure to check the deposit policy of the property you are considering. Most places will charge you a separate pet deposit. This deposit will cover the wear and tear your pet may do to the unit. The deposit is usually refundable. This deposit will help protect you from losing money if your pet damages the unit. Check the pet deposit policy carefully before signing the lease. Depending on the amount of your deposit, you might be able to receive a partial or full refund if the pet does not damage anything. Service animals While landlords are required by law to accommodate service animals, they can refuse to accommodate a tenant who uses an emotional support animal or ESA. While ESAs don't need to be trained, they must be well-behaved, and landlords must follow certain guidelines. Here are some things to check when renting a pet-friendly apartment for service animals. You can also ask the landlord for a letter of certification from a licensed health care provider or therapist stating that you need a service animal. In addition to documentation, landlords cannot ask you to provide specific details about your disability or diagnosis, which is considered protected information. If you are renting an apartment and have an assistance animal, make sure you ask for specific accommodations. Landlords are required to accommodate assistance animals for tenants with disabilities and must accommodate the animal to ensure the tenant has the best possible living conditions. If the landlord does not accept these requests, you could face a discrimination lawsuit. You can also check with the landlord's association for a list of pet-friendly apartments. Breeds allowed When searching for an apartment, it's important to know the restrictions on certain breeds. While most apartment complexes welcome most dogs, some have specific breeds that are prohibited. Before committing to renting an apartment with a pet, it's important to understand the property manager's definition of what's prohibited. Most often, breed restrictions will restrict larger dogs and aggressive dogs. However, some breeds are more suited for apartment living than others. Some apartments restrict certain breeds of dogs, such as Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Terrier, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. Others prohibit certain types of dogs due to liability concerns. Breed restrictions also apply to the size of the pets, with many buildings prohibiting certain types of dogs. The weight limit on individual dogs is generally fifty pounds, or the combined adult weight of two dogs cannot exceed fifty pounds. Only two dogs are allowed in each apartment, and they must be kept on the sidewalk and off the grass, flower beds, and playgrounds. Security deposit There are some extra steps you need to take when renting a pet-friendly apartment. First, be sure to read through the apartment's pet policy. Ask about the breed, age, and weight restrictions. Your pet may not be able to sign rent checks, but it can contribute to the apartment's atmosphere. Afterward, follow the guidelines outlined in the pet policy. These guidelines may vary from property to property, so you should always clarify them before renting. In addition to the security deposit, some landlords may also ask for a separate pet deposit. Some landlords lump the two together. This is because some states prohibit landlords from withholding a security deposit in case of damage caused by a pet. However, if your pet causes some damage to the apartment, your landlord can use this deposit to repair it. Regardless, be sure to discuss this with the landlord before renting your new apartment. Furnished vs. unfurnished leases A large difference exists between furnished and unfurnished leases when renting if you want to make your space your own. While furnished units can command higher rents, these tenants are less likely to move out after a short period. It is best to evaluate the rental market before deciding on one option over the other. In addition, tenants who choose to furnish their new space will generally stay longer than those who choose to rent the apartment unfurnished. Whether you rent a furnished or an unfurnished apartment is a personal choice, but the choice can have significant implications for the future of your rental property. An unfurnished apartment may suffer more damage during move-in and move-out, as tenants may not be as careful when moving furniture. This can leave scratched hardwood floors, dented door frames, and scraped walls. In addition, the space for movement is restricted compared to a furnished apartment. Plants that are toxic for pets If you're renting a pet-friendly apartment, check out the plants in the building. If you don't know which ones to avoid, consult the National Humane Society's list of toxic plants for pets. Unless you've got a medical certificate from the National Humane Society, it's safe to assume your landlord won't place a ban on these plants, but it's still best to know what they are and avoid them. Lilies are beautiful plants, but they're also deadly for pets. Lilies, also known as 'Devil's Ivy,' are a common cause of pet poisoning. Cats that ingest them can experience kidney failure, incoordination, seizures, and tremors. Lilies are also dangerous for cats, and exposure can cause vomiting and an upset stomach. Lilies can also be harmful to young children, so you might want to consider not bringing them to your apartment. ~~ A paid advertisement ~~
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