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Rental Housing
and Animals
"Landlord refuses
to allow animals" ranks as one of the most frequent
reasons cited for surrendering an animal to OHS
and prevents people who want an animal from adopting.
Many
rental property owners defend no-animal clauses by
arguing that there have been far too many cases
of damage to properties. However, the OHS believes
that the interests of landlords and tenants with
companion animals can be harmonized to benefit both
parties. Renting to people with companion animals
can be a win-win situation.
First,
as a tenant, you should obtain certification that
you are a responsible animal guardian. The Wisconsin
Humane Society administers the American
Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test, which
identifies and rewards dogs that have the training
and demeanor to be reliable family members and respectful
neighbors.
For
those with feline companions, OHS and WHS offer
guardians the opportunity to attend a free cat
behavior seminar. After attending the seminar,
the guardians will receive a certificate stating
they have received training in responsible cat ownership
and problem prevention.
Also, please try the
following tips:
- Check all newspapers,
including local neighborhood shoppers as well
as the big daily papers.
- When making inquiries
by phone, talk about the apartment, not the animal.
- Meet the prospective
landlord in person - a positive first impression
goes a long way in demonstrating that you are
a responsible animal guardian.
- Contact small individual
landlords rather than big property-management
companies. The Ozaukee Humane Society also has
a free listing
of animal-friendly apartments available.
- Get letters from
your veterinarian, former landlords and neighbors
documenting that you are a responsible animal
guardian.
- Offer to let your
prospective landlord meet your animal and see your
current apartment.
- Offer to pay a reasonable
animal-damage deposit.
- Refer your landlord
to OHS for information on establishing guidelines
for renting to people with companion animals.
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