There are several things to keep in mind when renting a pet-friendly apartment. Tenants must keep their pets under control, clean up after them, and never leave their pets unsupervised in the apartment. Pets must be kept in designated areas of the apartment, such as a dog or cat room, and they must be confined to a particular area. Small birds and reptiles should be kept in a cage or terrarium.
Questions to ask the landlord
A common misconception about pet friendly apartments for rent in Chicago for a pet owner is that the entire apartment complex is pet-friendly, but in reality, this isn’t always the case. Before bringing your pet into an apartment, you should first ask your landlord whether the apartment allows pets. Some pet-friendly communities have a strict policy on certain types of pets, including larger ones and exotic animals. Other apartment complexes have restrictions regarding the size and weight of pets, so you’ll want to inquire about those rules when comparing different apartments.
While many buildings allow dogs and cats, others don’t. If you’re looking to rent an apartment in a building that allows pets, make sure you check the requirements for leash laws, licensing requirements, and vaccinations. Be sure to ask your landlord whether the building you’re interested in allows pets. Listed below are some of the questions to ask a landlord before renting a pet-friendly apartment.
Inspection of property
If you’re moving in with a pet, the next step is to have an inspection of your new rental unit. While inspections are inevitable, there are a few things you can do to help the process go as smoothly as possible. First, thoroughly clean your apartment before the inspection. Make sure that any pets have left behind no stains or other damage. Make sure that you tape off any nail holes that have appeared in the walls and baseboards.
Next, check out the structural aspects of the apartment. For instance, are there any water leaks around the windows? Is the paint in good shape? Does it match throughout the apartment? Look up the ceilings to make sure there are no visible cracks. Also, check out the flooring. Is it smooth and level? Are there any loose edges? If the floorboards are uneven, this could be dangerous for your pet and can cause injury.
Limiting pets to certain areas
When searching for a new place to rent, make sure to include your pet on the list of requirements. Dogs need space to run around, and apartment complexes that do not allow pets could end up with a large pet fee. Cats and reptiles also need plenty of sunlight. Consult a veterinarian and do some research before signing a lease. Be prepared to pay security deposits and pet fees, too.
Some landlords allow only common pets, while others do not. Make sure you check the lease for any pet restrictions, as some will only allow common domesticated animals, such as cats and dogs. Some landlords may even limit pets to goldfish, gerbils, and guinea pigs. Make sure you read the fine print and follow these rules to avoid any unpleasant surprises. After all, your pet’s happiness is your priority!
Leaks and plumbing checks
Inspect the unit thoroughly for leaks and plumbing problems. Leaky pipes or faucets can cost you a lot to repair, so make sure to check these areas beforehand. You should also inspect the walls, doors, closets, and cupboards for damage and abnormal lighting. Moreover, you should check the parking area, as you will be spending a lot of time in the neighborhood.
Cleaning up after pets
Before renting a pet-friendly apartment, you should know the city’s rules for cleaning up after pets. Pet poop is not only bad for the environment but also poses a health risk. If you have young children, poop can spread harmful germs.
Some landlords prefer to charge a pet rent instead of a deposit. If the apartment does not require a pet deposit, they might require extra pet rent, which is usually paid monthly. There may also be a breed restriction that a landlord has in place for certain pets. Exotic animals and small reptiles can be extra expensive to house, so check with the landlords to find out what their policies are.
Do you have any tips for dealing with pets in rental accommodation?