Pets are Worth the Extra Expense for Kansas City Renters

When your canine companion or your favorite feline friend are well behaved and are more like members of the family than pets, it’s hard to understand why a potential landlord might require extra money for them to live in your new rental. But, if you look at it from the landlord’s perspective, the reasons become much clearer. And while nothing will likely make it easier to fork over that extra cash, doing so is not only the right thing to do, it can protect you, your lease and your animal buddy.

As you look at different rentals, you will find some communities are animal-friendly and others simply will not allow pets. This is the prerogative of the individual property owner, and as a renter, you’re bound to the terms of your lease. Some communities may only allow exceptions in the case of working animals, such as those that serve the blind or deaf.

If you move into a rental that does allow pets, you need to be prepared that your landlord will expect a few things from you. Let’s take a look at what these are and the reasons behind them:

• Pet Limit:
  What is it? Many properties limit the number of pets a renter can have. This is generally set at two animals. Whether it’s two cats, two dogs or a combination of the two, the number will typically be set. This can and will, however, vary from property to property with some rentals only allowing one pet and others maybe allowing three. Why? The pet limit it typically set to help ensure a rental community doesn’t become a zoo, so to say. If Sally upstairs has five dogs and two cats constantly fighting, it might be difficult for Bob downstairs to ever enjoy solitude in his rental. Also, there’s the simple fact that too many pets can really tear up a rental no matter how well behaved they are.
• Pet Weight Restriction:
  What is it? Some rental communities might only allow X number of pets that weigh, let’s say, 20 pounds or less. Why? It’s the theory that smaller animals are more manageable, leave behind smaller messes and are easier for owners to handle. Thus, they are believed to make better rental neighbors. Plus, they tend to intimidate other renters less.
• Pet Fee:
  What is it? A pet fee is a flat, non-refundable fee a renter might need to pay the property management company or landlord for each animal they intend to bring into a rental. Why? This fee might seem unfair if your dog is small and well behaved, but the property’s owner needs reasonable assurances his investment will be protected. If Daisy the cat happens to get sick or have a bad day, she could do some serious damage to the interior of the rental. The money paid in the pet fee helps cover this eventuality.
• Pet Deposit:
  What is it? This is a fee that might be returned at the end of the lease. It can be charged on its own or in combination with a non-refundable fee. Why? A pet deposit gives a property owner the same kind of assurances the pet fee does in knowing their rental will be returned to them in the condition it was rendered into your care. This is the most common type of charge pet owners face when getting into a rental, and it’s preferred because it gives you a stake in ensuring your pet doesn’t do any damage. If there’s no damage, you get your money back at the end of the lease.
• Pet Rent:
  What is it? This is a fee that might be returned at the end of the lease. It can be charged on its own or in combination with a non-refundable fee. Why? A pet deposit gives a property owner the same kind of assurances the pet fee does in knowing their rental will be returned to them in the condition it was rendered into your care. This is the most common type of charge pet owners face when getting into a rental, and it’s preferred because it gives you a stake in ensuring your pet doesn’t do any damage. If there’s no damage, you get your money back at the end of the lease.

Paying extra money to have your furry companion call your rental home might not seem fair, but it makes perfect sense for the property owner to protect his or her investment. Since they have no way to know that Fido won’t cause a problem, owners and/or managers feel this is a fair way to cover themselves while still allowing creatures to move in along with their owners.

If you have a pet, be certain to make this known at the time of the lease signing, or as soon as you bring an animal home. If you don’t, you could find yourself in violation of your lease, which is something that won’t be good for you or your animal friend.