To all Landlords ?

Question

Why do most landlords take a huge deposit for living in their house plus they are getting their mortgage paid and still think it is up to them to say you can not have a dog etc ! this really annoys me as my kids would love a dog and everything in my house belongs to me except the carpets and in anycase my deposit would cover any damage with lots to spare, its just not fair !!!!

As i pointed out MOST landlords say this so you dont have much of a chance to go elsewhere unless you pick some grotty property to live in......

Answer 1

Im not a landlord and actually rent myself, but I can see where they are coming from.

Although I feel morally obliged to look after the house the best I can, and go above and beyond to sort things myself rather than to keep going to the landlord, there are a lot of people out there who aren't like this.

I know a lot of landlords who've had tenants totally trash their properties, in some cases causing a lot more damage than could be repaired using their deposit. Unfortunately, these people spoil it for everyone, as the landlords end up trusting no one.

As for animals, yes it would be nice to have a pet, but some animals can wreck houses. Animal urine can be a nightmare to get rid off, sometimes the only thing you can do is rip up the floorboards to get rid of the smell. They can also cause a lot of damage to walls and doors scratching at them.

I`d like to have a dog, but I`d be constantly worried about it damaging the house.

Answer 2

I'm a renter, too, so I feel your frustration, but the fact of the matter is that when you sign a lease, you make an agreement with the owner of the space you live in, whether it's a private owner or a management company. If the terms of the agreement aren't acceptable to you, you're always free to rent somewhere else or move when your lease is up. While your landlord may not allow pets, with some extra-diligent searching, you can probably find a landlord who will (although it might require an additional deposit).

Again, I feel your pain, being a renter myself on a limited income with two pets of my own, in a market that is not favorable to renters right now. My landlord is selling our place out from under us but holding us to lease until it's up or he sells, whichever is first, because he needs our rent money to pay his mortgage. It sucks, because not only will I have to scramble to find a place if he sells before the lease is up, but I also have to put up with the inconvenience of his realtor taking up my time and bringing strangers into my home, but... it's his place, and I signed a lease saying he could do that, so it's his right, unfortunately.

Next time you rent, read your lease carefully before signing and ask the landlord about the possibility of getting a pet (although keep in mind that owning a pet is a trade-off that will close some doors to you now and in the future). I keep my dog crated when we're not home, and I find this convinces even the most pet-wary landlords that I'm a responsible pet owner who'll respect their property and keep my animal from causing any undue damage (with any pet, some extra dirt/damage is expected). Try to work out a better deal next time (advice I'm giving myself as well). Good luck!

Answer 3

Things are a bit different with an apartment, because your landlord would be tied to a lease from the management company and would have to comply.
However, with a house, it would probably be his ruling. Dogs can be a problem with regard to neighbours. I know most people are considerate and good pet owners, but he doesn't know this and has to err on the cautious side. It saves a lot of hassle in the long run. If you want a dog, take the risks he takes with regard to taking on a mortgage and then you can have a dog if you want one. Why do you think your landlord owes you something, just because you're paying rent. Take on a mortgage!

Answer 4

it IS fair. Carpets cost THOUSANDS alone to repair. Unless your deposit was like $4,000 or more you wont even cover that if you leave. And That's without the scratches on the doors, chipped paint, broken appliances/plumbing, etc. Plus cleaning it, of course.

And so you pay their mortgage payment....where's the profit? in my area you can't buy rentals and have a rental income exceed the mortgage payment...unless you put a lot down. So the person slowly ends up with equity but not an influx of cash...and that equity only exists if the home maintains its condition!!

I have a dog and I own a home. But if i was renting it, I'd never let renters have pets! Sorry but i know how much damage MY dog can do to the home and i care about it so I keep it in good condition.

Answer 5

Your landlord may argue that the security deposit may cover insurance of the property and standard repairs that take place when you vacate the property;arguing that the addition of a dog would increase the cost or invalidate that insurance requiring a change the terms. In reality the security deposit has no benefit to you other than a means to conclude lease agreements. It can be viewed as your landlord receiving a down payment for your over all lease. It is possible that some people are greedy and evil trying to pinch every penny out of others that they can. Security deposit clauses in leases are almost always drafted by the landlord, in their favor. Often private owners and management companies create additional protective polices such as no pets to reduce risk while maximizing profit. This insensitivity can cause additional discomfort to renters I.E., increased costs, reduced access to amenities, changes in personal habits…A step towards including a pet as an addition to your family will be to consult your landlord or property Management Company, your lease agreement, and your renter’s rights hopefully finding a compromise through renegotiation. Anticipate the discomfort of additional monetary compensation.

Answer 6

As a landlord I don`t think any deposit is big enough to cover the damage some animals can cause.
Doors and door frames eaten. Carpets ripped and covered with p-- and faeces. the floors under the carpets ruined by the same.
Garden a total mess needing a total makeover.
Not everyone is a responsible owner/tenant.
NEVER AGAIN !!

Answer 7

The fact that they also have to pay for insurance on that home, fix any damage done, take care of major upkeep - i.e. furnace going out, major plumbing/wiring/etc... issues, have tenants that will, out of spite, when they leave, tear the house apart, putting holes in the walls and such, and have to pay taxes as well as the mortgage (if there is one). They also are the ones that OWN the home. There is an option for you... Get a mortgage and buy your own place. Then you can do as you like. They may even sell the one you live in to you.

Answer 8

I think its kind of rough too -- but the real problem is that many tenants are vile and don't care about the property they live on. The only way to ensure they take care of it is to attach a security to it. Though I think there are better ways to find good tenants than this -- like doing good background checks and visiting a prospective tenant at their current residence.

I would suggest that if your kids want a dog you move to a place that would allow them. How much sense does it make to get mad at the landlord for making rules that are entirely in their own discretion? Just because you pay them money doesn't mean you own the building. I dunno.

I lived in a place where I couldnt have birds! and it sucked because my mom had to take them and I missed them!!! But I moved to a much nicer place and I have my birds --

easy as pie.

No need to get upset.

Everything you want is only limited by your desire to get it.

Answer 9

Dogs can do alot of damage. It's not just messing on the carpet, but some dogs have been known to eat through doors and chew on mouldings. They also pee on the grass which can cause yellow spots, and they may dig.

Additionally, there are liability issues with dogs. Both you and the landlord could be liable if the dog bit someone.

It's just too difficult to say yes to one type of dog and no to another. Especially if you have more than one rental unit.

Answer 10

Some allow them, some don't. It is their right just as it is your right in choosing who to rent from. I am not a landlord myself, but I know several people who own additional property and trust me, they aren't really making all that much money off you and most assuredly, a dog will do a substantial amount of damage to a house itself, not just your furniture (I've seen dogs chew threw walls even). My suggestion to you is if you don't like it find another place to rent or even better rather than renting, consider buying.