First time renter, question about dogs?

Question

I have always owned a house and just sold the one that I live in. Well, because of personal reasons, I am going to have to rent for the next 1 or 2 years. I own a German Shepherd and have read about people on this site who own german shepherds having a hard time finding a place to rent. For those of you that have gone through this, how hard was it to find a place. Did you guys find a place that said they accepted pets in the paper, but when they found out you had a german shepherd, rott, apbt, or other "dangerous" dog they then said "no, any pets are ok except those". Or when you found a place that says they except pets, they usually except all pets??

Just to be clear, I dont believe the dogs I listed are "dangerous", I was just speaking in the content of what someone else might say.

Answer 1

We are in a very similar situation. When we looked at this house to rent, the ad said no pets. We met with the landlord to look at the house. We dressed nicely, answered all his questions and developed a rapport. Then we told him that we were bringing our dog to this town, and would it be a problem. I stressed that my dog is well trained (which he is) and I would pay for any damage that my dog would do. (It had been a year and to date he has done no damage) The landlord agreed to take us, and we have been getting on great. THe landlord has since met the dog, and is pleased there is no damage to the property. My advice, talk with the landlord, be honest. Esp if your dog is well trained and does not bark excessively, you should be able to find a rental without too much trouble. I don't see what the problem should be with a GS. After all, they are much more likely to prevent a break in. I had a lovely GS, and she was a dream to live with.

Answer 2

A lot depends on where you live. In areas with low vacancy rates, they will be restrictive on renting to people with pets. If you live in an area with a high vacancy rate, it's easier. However, large dogs of any breed are more difficult. I'd forget an apartment, there are usually always size and/or weight limits. Not always in every city though. The thing I was seeing even in apartements that allowed large dogs was they always had a list of restricted breeds. I'd bet GSD's are on those lists.
Your best bet is to rent a house from an owner. Then you can convince the owner that your dog is well trained, doesn't bark, won't destroy things, and won't bite anyone. You can prove this by showing your dog has a CGC certificate or at least a certificate saying he attended obedience school. Better yet if the dog has some more advanced obedience titles or advanced training classes. You can actually put a resume together for your dog to show to landlords.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, whatever your feelings are regarding what breeds are dangerous are irrelevant. The only point of view that is relevant is that of the property owner/landlord. German Shepherds are typically on the list when the landlord has a list of "restricted breeds". Some landlords instead have height/weight restrictions - usually 40 lbs is the cut-off. My dog was a Shepherd and I had some problems, but ultimately found something acceptable. The thing that I had trouble understanding was the landlords who wouldn't accept dogs, but would take cats. The odor from cat pee often requires removal of all carpet and sub-flooring. Before the cat lovers give me a thumbs down - I like cats and am fully aware that many don't spray. That being said, those who do create a lot of problems. Ultimately, when you aren't the property owner, the reason why doesn't matter and is out of your hands. It isn't personal - it's just policy.
Good luck on your search.

Answer 4

When I did extensive traveling, I had a little bit of a problem getting a place that would accept my Dobermans - it depended on the landlord -- it depends on the insurance for the place too, whether apartment or house. Some insurance companies have breeds or sizes of dogs they don't allow so the landlord has no choice in the matter, regardless of if the dog is wonderful or not. I was always pretty upfront with the landlord as I saw no advantage to getting into a place and then having to move again if the landlord found I had a Doberman. I was able to find places in town but sometimes you might have to go out to a more rural setting to get a place -- usually if they say 'fenced' they tend to be okay with dogs. Good luck!

Answer 5

Well most landlords do not like big dogs because they are scared of them don't know why but they are, but they will let you have a small dog instead of a big dog that's why, there is one thing that you can do is rent a house that has a fenced back yard that the dog can run and play. Most people don't know that German shepherds are trained to be police dogs and most people don't know that the Germans used then to fined people in WW1 and also in WW2 also to find drugs as well and so do the police then and now. so you may have a hard time finding a place I hope that you can good luck

Answer 6

I don't own a GSD, but I have two large dogs. I will tell you that it is fairly difficult to find a place that accepts large breeds...particularly the ones deemed "dangerous." The previous place I lived (condo) allowed any dogs, except pits, with a combined weight restriction of 200lbs. The apartment I live in now accepts most pets, but they have a long list of breeds that are not acceptable. GSD are included (for some reason) on that list, with exception to police dogs. However, I've noticed quite a few people in the complex that have some how gotten around the restrictions (perhaps the way I did...by just calling one of my dogs a lab mix.)

The best bet is to just start calling and asking what the pet restrictions are. Good luck in your search!

Answer 7

I would seriously investisgate a Landlords Policy. When covering my renters I researched A LOT and Allstate was by far the best (the beat everyone by half.) My policy is about $400 a year. And covers everything from renters tearing up the place to renters not making payment.

Answer 8

It might be hard for you. Even if you find a sympathetic landlord, it might be the landlord's insurance company who has designated certain breeds as being bad risks and they won't cover the liability. This policy might tie the hands of an otherwise sympathetic landlord.

You might try finding a house with a yard for rent and maybe the landord owns it outright so the insurance company isn't such an ominous presence. I think it really sucks but maybe you can start by posting on www.craigslist.org. and include pictures of your dog, preferably with people or children in the photo also to counteract any negative feelings someone might have about your dog.

Answer 9

I havent really had a problem per-say I just had to look a little harder and my choices were limited, as well as having to pay a pet deposit and having to be upfront with my landlords as to which type of dogs I have-- after I arrange for them to meet the dogs it makes it easier for them to see it would be okay in a house. You usually have to pay a bit more when renting with animals.. good luck

Answer 10

Local Councils will accept dogs as long as you ask permission and the dog is not a breed on the Dangerous Dogs Act.