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As a landlord, dogs are a problem for several reasons: Damage to unit, we had a tenant a few years ago with a small older dog and when they moved out we found the dog had urinated all over the upstairs hallway & master bedroom - totally ruining not only the wall to wall carpet but hard wood floors underneath - damage was well in excess of their security. As a result we are no longer allowing pets.
Also: younger dogs are prone to chewing; dogs nails damage hard wood; the yard must be cleaned of waste and finally many of the insurance companies are increasing the landlords dwelling insurance if there is a dog on premise. This year, our insurance company said they would not renew our insurance due to medium size dog that inspector saw - I believe he saw a neighbors dog as our tenants don't have dogs.
We have had good experiences with pet owners in the past and had allowed them. But as you can see, it can be a costly experience for the landlord.
Some suggestions: Offer to have the landlord hold additional security to cover damages. Offer to carry tenants insurance with a higher liability clause, especially for large dogs, you will then be taking on responsibility should your dogs injure someone.
Good luck in your search.
Fri Sep 4 2009, 09:10
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