Renting Requirements

[Beanie]

Well, it's actually not renting - it's buying. I'm looking at a couple of condos as a possibility to purchase, though of course I would prefer a house. But I've found a few different condos that are REALLY cute, in my price range (on the low end even) and allow pets.
But while checking out the website for one of the communities, I saw that they only allow pets over a year old. For those of you who've been apartment hunting, is that kind of restriction normal? That would definitely throw that one out as a potential since, you know... puppy theoretically soon, and even if not soon, I WILL be getting one and it won't be over a year old when I get it, LOL.

Do you guys think that might be one of those things you can talk to the management about and see if they can waive the restriction? Obviously this is one of the annoying things about condos... it would be MY condo, I bought it, but they can tell me I can't have a puppy. Sigh.

 

[Laurelin]

My first apartment had a 1 year restriction. I would ask about it at the least... couldn't hurt.

 

[Renee750il]

In this market, I'd say they might be willing to reconsider, but if you do, have it written into your deed.

 

[stardogs]

I rented from a place with the year restriction and I got it waived after I had lived there for a while and they knew I was responsible. In addition, I did discuss it with my landlord beforehand and we talked about how I would keep the pup from damaging things (crating + supervision) and that went a long way.

 

[Lolas Dad]

I could never buy a place that would have restrictions on what types of pets a person could have as well as an age requirement. After all if I am BUYING it is mine and should be able to do what I want on the inside as long as the noise if their is any does not disturb the neighbors.

As for pet restrictions in apartments that's a different story as I do not own the apartment I rent. When I was renting in California I asked about getting a dog and was told that dogs were not allowed even though their was someone who had 2 small dogs. When he had brought the dogs in dogs were allowed as well as cats. So I adopted a cat now that same place does not allow pets at all.

The last place I rented before this one I did not yet have Lola but still had the cat that I adopted in California. At first the landlord did not know about the cat but when she found out she asked me how come I did not tell her and I responded because you did not ask :lol-sign:

She then asked how long have I had the cat and at that time it was 12 years ago that I adopted him so she said well if you had him that long I can't ask you to get rid of him.

The place I am at now I told the landlord I have a cat she was ok with it. About a year later I adopted Lola and when the landlord stopped by the complex outside I took Lola outside to meet her and had her approval for her then.

 

[MericoX]

I would call and ask.
I could see if they had it for renting out condos (as puppies normally damage more stuff than adult dogs) but if you were buying one that seems kinda silly.

I've been looking at apartments to rent (heh that'd happen in like 10 years) and alot of places I see will allow depending on the "pet owner" LOL

 

[Beanie]

I could see if they had it for renting out condos (as puppies normally damage more stuff than adult dogs) but if you were buying one that seems kinda silly.

Good point - could be that's a requirement for the renters but not for the owners!


Condo communities have a lot of different restrictions, in a number of them you aren't allowed pets at all. That's the trade you make for living in a condo community - you don't get 100% say on everything.

 

[MericoX]

Condo communities have a lot of different restrictions, in a number of them you aren't allowed pets at all. That's the trade you make for living in a condo community - you don't get 100% say on everything.

Same is for a lot of HOA. There's a town/area next to my town where EVERYTHING is regulated. You want to build anything, take down some trees, etc. you need a committee to okay it. And its not even some snazzy neighborhood with paved roads and fences, its a million houses out in the woods and dirt roads!!!

 

[Bailey08]

I would talk to the management office and get a sense of how strictly the rules are enforced.

I've posted before that my prior condo association was a pain in the butt. There was a 40 lb weight limit, and they wouldn't even consider going to the board to ask for an exemption for me to have a 50 lb dog. Nor would they go to the board when I wanted to move out over the Memorial Day weekend (there was a restriction in the bylaws on moving in and out on holidays) -- they flatly wouldn't let me do it.

Anyway, I obviously got frustrated by it before I left and I wouldn't do it again -- but until move-out (and getting B), the rules weren't so bad. And it was kind of nice to pay my (high!) association fees and not have to worry about a lot of things and get the benefit of a lot of great amenities. I also knew that some things I cared about were strictly regulated -- for example, restrictions on leasing out condo units.

I don't know what the property situation is like in your area, but I would suggest that you look into smaller multi-unit buildings if you don't want to buy somewhere with a lot of rules. Assessments are a *lot* lower than in high rises and the condo association rules are generally a lot less restrictive.

 

[MPP]

About a year later I adopted Lola and when the landlord stopped by the complex outside I took Lola outside to meet her and had her approval for her then.

Well, of course you had her approval. Who could meet Lola and NOT approve?

Anyway, with the real estate market being as tough as it is, I think condo boards may be more open to reasonable compromises. Talk to them. It can't hurt. When they see that you are a responsible person with sensible plans for dealing with puppy issues, they may well waive this restriction.

If all else fails, sic Lola on them. Once they've finished oooohing and aaaahing and melting all over her, they will be as putty in your hands.

 

[Beanie]

I don't know what the property situation is like in your area, but I would suggest that you look into smaller multi-unit buildings if you don't want to buy somewhere with a lot of rules. Assessments are a *lot* lower than in high rises and the condo association rules are generally a lot less restrictive.

It's definitely not a high rise, LOL. I live in Central Illinois. What's a high rise??
Actually, we do have a company that came in and built a high rise here and their "starting" price for condos is the same price you could buy a lovely, sizeable carpenter built single family home for. Meaning almost the entire building is empty.

All three of the places that are on my "if worst comes to worst" list are two-unit buildings. Actually this place is the one with the most amenities, but also the highest HOA fees. I don't really care for the amenities to be honest though. I don't need a pool or tennis courts. =P I'd rather keep that money in my pocket!

 

[azpoochluvr]

I would say that they would be willing to deal. If you can show them that your dog is very well behaved, I would think they would have no problem allowing it if it meant a sale. As someone else mentioned, they are willing to do just about anything to sell condo and houses to qualified buyers these days. Some places will probable let you run a doggie day care out of the condo if you had cash money!

 

[Grab]

I'd be pretty wary of buying a condo that had any sort of pet restriction. I've heard of too many people having issues after moving in

 

[JennSLK]

Thats why I Dispise condos. If I buy a place I will do what I D@MN well want to with it.

 

[~Jessie~]

We rented a condo a couple of years ago, and the pet restrictions were better than any apartment we rented.

Have you looked into townhomes, Beanie? They may offer more of what you want with less restrictions, and I know around here the prices are generally lower for them.

I know a handful of people with condos here, and their condo fees are through the roof. A lot of times it ends up being about the same monthly cost (or even more!) than a single family home.

 

[Beanie]

Townhomes and condos are pretty much the same around here... there are some nicer townhomes but they are also very expensive, to the point where if I had that kind of money I'd be easily buying a VERY nice SFH.

The problem is that almost every home I've looked at in the same price range (or like I said, these are under budget so the condo fees on top of the mortgage would end up being the same) is either a crappy house or in a crappy neighbourhood. Of course I would LIKE a SFH - but I'd like something nice and in a nice, safe neighbourhood more. That's why these are on my "worst comes to worst" list. If I just cannot find a place - and I've been looking for over two years - and need one, this it what it will come to.

 

[Fran101]

Do you really want a puppy THAT badly? If so, I'd hold off.

Usually, places with that kind of restriction, if you live there for a while, pay your rent on time and prove to be responsible..these kinds of rules bend if you talk to the landlord and if your landlord isn't a douche. Talk to him about doggy daycare, crating, plans, etc.. etc..

but I've never met a landlord who bended the rules for somebody JUST moving in. Its kind of like "oh you don't even live here yet and you want to break the rules"

Oh and yea, I'd go ahead and call some buildings are pretty desperate for renters..and are willing to bend the terms of the lease a bit.


I love condo living and I love renting. but ya, this is one of the downsides.

 

[Beanie]

It's not paying rent, there is no landlord, and there is no lease, LOL.
It's a mortgage.

 

[Fran101]

It's not paying rent, there is no landlord, and there is no lease, LOL.
It's a mortgage.

Sorry about that lol I have a cold..dayquil/Nyquil combo.. plus posting too early in the morning. I dunno where my head is :rofl1:

 

[Beanie]

LOL if you're taking DayQuil I know EXACTLY where your head is! Been there, done that, LMAO