Living with Furry Companions: Tips for Pet-Friendly Apartment Living
Finding the perfect rental property that not only suits your needs but also accommodates your furry friends can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, the good news is that pet-friendly living in a rental is not only possible but can also be an incredibly rewarding experience.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of pet-friendly living, share some tips on how to make it work, and highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Companionship and Comfort
Pets are important members of our families, it has been shown to improve mental and emotional well-being. Their presence can boost your mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate loneliness. Having a pet in a pet-friendly rental can create a more positive living environment for you and your family.
Exercise and Adventure
Owning a pet encourages physical activity and outdoor adventures. Whether you have a dog that loves long walks or a cat that enjoys playing in the garden or living room, living in a pet-friendly rental allows you to provide a stimulating environment for your furry friend.
Choose the Right Property
When searching for a rental, look for properties that explicitly state they are pet-friendly. These rentals are more likely to have pet-friendly amenities such as fenced yards or designated pet areas within the building.
Read the Lease Agreement Carefully
Before signing a lease, thoroughly review the pet-related clauses. Pay attention to pet deposits, pet rent, and any specific rules or restrictions regarding pet ownership. Understanding these terms will help you avoid surprises later on.
Pet Deposits/Fees
Landlords in Alberta may require tenants to pay a pet deposit or a pet fee as part of the lease agreement. This is meant to cover any potential damages caused by the pet. The maximum allowable pet deposit and specific terms may vary, so it’s important to discuss this with the landlord before signing the lease.
Under the Alberta Residential Tenancy Act, landlords can collect any number of refundable fees such as pet deposits, key deposits, damage deposits, etc. so long as the total amount of the deposit does not exceed one month’s rent.
Pet-Proof Your Rental
Pet-proofing your rental can prevent damage and maintain the property’s condition. Use pet gates, protect furniture, and provide appropriate toys and scratching posts to keep your pet entertained and prevent destructive behavior.
By choosing the right property, reading the lease agreement carefully, being responsible pet owners, communicating with your landlord, and pet-proofing your rental, you can ensure a harmonious and pawsitive living environment for everyone involved. Please review this additional information from the Centre For Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) to help you better understand and tailor a pet-friendly rental!
