Finding a home with a dog: just move with your animal friend
Finding a home with a dog is usually quite difficult since many landlords do not allow pets in your property. In the following practical tip, we will explain how you can find what you are looking for with your loyal companion.
Finding a flat: That's why it's so difficult
As a landlord, there are some criteria that make up the perfect tenant. Ideally, he is in permanent employment, in a permanent relationship, does not smoke, plays no instruments and has no pets.
- In some of these cases, you can trick and say that you don't have an instrument or that you don't smoke. However, it is not so easy to hide a pet.
- Animal friends per se must not be banned. In practice, however, it is the case that many landlords still look for someone who introduces themselves without four-legged friends.
- If the contract states that no pets are allowed and you still move in with your dog, the landlord cannot do anything about it legally. However, he may be looking for another reason to quit that would secure your move, or he may be proving a serious reason, such as a neighbor's severe allergy to animal hair.
- The clause "Pets prohibited" is void, but even if it says "Pets allowed", certain pets, such as fighting dogs, certain reptiles or foxes, may not be accommodated in the new home, or only after consultation and with a permit.
- However, there is also a so-called permission reservation. If you find this in the rental agreement, it means that you are obliged to ask your landlord for permission to keep an animal.
- Many landlords simply fear that a dog will cause noise pollution, damage the facility or leave smells that could deter other residents of the rental unit.
Find a new apartment with your pet - Here's how
If you are looking for an apartment with your four-legged friend, make sure that you not only give the tenant permission, but also that the property is suitable for your and your dog's needs.
- The first step to finding accommodation is the same for everyone, whether with or without a dog. Look for suitable rental properties on real estate portals, in newspapers and on notice boards in your area. You can also create a search agent on the Internet to help you make your selection.
- Do not be afraid of ads without pictures, because not every landlord considers them necessary. This is especially true in areas where there is a housing shortage. If you can, call the broker or landlord directly.
- If you don't find suitable accommodation, place an advertisement yourself and mention your pet there. Older, private women and men in particular are looking for new tenants in newspaper advertisements and find a dog a cute bonus.
- Already at the first chat or phone call you should inform that your dog would like to move into the new apartment. This eliminates uncertainty on both sides and can exclude a property faster or put it on your top 10 list.
- It can be helpful to bring tenant self-assessment to the first meeting, which you can adapt to your needs. Ideally, include a picture of all two- and four-legged family members and add certificates that prove your dog's reasonable behavior, such as a reference letter, vaccination card, insurance certificates and training documents.
- Before you set off on your first visit, you should make yourself aware of the surroundings. Explore with your dog the area where the property is located and check if the neighborhood is suitable for your pet.
- On the first visit, you should appear without your four-legged friend. In this way you avoid stress, both for your potential landlord and for your dog. Group visits are particularly unsuitable for getting to know each other.
- From time to time you can of course mention your dog at your appointment, but do not put the ball of fur in the foreground. If the language falls on your darling, highlight its positive qualities.
- You are also free to soften the size and breed of your animal. If you compare him with a family or rescue dog, for example, the landlord gets a positive picture of your dog, even if he does not know it.
- After you have become enthusiastic about one of the apartments and their providers, you can arrange another meeting with the landlord. Bring treats with you if your dog is slightly upset.
- If your ideas match those of the landlord or broker and you get a promise for your new home, nothing stands in the way of moving with your dog.
If you spend one or more nights with your dog in a hotel, there are a few things to consider. You can read more about this in the next article.