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Sneaking a pet into a rental property?

I'm not just saying it. I have been a tenant for 4 years, have owned the dog for 3, have never had any issues.

I believe you. I’m the same way: I would never let my cat tear up my house, or a rental. Unfortunately most tenants are probably not as careful or responsible as us. But I wouldn’t put myself in the position of possibly being evicted if my situation was tenuous at best.
 
I think I will post to Craigslist and see if I can find a house for rental, but breaking the lease is a breach of contract. It's not up until July, I have to provide 60 days notice, and I would be liable for 2 months rent.

It would be nice if we could get away with 3 pets until then...
 
... The cat does not have accidents. It's declawed. I am not a fan of cats, but this cat is actually pretty cool.

It's a tough situation to be in. Of course, the girlfriend would rehome if needed, but it would break her heart.
Honestly speaking, my current cat of 11 years never had 'accidents' either ... until we moved into this big house 2+ years ago with a handful of other people and their pets (5 other cats and a big dopey hyperactive dog.) Suddenly my little angel (who's definitely an alpha) started marking inappropriately ... much to the dismay of my hausmates and our furniture :facepalm:
Now she has to wear this if she wants to leave our bedroom >
20171107_105906.jpg


Anyway, that's worst case scenario. I'd still sneak her(?) in for 2 months til the lease is up, and then look for another place. Being declawed is an extra assurance to not causing damage (and though i believe it to be an extremely inhumane practice in this day and age, I'll save that speech for elsewhere.)

Me moving anywhere without my cat(s) is not an option, period●
 
Make 1 a Comfort Animal. Comfort animals cannot be considered a pet when it comes to rent or deposits. Also, landlords cannot refuse a Comfort Animal being considered as one. You are already in the apt, so have your girlfriend get the cat declared as one. I live in a 2-pet apt with 2 tiny dogs and a cat the cat is considered a Comfort or Emotional Support Animal.
Research how to get it done.
 
Make 1 a Comfort Animal. Comfort animals cannot be considered a pet when it comes to rent or deposits. Also, landlords cannot refuse a Comfort Animal being considered as one. You are already in the apt, so have your girlfriend get the cat declared as one. I live in a 2-pet apt with 2 tiny dogs and a cat the cat is considered a Comfort or Emotional Support Animal.
Research how to get it done.

If there is a genuine need, then this is a great option.
If there is not a genuine need, don't abuse the system.

-Mike
 
there's no way to guarantee that the apartment manager will never find out about the cat. the cat could hang out in the window, could meow, or a repair could be needed and the manager could join the repairmen when they come in. btw, sometimes cats get upset at moving, and may urinate in unauthorized places. getting a place that allows more pets would be a great option.

my husband (boyfriend at the time) was given a kitten by the building assistant manager, and that cat became very important to him (note - the cat is 19 now and relaxing on the couch). when the landlord found out, he told us if the cat was still there in two weeks, he'd serve us with notice to quit. we moved, but it would have become an eviction that would have shown on my husband's credit.
 
Make 1 a Comfort Animal. Comfort animals cannot be considered a pet when it comes to rent or deposits. Also, landlords cannot refuse a Comfort Animal being considered as one. You are already in the apt, so have your girlfriend get the cat declared as one. I live in a 2-pet apt with 2 tiny dogs and a cat the cat is considered a Comfort or Emotional Support Animal.
Research how to get it done.

While you're at it wrangle a 'Handicapped Placard". That way you can park close to the apartment.
 
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I had a large mobile home which had new carpet. I rented it and the idiot brought in a 60-pound dog, then went away for a week and left the dog shut inside the mobile home. It crapped everywhere, peed as necessary, ate the couch and the drapes, and destroyed the screens on the windows which had been left open while he was out.

The damage deposit didn't cover 1/3 of the cost to replace carpet, drapes, couch, etc. Would I rent to a pet owner? Not if you pulled out my fingernails with hot pliers.
I'm with you there. I have my own house and I have 2 little rabbits that my ex stuck me with. You have to keep up with them all the time because they chew and they poop out of reflex and that's what they do. Pets can be the most damaging thing to a property but because we love them and we tend to give them a break (when nobody else will, eg landlord) I can see why landlords don't. It's up to the pet owner to train them properly. It's a lot of work but you can limit the damage to a small contained area. Pets are like our children, they will do what they are trained to do and what they are trained NOT to do. It's like bass practice, ya gotta teach them. Even some animals as simple as a rabbit can be trained, and they love it when then they do the right thing, because they get a treat. Are we that much different?
 
I hear the people complaining about property damages... my dog and her dog don't chew carpet, don't mark territory, and the only accidents I have had to clean up were when my dog was sick and had diarrhea or vomited. And I shampooed the carpet. I am a responsible pet owner.

The cat does not have accidents. It's declawed. I am not a fan of cats, but this cat is actually pretty cool.

It's a tough situation to be in. Of course, the girlfriend would rehome if needed, but it would break her heart.
No guarantee it won't get spazzed out by the blue heeler and start a pissing match.
 
Seems simple enough to me.

Do you want to find a home for a single cat (or dog), or...

So you want to find a home for two adults (with iffy credit), two dogs, and a cat?

It seems simple enough to me, but i’m not burdened by excessive emotional attachment to animals, says the guy who took in his brothers dog when his brother was in almost the same situation with his soon to be wife. They bought a house but neighborhood association rules prohibited more than three pets per household. Granted, after they’d been there a few months they discoverd the per rule was not rigorously enforced and was primarily included in the rules in case someone’s menagerie got outof hand. As long as no one was complaining it was all good.

But in your case you can ill afford to push it. It sucks when decisions with no good outcome have to be made, but it is what it is. Best of luck with it.
 
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Breaking the rules of the lease can lead to penalties upto and including eviction.

You have to decide if the cat is worth that risk.

My friend rented an apartment and never told the landlord about the cat she brought in and was there for over two years and they never found out. Some landlords are very observant, some aren't.

Is one of the pets a service or emotional therapy animal? I’m not advocating playing that card if you can’t back it up with a doctor’s written confirmation. :) *

I think a service/emotional therapy animal counts towards the pet total.
 
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Seems simple enough to me.
Do you want to find a home for a single cat (or dog), or...
So you want to find a home for two adults (with iffy credit), two dogs, and a cat?
I would be a lot happier in a house, but my credit is ruined. I like to have a basement and/or a garage to do my man stuff. Most houses in the area rent for around $900 per month. I can't afford that all by myself, so I am not willing to rent it. My budget is closer to $700. Moving out early and paying 2 months rent penalty would place a financial burden on me.
 
I would be a lot happier in a house, but my credit is ruined. I like to have a basement and/or a garage to do my man stuff. Most houses in the area rent for around $900 per month. I can't afford that all by myself, so I am not willing to rent it. My budget is closer to $700. Moving out early and paying 2 months rent penalty would place a financial burden on me.

Considering your gf is moving in, can she split the payments with you? The two of you together could possibly rent something you both will be happy in. That's the only way I was able to get out of my HOA and into this place, the gf and I went in half and half.