I have always had a pet-friendly apartment but I don’t own pets. I’ll be dog-sitting for about 2 weeks and I wanna make sure this is okay to do without going through any sort of official paperwork. I know renters who own dogs have to disclose they have pets and have to pay a higher amount or something…
Would I get in any trouble?
6 comments
So you’re asking a bunch of random redditors who have never seen your rental contract? The terms of what you can and cannot do and what fees may apply are all in your rental contract. We do not know that information.
Call the management company and ask.
If your contract says that you’re allowed pets only after a written permission for example, you definitely need to ask first ( as even temporary ownership might not be allowed without notice).
I’d you’re allowed pets, a lot of contracts require an additional deposit money for owning a pet (which often equals to one month of your rent). You might be asked to pay that if you say you are considering getting a pet.
Since you’re dog sitting temporarily, the money might not be worth it.
You also might just be given a green light without any additional pay, especially if you emphasise it’s a temporary 2 week thing.
But it really depends on your contract and your landlord.
My previous apartment allowed pets and I used to dog sit for a week without saying anything to anybody (cause I’d have to pay otherwise), and it was totally okay, no one even noticed.
When I moved into a dog friendly apartment I had to pay extra move in fees because of my dog. They also asked about details in the interview process so that the apartment owner was sure they would be okay with my specific pet(size, breed, pictures, temperament).
Even if it’s just for two weeks the owner might want extra protection(I.e. money) in case their property gets damaged.
You would be taking a risk by dog sitting without permission… but I don’t know anything about your apartment to say how risky it is. Most likely nothing would happen if you did it in secret and the dog doesn’t cause any trouble.
Why are you asking us instead of your apartment management company?
At least check your apartment contract
A LOT of trouble. DONT DO IT.
Or do it.
Who knows.
Only you.
And your contract.
And you landlord.
If only there were a way to get the information out of them………………