Having a cat and dog and rental property (Charleston, Goose Creek: hardwood floors, renters)

[Rennie Manning]

I have a dog and cat, and want to rent a home in Goose Creek - Crowfield Plantation. I had almost rented a great home from a lovely gentlemen - WITH a lease to purchase, but he has hardwood floors, and my dog's nails would have damaged them. For this reason my own home has gorgeous laminate flooring.
I understand that some landlords flatly refuse pets, but most of the rental homes I am viewing say that pets are negotiable. I cannot give up my animals. I am a good person - very conscientious, and I feel that maybe landlords have had bad experiences with tenants who were not very nice............... anyway, are there others with this experience?

[WxJester]

We have three cats and had a GREAT time trying to find a house to rent in WA or James I. We loved the first place we saw, and it was a "pets negotiable." Talked to his property manager, and he was an out of state guy but she said he'd had renters like us before and was sure he wouldn't have a problem with it. We had to leave, but half way back to PA two days later our realtor called and said the guy had changed his mind because he's "allergic to cats." What, planning to be a houseguest The last time we rented we had PA leases with umpteen million riders stating that you have to have everything professionally cleaned and such, and considering the condition the carpeting was in we were really puzzled (kelly green trampled uck).

My husband had to drive back down to Charleston, but ultimately we got a better deal for a bigger place in a neighborhood he preferred anyway. The pet deposit was higher, but unlike everything else we'd seen it's refundable. I don't know how the guy will be as a landlord, and it's weird that I haven't seen it. Point is that there are people out there who are willing to consider how you've treated your pets in the past and reward your ability to keep your animals healthy and trained. You just have to be willing to dig a bit.

And as far as security deposits go, take lots of pictures of everything before you move in or during your walkthrough with the landlord to document both what's already dinged up and what's currently in good shape. They're great protection (the last time we rented, just telling the landlord that we had the dated pictures helped us get back the full deposit - which is rare near a Penn State campus).

[Rennie Manning]

Thanks so much for the info. Just got back from SC and it is 4am! You know what really irks me? I saw rental houses where I want to live (Goose Creek) that were really great..... BUT! The places stunk! The lingering horror of cigarettes almost literally turned my stomach! One cannot get that smell out of carpeting - just like there is no getting out the residual stench of a male cat who sprays.

I appreciate all the advice - especially about the photos. That is excellent advice and I will follow it!

I saw a place today that I would have taken immediately, but the owner said they only would allow 'small' dogs - none over 25 lbs. My 64 lb bird dog is the cleanest, short-haired, and best-behaved dog in the world. The realtor I was with called the listing agent and described my dog as 'under 50 lbs.' No way.

[Luvsdabeach]

I'm sorry your trip didn't turn out well. Like you, I can't stand the smell of cigs or being around people that smoke. That is one smell you will never get out of carpets. How did you like the Crowfield area?

[Rennie Manning]

I responded to the Crowfield area on the other post I had - sorry, I am such a geek with computers and such - I had written one other thread about Crowfield Plantation originally and I answered your question there. You will find it! Nobody can be as computer illiterate as me! But, in case you can't find it.... I loved it! I found a house I wanted to buy so badly - perfect for me - right in Crowfield Plantation - and realized that I will need to sell my house here and then put a large amount of the considerable equity I have in my house here to get a loan that will be far less than any rental amount. I loved my realtor who took me around. She was super, and I am praying to sell my house here, because I know that Crowfield Plantation is where I want to live! It was great!