A message to apartment/condo managers: PLEASE allow large dogs!!! (Silver Spring: apartment complexes, rent)

[PBSG]

I am trying to find an apartment for a possible move around the Bethesda/Silver Spring/Kensington/Chevy Chase area, and it seems like every apartment I search for has two policies: cats OK, no dogs.

Why is this? Why must it be so damn hard to find an apartment that allows a dog? I have a full bred yellow lab who is nine years old. He is fully trained, house broken, has all of his shots and has never bit anyone in his life.

Meanwhile almost every apartment out there allows cats, which stink up the rug to the point of having to replace the padding/carpet, they run around at night scratching up peoples cars and use a liter box which smells from a 100 foot radius.

You have breed restrictions? Fine. You need to see updated vaccinations? Sure. Need me to carry personal insurance in case he bites someone? OK. Want an extra pet deposit and more money per month? I guess I am willing to do that, but to have a blatant "No Dogs" policy is just absurd.

Not all of us that own large dogs are ghetto thugs. I make sure I pick up his leavings in public and would do the same in any complex. He won't bark or make a fuss unless you look through our window or try to break in. It is a proven fact that the number one deterrent for household break-ins is a dog barking his head off and showing his teeth. A cat would run away and hide.

Please prove me wrong folks - list any specific good apartment complexes in the area listed that would allow large dogs. So far I have found very few.

[scottfs]

It's like that for a reason. Dogs generally cause significantly more damage to an apartment than do cats. I have lived with both large dogs and cats and the dogs are in general much harder on the house. Cats are not going to generate noise complaints from your tenants from barking like dogs will. If they're kept inside they don't poop all over the grass. The management company is a business and they are trying to limit their costs and liability like any good business does. Don't take it personally. If it was cats causing more general damage they would ban cats. Unfortunately your dog may be a well trained angel and you may be a responsible owner, but they have no way of knowing that. Good luck finding an apartment that takes your pet!

[tagylyn]

If there are any left, I would try and find privately owned apartments. I know in the Takoma Park area there are tons of little apt buildings that are owned individually. I lived there several years back and my LL owned 3 buildings right next to each other and he was the greatest LL ever! And there were dogs and cats.
Kensington is an older neighborhood, there may be a few around there.
Good luck on your search!!

[PBSG]

Sorry for the rant, and this isn't directed at Maryland folks or your area - I'm sure it happens all over the USA. It just sucks when you search and search and finally find a nice place and hear of their "Sorry, no dogs" policy.

I think I am gonna search more for a private owned apartment/house. Honestly I'd rather give my rent money to a private owner vs. a corporation.

Once again, please list ANY specific apartments. If it is something I haven't found yet and we move down there I will gladly send over a bottle of wine or buy dinner.

[MuscogeeButterfly]

Originally Posted by PBSG

I am trying to find an apartment for a possible move around the Bethesda/Silver Spring/Kensington/Chevy Chase area, and it seems like every apartment I search for has two policies: cats OK, no dogs.

Why is this? Why must it be so damn hard to find an apartment that allows a dog? I have a full bred yellow lab who is nine years old. He is fully trained, house broken, has all of his shots and has never bit anyone in his life.

Meanwhile almost every apartment out there allows cats, which stink up the rug to the point of having to replace the padding/carpet, they run around at night scratching up peoples cars and use a liter box which smells from a 100 foot radius.

You have breed restrictions? Fine. You need to see updated vaccinations? Sure. Need me to carry personal insurance in case he bites someone? OK. Want an extra pet deposit and more money per month? I guess I am willing to do that, but to have a blatant "No Dogs" policy is just absurd.

Not all of us that own large dogs are ghetto thugs. I make sure I pick up his leavings in public and would do the same in any complex. He won't bark or make a fuss unless you look through our window or try to break in. It is a proven fact that the number one deterrent for household break-ins is a dog barking his head off and showing his teeth. A cat would run away and hide.

Please prove me wrong folks - list any specific good apartment complexes in the area listed that would allow large dogs. So far I have found very few.

I hear you. Cats...yech. The thing is, some large dog owners, make it bad for other large dog owners. I'm looking to relocate, and also am noticing, how few, places there are, that accept large dogs, or dogs in general. Apts/condos may get discounts on carpeting or something, as far as cats pi--ing in the manner in which they do..lol. I guess they're thinking of the grounds. They need to worry bout them dang puppy people, hahahahaha. (Mama of a black lab/mix, housebroken) I share your pain.