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08-23-2010, 04:26 PM
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Location: Lago Vista, TX
36 posts, read 103,997 times
Reputation: 27
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Just moved to TX about a week ago. We were very upfront with the leasing manager about our 2 yr old american bulldog. They have breed restrictions on Pit Bulls and I made very clear that he is often mistaken for one, but he isn't. We showed pictures of him, offered paperwork to prove what he was, and they accepted. We signed the leased.
Now a week later, the property manager says he has to go. She said because he looks like a pit, it's all the same to her. I've never seen this lady before or talked to her. But her leasing manager - the one we dealt with all along- said it was okay.
We have a meeting tomorrow about it. I am scared the leasing manager is going to lie and say she didn't know to cover her ass. We would have never moved in to this place if it was an issue. Does anyone have any advice? The lease says - "aggressive breed dogs including but not limited to - Pit bulls, chow chow, german shephards, rottweilers". The "not limited to" statement may bite us (no pun intended). I've also seen a german shephard on the property, so I don't understand if it's just whatever the manager feels?
I have no problem with moving if they pay for it and give me all the money back I've paid so far. Just curious if anyone else has been in this situation.
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08-23-2010, 04:46 PM
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Location: San Diego
5,026 posts, read 14,804,688 times
Reputation: 4886
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If you signed the lease, wasn't it because there was something in that lease specifying that your dog is ok? Not only would I make the leasing manager put that into the lease agreement, I would make her sign and date the dog's picture, stating that it was approved. If you don't have that, you may be out of luck as it is your word against hers. Really, they have the legal right to do whatever they want unless you have a leasing contract that states otherwise. For now, it will be your word against hers and I'm willing to bet she'll win. Sorry you're going through this, but in the future, make sure you have everything in writing to prevent things like this from happening in the first place.
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08-23-2010, 04:54 PM
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Location: St. Louis, Missouri
9,353 posts, read 19,258,020 times
Reputation: 11597
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do you have records of conversations, dates, times, etc. ?? that would be a huge help....
gaaahhh... stupid ignorant people (like these apartment people) just annoy me NO END.....
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08-23-2010, 05:03 PM
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Location: Brambleton, VA
2,186 posts, read 7,662,872 times
Reputation: 2199
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I wish you luck with this. It looks like things are in their favor but you may be able to prove your dog isn't violent, etc. Do you have any official paperwork stating that your dog is an American Bulldog? Like Pedigree Papers, rescue papers? Is your dog Canine Good Citizen certified? If not, I would push for that. If you can meet in the middle and get your dog into doggie daycare when you are not around, that may help.
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08-23-2010, 07:36 PM
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2,710 posts, read 6,077,936 times
Reputation: 5585
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As a Siberian Husky owner, I'm familiar with this kind of "breed prejudice" by apartment complexes. I really sympathize and hope things work out well for you.
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08-24-2010, 09:51 AM
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Location: Mountains of middle TN
5,244 posts, read 15,757,054 times
Reputation: 6120
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American Bulldogs are usually one of the breeds included in BSL lists. They get thrown in the 'pitbull' lump, as there is no such breed as a 'pitbull'. It's just a catch all name that uneducated people use. I've seen labs in shelters called pitbulls because people don't know better. BSL is very dangerous.
Unless your lease specifically says they've ok'd your pet, you may have to move. If so, I'd demand I get my money back - in full - as you now are in an urgent situation.
Good luck. I'm a pittie and rottie lover so I've fought your battle many times. And it's not just renting, it's buying too. We had to call several places to get homeowners insurance because we moved in with 3 rotties and did pet rescue so we always have different pittie breeds, other rotties, GSDs, chows, etc. Hard work will pay off though, I promise. Keep looking.
For your move - if it comes to that - you may want to make sure they meet your pet before you sign the lease and ask them to include his paperwork and photo in your file and sign off that he is the pet they are allowing to live there. And look into getting him CGC certified. It'll make life a bit easier in the future and it's a great bonding experience for both of you!
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08-24-2010, 11:14 AM
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Location: Lago Vista, TX
36 posts, read 103,997 times
Reputation: 27
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We have papers from the rescue group and vet records stating he is an American Bulldog. I wish I had the leasing manager sign something to say she knew what he looked like, etc. I'll know next time. It is her word against ours now. The realtor that showed us this place said she would back us up cause she also told them about our dog and she was there when they said it was okay. Thanks for all your advice.
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08-24-2010, 11:40 AM
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2,710 posts, read 6,077,936 times
Reputation: 5585
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrs1885
And it's not just renting, it's buying too. We had to call several places to get homeowners insurance because we moved in with 3 rotties and did pet rescue so we always have different pittie breeds, other rotties, GSDs, chows, etc.
And look into getting him CGC certified. It'll make life a bit easier in the future and it's a great bonding experience for both of you!
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It's not just homeowners INSURANCE. If you're looking to buy, you also need to check with the homeowners association covenants. Condo and townhome complexes are CERTAIN to have these covenants (and often have weight restrictions on dogs), and these days, most subdivisions do as well. When you enlist the aid of a real estate agent or Realtor, advise her UP FRONT that you have an American Bulldog (or other typically restricted breed) so that she can make that part of her research as she finds homes to show you. No reason to show you a house in a neighborhood that doesn't allow your dog. That's just a waste of her time and yours, and it's not going to result in a sale, so what's the point?
Regarding the CGC.... I have asked apartment complexes if this would motivate them to allow my dog -- Siberian Husky; typically listed on the "aggressive breeds" list and disallowed by apartment complexes -- and every single time, they have told me no, that it would make no difference, that he would still be disallowed. I've also asked if I could provide a voucher from the manager of my current complex (where my dog and I have lived for over 5 years), and I was told they weren't interested in any kind of notice vouching for his good behavior. |
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08-24-2010, 11:56 AM
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Location: St. Louis, Missouri
9,353 posts, read 19,258,020 times
Reputation: 11597
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Niftybergin
It's not just homeowners INSURANCE. If you're looking to buy, you also need to check with the homeowners association covenants. Condo and townhome complexes are CERTAIN to have these covenants (and often have weight restrictions on dogs), and these days, most subdivisions do as well. When you enlist the aid of a real estate agent or Realtor, advise her UP FRONT that you have an American Bulldog (or other typically restricted breed) so that she can make that part of her research as she finds homes to show you. No reason to show you a house in a neighborhood that doesn't allow your dog. That's just a waste of her time and yours, and it's not going to result in a sale, so what's the point?
Regarding the CGC.... I have asked apartment complexes if this would motivate them to allow my dog -- Siberian Husky; typically listed on the "aggressive breeds" list and disallowed by apartment complexes -- and every single time, they have told me no, that it would make no difference, that he would still be disallowed. I've also asked if I could provide a voucher from the manager of my current complex (where my dog and I have lived for over 5 years), and I was told they weren't interested in any kind of notice vouching for his good behavior.
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most of these people probably have NO IDEA what a CGC means and can't be bothered to find out..... also, easier to just keep saying no, we can't bend the rules for your situation..... doesn't matter WHAT the circumstances are or previous landlords say......
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08-24-2010, 11:57 AM
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Location: St. Louis, Missouri
9,353 posts, read 19,258,020 times
Reputation: 11597
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sailorjenny
We have papers from the rescue group and vet records stating he is an American Bulldog. I wish I had the leasing manager sign something to say she knew what he looked like, etc. I'll know next time. It is her word against ours now. The realtor that showed us this place said she would back us up cause she also told them about our dog and she was there when they said it was okay. Thanks for all your advice.
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please let us know how your meeting goes......
paws tightly crossed for you...... |
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