Renting with Dogs possibly chickens (Honolulu, Ewa Beach: rental, coop, houses)

[rockinbonesmama]

Hello all! My husband is leaving the Air Force after 13 years and trying to convince me we could make it on Oahu. He is from Ewa Beach, I'm from Tx. While I wold love to live there, I don't know that it's realistic from all that I've read. We would have to live very simple in order to make it work with three kids and me staying home. One thing I have noticed is that most of the houses for rent don't allow dogs. We don't have a dog currently but I cant imagine not having another dog in the near future. Why is it most landlords don't allow it? We have always taken great care of every house we have lived in, putting our own money into making it ours. Do you think the no dog rule some landlords would overlook if we asked? Also, I would love to have a couple of hens in a small coop just to have our own eggs, it's kinda my dream, but from what I've read backyard chickens aren't a big thing there. Do you think landlords would allow that? Thanks for any input

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by rockinbonesmama

One thing I have noticed is that most of the houses for rent don't allow dogs. We don't have a dog currently but I cant imagine not having another dog in the near future. Why is it most landlords don't allow it?

Also, I would love to have a couple of hens in a small coop just to have our own eggs, it's kinda my dream, but from what I've read backyard chickens aren't a big thing there. Do you think landlords would allow that?

Most don't allow pets as demand outstrips supply - there is no incentive for a landlord to offer a rental for pets if they don't have to. Your best bet is to offer more rent and see if they reconsider.

Backyard chickens - depends on where, the more remote the better. As long as you don't get a rooster.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Originally Posted by rockinbonesmama

....... Why is it most landlords don't allow it? We have always taken great care of every house we have lived in, putting our own money into making it ours........

Probably because your good care of a house is not binding on all other tenants. Just because you take good care does not mean that everyone does. Some tenants don't take good care of pets. How is your landlord to know which type of pet owner you are?

It is not impossible for a landlord to change terms and allow you to have a pet, after you have been there for a year or two and shown how reliable you are and how you take such good care of the property. No guarantees about that, though.

It's hard for me to imagine that a landlord who doesn't allow pets will gladly allow chickens. But you can always ask.

The state of Hawaii has just changed the law to allow pet deposits. So far, I haven't heard any feedback from anyone rejoicing that landlords are now allowing dogs.

[hotzcatz]

It sounds like you might prefer one of the other islands than Oahu. The "outer" islands are much less congested so there is more room for chickens and dogs. Some folks in our small town keep horses and goats in their yard, I haven't a clue if it is technically legal or not, nobody seems to complain or care.

[KauaiHiker]

You do have 2 major things going for you: moving without the pets, and your husband's local family and friends.

Moving without pets is cheaper and easier, and there are plenty of dogs to adopt once you're here (esp. if you like pit bull mixes). You will have time to find a rental, settle in, and then consider getting a dog (and talking to the landlord, or moving). But having a local support network also means you might find a pet-friendly rental much more easily. In fact a lot of things will be easier, from getting rides from the airport to finding temp housing, a job, schools, etc.

I think the main thing to consider are your kids, whether they would move easily (what ages and whether they are well integrated in current schools), whether they can show respect in a multi-cultural community, and whether you can live far from your family (Texas is a $800-$1000 roundtrip ticket). A lot of things are different between Texas and Hawaii, but I think the social activities are often similar: hanging out together outdoors around food (BBQ, potluck), comparing trucks (I am not joking nor looking down on people who like trucks), going fishing and swimming. If it works for you and the kids, I think you'd have a good chance at making it work on Oahu.

[rockinbonesmama]

Thanks all! Great answers and a lot to think about. Yes, hotzcatz my heart desires to live a total hippy lifestyle on the BI but my husband already has a job lined up in Honolulu and after living there in high school he said he would never ever want to live there again. He is all about city life. I'll keep dreaming for now.

[hunterseat]

Tiny dogs seem to be acceptable.

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by rockinbonesmama

Hello all! My husband is leaving the Air Force after 13 years and trying to convince me we could make it on Oahu. He is from Ewa Beach, I'm from Tx. While I wold love to live there, I don't know that it's realistic from all that I've read. We would have to live very simple in order to make it work with three kids and me staying home...

Does he have a job lined up? If it was me, I would really consider staying in until he gets that 20 years of service so that he gets that monthly check for life! It would be a tremendous help to have a guaranteed income, then entertain your thoughts about moving to Hawaii.

[SoloPilot]

Originally Posted by hunterseat

Tiny dogs seem to be acceptable.

If you want to have a dog, get the whole thing, not just the scale model.

[rockinbonesmama]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

Does he have a job lined up? If it was me, I would really consider staying in until he gets that 20 years of service so that he gets that monthly check for life! It would be a tremendous help to have a guaranteed income, then entertain your thoughts about moving to Hawaii.

He does thankfully have a good job lined up doing what he does now (non destructive inspection) He is taking a deal to voluntary leave for a lump sum of cash. It's too much to go in to here but the AF has been an awful experience for us and no amount of money is worth staying in at this point.