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This is just something I was curious about. Why do many landlords require that dogs be under a certain weight? A small dog is potentially just as destructive as any larger dog, and possibly moreso - a shih tzu, for example, can grab onto tiny carpet corners or whatnot far more easily than a great dane could. Plus small dogs are almost invariably louder and yappier than big dogs. Sure, bark for bark a big dog makes a louder noise, but it's a rare big dog that barks more than a few seconds at a time, as opposed to tiny dogs who are constantly "BARKBARKBARKBARKBARKBARKBARK!!!!!!"
So landlords, if you have such a policy, would you care to explain your reasoning? I'm not disputing your right to limit such things - it's your building, you can do as you please with it. I'm just trying to understand why you would allow small dogs but not large dogs.
I have a 2 dogs maximum 25# maximum and I've been wondering the same thing. I don't know dog breeds well -- my dog is a Heinz 57 dog pound special, but cute!!! -- and I've been asking friends and colleagues who know dog breeds and they tell me it's true, that often small dogs can cause more damage than large dogs, it all depends on the breed.
I think I'll change my policy in the future and maybe just specify 2 dogs maximum, must be spayed/neutered, and the reast is at on landlord's discretion depending on breed and other factors. Fill out the questionnaire and see if your dogs pass.
I've already made two exceptions in my policy anyway. The applicant wrote me and explained why their dog would be no problem, and they convinced me.
But no Mastiffs! Nor any of the aggressive breeds.
I think I'll change my policy in the future and maybe just specify 2 dogs maximum, must be spayed/neutered, and the reast is at on landlord's discretion depending on breed and other factors. Fill out the questionnaire and see if your dogs pass.
Along the same lines, why set a limit? One bad dog is far worse than three very well behaved dogs. You should definitely go through the questionnaire process and interview the dogs, but what if there are four; and they are the most well trained dogs you've ever seen? I also agree that you can set any rules you want for your own house, but just curious as to the #2 limit?
(While this question is specific to rentals, I guess I'm more curious about these laws as they pertain to certain jurisdictions, which limit # of dogs in owned homes, too.)
My homeowners insurance will not cover dangerous breeds...which are usually large breed dogs. Also, large dogs do cause more damage and are usually not suited to apartment living.
Pul-eeze "dangerous" breeds? Most bully breeds are not dangerous at birth, bad owners cause them to be dangerous. Insist on meeting the dogs yourself (or your property manager) and judge them on THEIR behavior. Yes, I own a pitbull who loves everyone he meets.
I've considered this, too. Hubby says, "Small pet okay with pet deposit", but frankly, many large breeds are quieter and calmer than the small ones. Now he just insists on meeting the pet. We won't allow a puppy. We are fine with sweet, older dogs of any size.
My homeowners insurance will not cover dangerous breeds...which are usually large breed dogs. Also, large dogs do cause more damage and are usually not suited to apartment living.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah
Pul-eeze "dangerous" breeds? Most bully breeds are not dangerous at birth, bad owners cause them to be dangerous. Insist on meeting the dogs yourself (or your property manager) and judge them on THEIR behavior. Yes, I own a pitbull who loves everyone he meets.
Much as I agree with you as to the cause of a "breed" being "dangerous' (I've watched, over the decades, differing breeds take the crown of "most dangerous breed", always because of the kinds of people who choose to own them rather than the dogs' innate nature), instructing the landlord to ignore the requirements of his insurance and override their dictates as to which breeds of dogs are to be allowed to live there is not appropriate, unless you plan to personally pay for any damages that he might suffer either to his property or through being sued if the dog he allows harms someone (which he most certainly would be).
Pul-eeze "dangerous" breeds? Most bully breeds are not dangerous at birth, bad owners cause them to be dangerous. Insist on meeting the dogs yourself (or your property manager) and judge them on THEIR behavior. Yes, I own a pitbull who loves everyone he meets.
All well and good, but that in no way changes the position realted to the insurance company in not covering certain bully breeds, vicious breeds, or any other reason they give. If the insurance company said no dogs between 13.62 lbs and 29.019 lbs, you obey or you get dropped.
On a practical note, there are a new breed (no pun intended) of rentals that cater to pets. They set up the property and rental practices to be pet friendly should a tenant want a pet. It's a decission owners make regarding their properties and some have decided that there is no logical reason to allow pets. By not having pets, they reduce several common problems. Others ee it as having a larger pool of tenants. Renting is a business and it comes down to just a business decission.
My rental contract requires dog owners to obtain a rental insurance policy including any liability due to pets with a minimum of $25K coverage and a clause "Landlord to become an 'additional insured' under the policy."
In addition I have liability coverage to $500K on each of my rental properties -- and my personal homeowners and auto insurance policies too for that matter.
I'm considering paying another $200/month to increase my coverage on all properties to $1M. What do you think?
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Nor any of the aggressive breeds.
