Can’t you imagine life without your beloved pet? Nothing unusual. A dog or cat can bring a lot of joy to our lives. However, if you want to rent (or are already renting) an apartment, your furry pet may become quite a problem. Many owners believe that the presence of an animal causes damage or constant noise, so they do not agree to rent an apartment with a dog or cat. Is it really so difficult to combine renting an apartment with having a pet?
Renting an apartment with a dog or cat – what do the regulations say?
The regulations governing apartment rental do not prohibit keeping animals there. Therefore, unless the owner stipulates this in the contract, the tenant may move in with a dog or cat. Theoretically, he does not have to inform the owner at all that he will be keeping an animal in the apartment. Just like she doesn’t have to inform him that she intends to put her coffee machine in the kitchen.
However, in practice, it is better to discuss this issue with the landlord and make sure that he allows you to rent the apartment with a dog or cat. If the owner is reluctant towards animals and finds out that you live with a dog or cat, he will probably find a way to terminate your contract early anyway.
A pet in a rented apartment and the provisions in the contract
The lease agreement should describe the lease terms as precisely as possible. Therefore, it is worth including a record that the owner agrees (or not) to renting an apartment with a dog or cat.
The owner of the apartment can also specify what animals are allowed in the apartment. For example, he may only agree to a small dog or not agree to keep a dog of a breed considered dangerous (pit bull terrier, Argentinean dog or Rottweiler).
It is worth remembering that if the owner does not agree to rent an apartment with a dog or cat, he may also include in the contract a provision establishing a contractual penalty for failure to comply with this prohibition.
How does renting an apartment with a dog or cat affect the fees?
When you want to rent an apartment with a dog or cat, it may happen that the owner asks you for a higher deposit or charges a higher rent. In this way, you want to protect yourself against possible losses caused by your pet in your apartment. It is possible that after renting an apartment with a dog or cat, you will also need to freshen the apartment to get rid of the smell of the animal and allergens that may bother future tenants.
A higher deposit when renting with a dog or cat is a much more advantageous solution than a higher rent. If your pet actually chews cables or destroys the sofa, the owner will deduct the cost of removing the damage from your deposit. But if you return the apartment intact, you will receive the entire deposit back.
According to the regulations, the deposit when renting an apartment cannot be higher than 6 times the rent at the time of signing the contract.
Renting an apartment with a pet – what are the tenant’s obligations?
§ 1. Please remember that a tenant of an apartment who takes a dog or cat with him is legally responsible for the behavior of his pet. Article 431 of the Civil Code clearly states:1. Whoever keeps or uses an animal is obliged to repair any damage caused by it, regardless of whether it was under his supervision or whether it strayed or escaped, unless neither he nor the person for whom he is responsible are at fault.
§ 2. Even if the person who raises or uses the animal is not responsible according to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the injured party may demand from him full or partial compensation for the damage if, from the circumstances, and in particular from the comparison of the financial status of the injured party and that person , it follows that the principles of social coexistence require it.
Therefore, if you rent an apartment with a dog or cat and it destroys the apartment, the owner may demand that you cover the costs of repairing the damage, even if he agreed to allow the animal in the contract.
Therefore, if you move into an apartment with a dog or cat and you notice any damage, it is worth mentioning it in the contract, handover protocol or attaching photo documentation. This way, you will protect yourself against unjustified claims from the owner when handing over the premises.
Renting with a dog or cat and terminating the lease
What happens if the owner stipulates in the contract that he does not want a dog or cat in the apartment and the tenant breaks this ban? This situation may result in the owner terminating the lease agreement before the contract ends.
The basis for such termination is the fact that the tenant is using the premises contrary to the contract. However, before the landlord sends the notice to vacate, he must first send the tenant a written notice. If this has no effect, the owner may terminate the contract.
It is worth knowing that in the case of a fixed-term lease agreement, the notice period is 1 calendar month. (The notice must be delivered to prisoners during the month preceding the notice period). In the case of an indefinite-term contract, the notice period is equal to the period for which the rent is paid (monthly or quarterly).
Renting an apartment with a dog – what to consider
If you want to rent an apartment with a dog, remember that the location of the apartment cannot be accidental. In addition to your own needs, you also need to consider your pet’s needs.
Before you decide on a specific apartment, check whether there is an area near the building where the dog can run and meet its physiological needs. It is ideal if there is a special dog run nearby where you can safely let your dog off the leash. Also check whether you can easily take your dog or cat to a nearby veterinary office.
Apartment for rent with a dog or cat – where to look?
People who are looking for an apartment to rent with a dog or cat often encounter the reluctance (or at least caution) of the owners. The moment they mention a pet, they hear a rejection or receive a higher rent.
