Mary Allen
In many cities, it is not always easy to find a new apartment. This is often even more difficult when a pet moves in with you. But can homeowners reject candidates because of dogs? Is it possible to protect your pet from them? We give answers!
There are questions that homeowners have a legitimate interest to answer, such as the financial situation or the job of potential tenants. Applicants for apartments must answer these questions honestly – otherwise, there will be legal consequences. However, other questions, such as relationship status or religious, political, or sexual orientation, are completely irrelevant and can either be denied or not answered truthfully.
What about pets? The basic rule, which usually prohibits keeping pets, should not be in the lease. However, homeowners have the right to joint determination. In some cases, you can even ban owning a dog, but for this, you must have good reasons. Also, just because the landlord has allowed your neighbor to keep a pet doesn’t mean you can just get one.
Check the Rental Agreement: Do You Need to Inform the Landlord Before Buying a Dog?
Many leases say tenants must inform their landlords and ask for permission before buying a dog. If there is no such item, you can get a dog without prior approval.
One of the reasons a landlord might not allow you to buy a dog is, for example, because your apartment is too small for your dog. Because it violates the Animal Welfare Act.
But unless there is a compelling reason not to buy a dog, landlords are not allowed to object.
Is it Obligatory to Mention Your Dog When Looking for an Apartment?
Therefore, homeowners need good reasons to deny tenants the right to keep dogs. But what if you already have a dog and therefore find it difficult to find an apartment? Landlords want to know how many people are moving into their apartments. In addition, you must also indicate if the dog will move to you. Since, as already described, the landlord must agree to keep the dog (if the corresponding clause is in the lease).
There is one exception: you can keep small animals like hamsters or budgies without the owner’s permission. Here you can wind up conversations, so “image”. Ultimately, the decision for or against the tenant is entirely at the discretion of the landlord.