Keeping Your (& Your Pet’s!) Apartment Healthy & Happy
Only about 20% of the apartment complexes I have lived in have not allowed pets. In the complexes that did allow them, they charged some fees. The complex I currently live in charges $30 per month, per pet. There is also pet security deposit of $150 that is non-refundable. My current resident handbook states this as the reason for the charges:
“Charge may be assessed for de-fleaing deodorizing, shampooing, and/or replacing the carpet or vinyl in an attempt to protect future residents from possible health hazards.”
I personally did not realize the severity of the situation. Many apartment communities do not allow any pets, including dogs, cats, pot bellied pigs, reptiles, ducks, big birds (such as Macaws), rabbits, ferrets, or exotic animals, unless otherwise specified. If an unauthorized pet is found in an apartment home or anywhere on the community (even temporarily), the leaseholder(s) involved will be subject to some pretty severe penalties.
The worst of the penalties include termination of tenancy. This is the worst because you are forced to pay a certain percent of your lease until your lease termination date, or until the complexes finds new tenants for your old apartment. This is not in all cases but I know that my previous apartment was very strict about pets, or lack thereof. In my current apartment I have come up with some ways to keep my cat Ziggy very happy and my apartment very clean!
- Litter mat! Keeps kitty paws clean and litter from leaving its designated area from within the litter box!
- Pet friendly Deodorizer (spray or powder) The powder kind you can sprinkle in the litter after you clean it to help keep kitty odor to a minimum!
- Brush your pet! Not only is it a nice way to bond with your pet, but it helps keep the fur and pet dander levels down in your apartment!
These are just a few things that I have picked up that have helped me. I’ll let you know if I happen to come up with some others. Or let me know if you have any good ideas for me!
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