I have mixed feelings about this. On the one side, I completely feel for the landlord and I think it was really unfair what they did to him and he should not be fined. I completely understand why he had a no pets policy and why many other landlords have the same rule.
On the otherhand, there is a no win situation for renters and landlords. It is hard to find a place to rent that allows animals. That is because people abuse the priveladge and their pets end up destroying or doing alot of damage to the apartments. Yet for those of us who take good care of our pets and the place we are renting, it makes it hard for us to get a place to rent because of the few people who let their pets do damage to the place which ruins are chances of being allowed to have pets and rent. How can a landlord determine whether you will be an excellent renter who takes care of the place and your pets from those who don't??
I use to live in a housing complex, very nice houses, all brand new. When we were going through the process to rent the place they did not allow animals, especially no dogs. I asked them to make an exception as I had my cocker who I have had for many years and there was no way I could part with her. So they did make an exception and even changed their rule to where you were allowed one dog 25 pounds and under, that was the weight of my cocker. Well we took very good care of the place of course with no damages or anything, you woulden't have known there was ever a dog there. Our landlord even fell in love with my cocker, most people do. When we moved, we got all of our deposit back and very good compliments and references stating how well we took care of the place and our pets. They even said they would be more than happy to have us back if we ever wanted to move back.
However, the story was completely different with the house next to us. They had a dog too. But they did not take care of the place and let the dog ruin it. When they moved out, the landlord found poop and stains everywhere, carpet was worn from frequent digging in certain places, woodwork was chewed and some drywall was chewed as well.
So, there was two houses beside each other that both had dogs. One house was left in perfect condition and the other was ruined by a dog and cost them alot of money for the repairs. There was no way the landlord would have been able to know that these people would do this. Unless you have good references where you rented before and owned a pet, the landlord is taking a chance by letting you have a pet. So I understand the landlord's view point but because of people who have dogs who neglect the place they are renting, they make it harder for us responsible dog owners to be able to rent. It is all really unfair. Why can't everyone who has a dog that rents take care of the place?!?
Sorry, this is longer than I thought. I just had to express my opinion on this no win situation. |