Finding a home in Hawaii can be a challenge. Buyers have more choices now than ever, but when you own pets, you face special challenges. Let’s discuss some of the concerns relating to living with and moving with your animal friends. What are the main issues finding a home to rent or purchase with your pets and getting settled?
We Love Animals
Hawaii is a pet-loving state. Have you noticed the many shops cropping up around Oahu, which cater to pet owners? Whether you want to purchase, neuter, board, exercise, train, groom, or even cremate you pet, there are businesses that specialize. There are so many benefits to sharing your life with animals, but there are those who are not interested or capable of caring for an animal. Landlords, roommates, neighbors, and condo associations also have opinions and rules about pet ownership. Finding a home where your pets will be welcome and comfortable can be a challenge especially if you are a renter, so be sure to plan carefully before you make your move. Your animals’ needs should always be taken into account as you sort through your own housing choices.
Not For Everyone
It takes time and money, day after day, to properly care for animals. Cats and dogs live for 10 years or more depending on the breed; some birds live far longer. It is a long-term commitment that requires careful thought. Pets are not hobbies you can pick up when you have time, or accessories to dress up and show off.
Quarantined! Our infamous animal quarantine laws have been changed so that with enough advance planning, quarantine can be avoided entirely for animals moving to Hawaii. This makes relocating to the Islands much easier on the people and animals alike. Be sure to check the details on the Hawaii state web site – http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ai_aqs_info.htm. Remember that most exotic animals are prohibited entirely.
Rental Issues
It can be very difficult to find a landlord willing to rent to a tenant with animals. This is partially due to ignorance but you can also thank the small percentage of pet owners who are irresponsible and support stereotyped images of the stinky carpets, torn screens, and piles of animal waste they leave behind when they move.
Property owners, landlords and managers are wise to consider allowing pets in their rentals. Responsible pet owners make excellent residents. They must search harder for a place to live, so pet caregivers are more likely to stay put. Lower vacancy rates can mean lower costs and fewer headaches for landlords and real estate agents.
Why Landlords Worry
It’s important to understand some of the issues involved when pet owners are busy, careless, or downright inconsiderate. Almost everyone has experienced at least one of the following problems:
Fleas – inside and outside
Noise from whining or barking dogs and screeching birds
Odors from pets and their waste
Roaming dogs and cats that spray
Aggressive dogs that may nip, bite, or attack
Digging and other landscaping damage
Nuisance created by feeding wild animals especially
Neglected animals left tied up or alone too long
Most animals and their owners are careful and conscientious about caring for their animals. The few who are not have created a monster for the rest of us to deal with. Read on for tips on how to convince a landlord that you will be a good tenant along with your pets.
Finding a Pet-Friendly Rental
Since there are often more people looking for a rental than there are properties to rent, expect to answer a landlord’s objections. Plan a strategy – you will need to sell yourself as a responsible pet owner, someone who will go overboard to insure that there are no animal-related problems. These tips are summarized from the American Humane Society:
1. Understand the issues. Put yourself in the slippers of a landlord or property manager for a moment: They may have had bad experiences with irresponsible pet owners who didn't safely confine their animals or pick up their waste, sneaked pets in, or left ruined carpets and drapes when they moved out. They may be worried about complaints from neighbors about barking dogs and wonder how they are going to deal effectively with pet owners if problems arise. All these concerns are legitimate.
2. Allow Time. Start looking early. Ask everyone you know. Watch for ads and contact real estate agents and rental agencies at least six weeks before your lease expires.
3. Do Your Homework. Contact the Humane Society for a list of apartment communities that allow pets. If you know any real estate agents, rental agents, or resident managers who own pets themselves or who share your love of animals, ask them for leads.
4. Don’t Fight City Hall. Focus on places that allow most pets, or that don't say, "No Pets Allowed." Many communities have firm “no pets” rules so don’t bother to try to persuade a landlord or agent there. Ideally, look for a community with appropriate pet-keeping guidelines that specify resident obligations. That's the kind of place where pet owners are more welcome because they know that other neighbors there also are committed to being responsible residents.
The Hawaiian Humane Society has a list of condominiums that allow pets. You can view this up-to-date list, along with other useful information, on their excellent web site at http://www.hawaiianhumane.org/. Remember that even if a building or complex allows pets, an individual owner may still choose to prohibit them from his property.
5. Get Political. There are always limits on the type and number of pets that are allowed in any residential property. Don’t push the envelope. These restrictions are for everyone’s welfare including the animals. If you are a condo owner and you want to change your building’s policy, get on the Board of Directors. Prepare to educate the other owners about why they should choose more animal-friendly policies. If you really want to make a difference, lobby your state legislators to change the Landlord-Tenant Code to allow landlords to collect a Pet Deposit. Since they can’t legally do so now, landlords feel very vulnerable in the event of damage by a pet.
6. Prove Yourself. The more documentation you can provide showing that you are a responsible pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord. Compile the following documents:
A letter of reference from your current landlord or condominium association verifying that you are a responsible pet owner.
Written proof that your adult dog has completed a training class, or that your puppy is enrolled in one.
A letter from your veterinarian stating that you have been diligent in your pet's medical care. Supply documentation that your pet has been spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies. Neutered pets are healthier, calmer, and far less likely to be a nuisance to neighbors.
Note from your mother stating that you always kept your room tidy and the litter box clean when you were a kid (just kidding)
7. Go To The Top. If you are asking for permission to have a pet, make your request to the individual or group with the ultimate authority to grant your request. Usually this will be the owner of the house. The owner may, however, delegate the decision to a property manager or resident manager. You may also need to submit a written request to the building's board of directors (or association, in the case of a condominium community).
8. Keep It Clean. Let the landlord, manager, or condominium board know that you share any concerns about cleanliness. Point out that your pet is housetrained or litter-box trained. Emphasize that you always clean up after your dog outdoors and that you always properly dispose of your pet's waste.
9. Promote yourself. If you are a responsible renter with good references, make a pitch for yourself. If a landlord likes you, there is a better chance of convincing him to give you and your pet a try. Let prospective landlords and managers know that you understand that living with a companion animal is a privilege, not a right.
10. Promote your pet. Offer to bring your pet to meet the owner or property manager, or invite the landlord to visit you and your pet in your current home. A cute photo is another easier way. Emphasize that the same pride you take in caring for your pet extends to taking care of your home. Agree to sign a Pet Addendum to your rental agreement, specifying your responsibility to maintain your pet and the property free of fleas. Provide written proof that your pet is spayed or neutered and is, therefore, healthier, calmer, and less likely to be a nuisance.
If you really want to go the extra mile, draw up a résumé for yourself and your pet complete with photos and references. This is guaranteed to make a positive impression!
11. Pay a little more. If all else fails, tell your prospective landlord or resident manager that you are willing to pay a bit more rent. Unfortunately, Hawaii law forbids an extra security deposit to cover any damages your pet might make to the property – this is a big concern for landlords. The cost of replacing carpets or drapes can far exceed the allowable security deposit.
12. Get it in writing. Once you have been given permission by a landlord, manager, or condominium committee to have a pet, be sure to get it in writing. Sign a pet addendum to your rental agreement. Comprehensive agreements protect people, property, and the pets themselves. Request a copy of any house rules pertaining to pets. Let the landlord know that you will abide by the rules set for the broader community and respect the concerns of residents who do not own pets.
13. Be honest. Don't try to sneak your pet in. Keeping an animal in violation of a no-pets rule contributes to the general inclination of landlords not to allow pets. You also may be subject to possible eviction or other legal action.
There is additional information from the American Humane Society at http://www.americanhumane.org/, which I used in this article.
Moving Thoughts
Once you and your pets have finally found a new home, follow these recommendations to keep your animal companion safe on moving day.
Invest in a high-quality, sturdy pet carrier. If you have a dog or cat that you want to keep safely confined on moving day, get a carrier ahead of time and gradually accustom your pet to spending time in it. Remember to follow the house rules for use of hallways, elevators, and recreation areas.
Purchase a new ID tag for your pet. As soon as you know your new address, get a pet ID tag that includes your new address and telephone number(s). An up-to-date ID tag is a lost pet's ticket home.
Prepare your new home. Take with you all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need from day one in your new home: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, food and water bowls, and health records. Also have on hand a recent photo of your pet, for use if your pet becomes lost. It’s a good idea to keep your cat confined indoors for up to a week or better yet, keep him inside permanently for safety’s sake.
Talk to the neighbors. Let them know that you have pets and what they look like. Exchange phone numbers. This will really help if a pet gets lost or creates a commotion inside your home when you are away. It also lets them know that you will be a good neighbor in your new home.
Feel free to email me at stephanieg@remax.net with any of your questions or concerns about animal-related housing issues. I grew up with every kind of animal from snakes and frogs to birds, fish, cats, and dogs. As a Realtor and devoted owner of dogs, cats, fish, and the occasional rescued wild bird, I care about finding homes for all Hawaii's creatures.
Copyright 2009 Stephanie Gieseler. All rights reserved. Honolulu, Hawaii
