Moving - have questions about pet friendly apartments

[Kiara1125]

I am bringing my service dog and two cats with me when I move. The dog obviously isn't an issue and I will be paying a pet deposit for the two cats. My question is about Pepper ... the apartment still hasn't answered my question nor numerous phone calls, so I'm hoping someone here can help me.

Obviously this apartment is pet-friendly. My question is will they allow birds? Do you think they'll charge a deposit (several other places have tried)? Also, if I end up just bringing Pepper anyway, do they have the right to evict me if they do not mention birds onto their lease (whether they're allowed or not)?

I'm hoping someone can provide some insight.

Added info: I'm moving from FL to NC via car. It will be an 11 hour drive. I'm also wondering how to prepare Pepper for the move. She is only a year old, so I'm worried. We haven't had her for long. A good friend of ours is very sick, so she gave us Pepper. If things continue to decline then we will be taking her dog and cat as well. I'm hoping for the best with her, though.

 

[Birdman666]

Small Birds didn't even count on the lease when I was renting. I did put down a pet deposit for my large macaws and amazons. (Once there were more than two, they made me pay extra.) You will have already paid your pet deposit on your other animals, so it probably won't make a difference.

But ask them before signing, and get it in writing, or it doesn't mean a thing. A verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's (not) printed on these days... and the small print on a lot of those leases these days says disregard everything the salesperson told you, what matters is what's in writing here, and it may be RADICALLY DIFFERENT from what they told you.

READ THE CONTRACTS CAREFULLY!

 

[Kiara1125]

Thank you! I'm hoping (since it's such a large jump) that I can get everything done through email and print out a copy of the confirmation with the bird. We want to basically pay ahead of time so we will have the apartment and we just have to drive up and move our things in. It's difficult trying to find an apartment (and get everything set in stone) when it's so far away. Plus, this will be my first time renting an apartment and I'm so nervous.

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

I am a property manager in Oregon (not sure of the laws in the state you are moving to) but here even the smallest parrotlet is considered a "pet" and would be charged a deposit and pet rent. We also have a maximum number of animals allowed per apartment. We happen to allow birds, but I know of a lot of apartments and management companies that do NOT allow birds big or small. I would make sure you continue to call and call and call, and if the manager of the community doesn't get back to you, call the corporate office and ask for the "regional manager" of that specific community and get answers before you move.

And yes, if they don't allow birds or have a maximum number of "pets" allowed and you violate either "rule" you can be evicted.

If that company doesn't allow birds or if the bird would put you over the allowed number of pets go to your doctor and have them write you a letter for a companion animal and take that to your landlord (I believe all 50 states have to abide by the companion animal rules and can not discriminate or have rules about what animal you choose to have for a companion nor can they charge you ANYTHING for deposits or pet rent for a companion animal.)

 

[Aquila]

I live in PA and am a renter, though my boyfriend's mother is the property owner, I still go through a realty corp, and even though they had various rules about other animals, nothing about saying I couldn't have them, so I just never said anything. No one ever complained at my old place or where I am now so there's been no issues, so you can really make your own call if necessary.

And although I'm not really an advocate of lying, you can say it was a relative's pet that passed and it was unexpected. One of my old work managers used that before, since no one usually questions deaths.

 

[RavensGryf]

When I rented, and would look to move, I found it was very easy, as many apartments out here do NOT count birds as a pet. Birds are exempt from pet rent in every experience I've had, and it was over many years. They're mainly concerned with dogs and cats. I had up to 3 birds at several apartments, and larger ones than now. No problems getting in (no noise problems either). I have only ever rented from management companies. I've found private owners to be much more picky.

 

[SilverSage]

First of all I want you to consider this; the property belongs to them. It is theirs, they are allowing you to use it. You and they need to have a clear understanding of the terms of that agreement. Ask about the bird, get it in writing. Oh, and I suggest using words and phrases like "bird" "small bird" and "cage bird." Don't say "Conure" unless they ask the type, and for the love of common sense don't use the word "Parrot" under any circumstances! People hear that word and imagine cockatoos and macaws screaming their heads off. I'm assuming you already have a plan for how to be a good neighbor in an apartment with that many pets?

In my experience renting, most people either say "no birds" or laugh that you think they would count, but don't get yourself in trouble by making assumptions. Yes, they CAN evict you if you violate your lease by having an extra pet. They also can charge pet deposits and pet rent unless your bird is a prescribed service animal or emotional support animal (NOT the same thing, as I'm sure you know). Even if the bird is a registered ESA, they can evict you or him if he is ruining the quality of life of those around you. Oh, and if the building has four or fewer units and the land lord lives on post, then they don't have to make accommodations for an ESA anyway.

 

[cnyguy]

At the pet-friendly apartment complex where I live, residents aren't charged extra for birds. Other complexes in my area (near Syracuse, New York) that are supposedly pet friendly don't allow birds at all, just dogs and cats , and at least one complex allows only indoor cats.

 

[Kiara1125]

Thank you everyone for the help. I've sent emails and left voice messages, so I hope that someone returns my calls. I will certainly keep people updated in case if new members or guests ever run across this thread in the future.

 

[jasper19]

I am actually a landlord, with my own personal rentals, and rentals managed for others.

I would just read the lease carefully, and see if birds are mentioned. It is typically just cats and dogs.

I personally do not even think about birds, hamsters, snakes, fish, etc....when considering whether they should have to pay a pet deposit, really only cats and dogs for me. It would only become an issue if it disturbed other tenants, like constant screaming or something.

It would be best to check with them first however before moving in. If they say X number of pets. And you don't ask if your bird counts as a pet...and they find out you have it might not be a good scenario. Moving with pets is tough, especially in the city i live. That is why i allow dogs, many places don't.

 

[allengold]

It sounds lovely! I've seen a lot of dog friendly holiday Rentals advertised perhaps you could ring around and ask .To be honest , I've always thought people paid the going rate and the dogs were free .

 

[RavensGryf]

I'm closing this thread now. The OP hasn't been back since they first asked their question .