Before we move into the details, we provide renter friendly dog fences that you could even build yourself. Use one of the options above to either buy your own dog fence or contact us for some advice.
When you own a home, your homeowner’s insurance covers liability and medical payments if your dog bites someone on your property. There’s a chance that claims may not be approved if you’ve never told insurance that you have a dog. Some breeds are often excluded from policies. Often, it’s the breeds considered dangerous like pit bulls, chow chows, German shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, malamutes, etc.
When a homeowner rents out a property, these considerations cannot be ignored. Renting to a dog you don’t know can cause anxiety, especially if previous tenants weren’t responsible. As a dog owner, you want to show your landlord that you’re different. Your dog is well-behaved, responsive to commands, and loves everyone.
Even if you’re allowed to move in with your dog, your landlord is going to be extra cautious about your dog’s behavior. Generally, landlords are not responsible for a tenant’s dog’s behavior. However, a landlord could be held liable if they knew the dog was dangerous and allowed the dog to remain or if the landlord took part in the dog’s care.
As there is a risk, many landlords do not allow pets. Even if the dog is friendly, dogs can cause damage to carpeting, flooring, walls, and furnishings. A dog may chew items, have accidents or not be properly housebroken, or knock items over breaking windows, putting holes in walls, or damaging antiques. Even with insurance, damage to personal items is not always covered. Any landlord who rents to dog owners has to consider this.
You’ve found a landlord who is willing to discuss the possibility of renting to you even though you have a dog. You need to work with your landlord to make sure everyone in the building or multi-family home is happy with the arrangement. Here are the factors you need to consider.
Trained Service Dogs Must Be Allowed
Sometimes, a landlord is not allowed to refuse an animal. If your pet is a service animal, your landlord cannot refuse to let you move in. The ADA does not consider emotional support animals under their guidelines, but under the Fair Housing Act, emotional support animals can qualify under the “reasonable accommodations” rule.
You have to submit a written request and any information that supports your claim that you have a disability. If you don’t have it, that doesn’t mean you won’t be allowed. Landlords still have to consider your request unless they can prove undue hardship (financially or with administration), serious damage to the property is certain, or it will significantly alter the landlord’s business.
If your animal is a trained service dog, it:
- Must be housebroken
- Kept under control at all times (voice or leash)
- Vaccinated and licensed per state and local laws
While your prospective landlord has to allow your service dog, you could take steps to ease the transition. Most importantly, make sure your landlord is able to meet your dog and see exactly how your dog helps you.
Be a Good Tenant By Showing Responsibility
When you have a dog that’s not a service dog at all, you need to show your landlord that you’re responsible. Clean up after your pet. Keep a small covered metal trash bin outside near your door. Use compostable pet waste bags and clean up as soon as your dog is done. Tie the bag up and put it in the trash bin. You can empty that bin each week when you take out your trash.
Make sure you’ve introduced your dog to your landlord. If your landlord also uses the yard or has other tenants that like to spend time outside, talk to your landlord about flexible dog fencing.
If you offer to pay for a fence for part of the yard, your dog has a safe space to roam. Your dog won’t be able to run up to people, which can be alarming if a person is scared of dogs or has allergies to animal dander. Even if your dog is friendly, you don’t know how comfortable a neighbor or person walking down the road is with a strange dog. Fencing in your dog takes everyone into consideration, which also makes your landlord happy.
Here’s the issue with fencing. Your landlord won’t want a partial fence in the backyard. Plus, it’s unlikely your landlord will want to pay to put up a fence. You should offer to fence the area using flexible fencing that can be taken down when you move. Pet Playgrounds has DIY flexible fencing that’s ideal for strengthening a landlord-tenant bond.
What Is DIY Flexible Fencing?
Pet Playgrounds’ flexible dog fencing is strong, weatherproof, and can be taken down with ease. You do not dig holes to install fence posts. It’s also not an eyesore as the black mesh fence blends in with the surroundings.
Start by pricing your flexible dog fence. Measure out the size of the area you want to fence. A 25 x 25’ fence would give your dog 625 sq. ft. of space to run around. You need to choose how tall you want that fence. Options are 5’, 6’, or 7’. If you want a durable fence for a stronger breed or an avid chewer, the MAX fences are perfect. They include rubber-coated steel wire fencing that stands up to the most vigorous chewer.
The fencing is flexible and can be attached to posts that fit in sleeves you drive into the ground every 15’ (MAX) or 20’. If you run into rocks or tree roots and need to move fence posts a couple of feet, it’s fine. You don’t have to dig holes or pour concrete. You can also attach the fencing to trees.
The mesh fencing is secured to the posts and trees using hog rings, tools are included, and a guidewire is at the top to hold the fence up. If you ever need to take it down, reverse the process you used when you installed it.
Unlike traditional wood or vinyl fences, Pet Playgrounds’ flexible dog fences have a section that lays flat against the ground. It’s secured with stakes until the grass grows through the mesh to secure it. This section of mesh fencing prevents digging. Your dog is unlikely to escape the fence due to this, and the flexible mesh is also difficult to climb or jump over.
Flexible mesh fence keeps your dog in. The other tenants aren’t going to be pestered by your dog, and those who are nervous have peace of mind that your dog is secured. Your landlord won’t have to worry about your dog running around or chasing a mail carrier, package delivery driver, or pedestrian walking by.
Be sure to ask your landlord about a temporary flexible pet fence. Chances are your landlord will love the idea, and it also establishes a great tenant-landlord relationship for the months or years you plan to live there.
Visit Pet Playgrounds and price your small dog fence. Our kits come with everything you need, including the post sleeves, posts, hardware, top wire, and most tools. If you have questions, please reach out to our customer support team. We’re happy to help you with your flexible fence design.
