Unfortunately, for many pet owners who live in New York City with their furry companions, finding suitable housing can be quite a task. In New York City, finding a pet-friendly apartment isn't always straightforward, and it necessitates a full grasp of the laws and regulations that make it challenging to live with a pet. It is, however, crucial to know these details before settling down in a particular area or apartment, as landlords are less likely to accept pets unless they are constrained by state laws and regulations. This article aims to explore some of the specific rules and guidelines surrounding pet-friendly apartments in New York City.
Landlords usually have specific rules about the types of pets allowed in their apartments. Most apartments tend to disapprove of breeds such as Rottweilers and Pitbulls, which are perceived as more aggressive. Even smaller breeds can be banned if they tend to be disturbing or loud, or if they tend to bite others. Generally, only pets like cats and small dog breeds are allowed in apartments. In rare cases, however, tenants may be allowed to keep more than one pet or large dog breeds. However, they typically have to pay higher monthly rent or additional deposits. Some buildings may have varying standards and criteria for restricting pets, from weight to breed to the number of dogs allowed. Hence, it's essential to research specific buildings and locations before you decide to settle down with your pet.
Certain regions within New York City tend to be more pet-friendly than others. For example, the Upper West Side, the Financial District, and the Upper East Side, frequently have pet-friendly apartments. Hence, it's crucial to factor in the neighborhood you plan to live in when exploring pet-friendly accommodations.
State laws in New York City have definitions and specific criteria for various types of pets, such as service animals or emotional support animals. As such, the landlord cannot legally charge fees or deny accommodation to such pets. For instance, service animals can perform specific tasks for the persons that require their services. Guide dogs assist people with visual impairments, while hearing dogs help the hearing-impaired. Emotional support animals are also explicitly trained to handle specific conditions in people, such as anxiety, PTSD or depression.
Moreover, it is crucial to note that according to NYC law, if you've had your pet living with you for three months continuously, the landlord cannot ask you to remove the pet. However, to qualify for this law, the pet must have been declared and living openly. In other words, you cannot attempt to hide the pet from the landlord to qualify for this law.
The most important thing you can do as a renter with a pet is to reach out to your prospective landlord and confirm what their pet policy is. Some landlords may be more accommodating than others, but no landlords will be happy with a renter knowingly violating the pet policy of the apartment building.
To increase your chances of having your pet accepted, make sure to have the following information ready: pet breed, pet weight, vaccination status and documents. With these in place, you are best positioned to make a case to your landlord that your pet will not be a nuisance for management or for other tenants.
In conclusion, finding pet-friendly apartments in New York City can be a challenging task, but it's achievable with enough research and information. Prospective renters or owners must understand the laws, rules, and regulations set by owners or landlords regarding pet-friendly accommodation. It's also essential to know the specific breed restrictions and exotics a particular building or owner may have, as well as the costs involved. By keeping these things in mind, pet owners can find good homes for their furry friends.