A happy dog enjoying play timeRenters who have a dog or more than one dog may face additional challenges when renting an apartment or a house. One of the primary challenges the renters may face is finding a living situation which is acceptable to them and also willing to accept their pets. This can be difficult as many rental properties do not allow dogs at all. Those who do allow animals on the property may place certain restrictions on they size and breed of dog which may reside on the property.
Finding an Acceptable Living Situation
The first step in renting with dogs is to find an acceptable living situation. For those who wish to rent with dogs, the first question to be asked should be whether or not dogs are allowed to live on the property. This is important because it can save the renter a great deal of time. The renter may otherwise invest a great deal of time learning more about the property or even undergoing a credit check only to find out pet are not permitted.
Condo Alexandria Associate "Foxy" greets visitors
For some dog owners, finding a rental situation which allows dogs is not the end of the search. The renter should also confirm the type of dog he owns will be allowed to live on the property. This may include both the size of the dog as well as the breed as some apartment complexes place limitations on the size of the dog and also prohibit certain breeds. Again confirming these facts early in the search for an apartment can be a tremendous time savings especially for those who own large or commonly banned breeds.
Renters should also consider the surrounding area when selecting a rental property. An ideal location would be one in which there is an adequate location to walk and exercise the dogs. Areas with large grassy areas may be ideal while areas which do not have a location to walk a dog may be problematic.
Read Contracts Carefully
Renters who have dogs should read their contract carefully before making a decision to rent a particular property. This is important because many landlords may impose restrictions on renters who own dogs. These restrictions may include, but are not limited to, requiring an additional security deposit for the renter, requiring specific cleaning methods on the carpets after the renter vacates the apartment and holding the renter responsible if the dog engages in nuisance barking. Nuisance barking can be a problem in apartment situations where the apartments are located close together and even share a common wall. Renters should be aware that in some situations, nuisance barking can be a cause for eviction. For these reasons, renters who own dogs should take the time to familiarize themselves with the rental contract.
Take Care of Your Rental Property
Grover has lunch
Finally, renters who have dogs may have to take additional efforts to maintain their apartment. This may include more diligent cleaning, especially of the carpets. Renters with dogs should respond quickly to accidents in the house to minimize the possibility of permanent staining and odors. Each accident should be addressed immediately and every effort should be made to clean the affected area completely.
Renters with dogs should also vacuum regularly especially if their dog is a heavy shedder. This will help to keep the living environment cleaner and will also minimize the amount of cleaning required when the renter vacates the property. Regularly vacuuming will prevent hair from being embedded into the carpet so deeply that it is difficult to remove.
Finally, renters with dogs should take care to pick up after their dogs while on walks and to keep their dogs leashed while in common areas. Many cities have leash laws and laws regarding picking up after dogs. Even if these laws are not in effect, renters should follow these policies as a courtesy to their neighbors. Additionally, keeping dogs on leashes during walks helps to ensure their safety by preventing them from running into the street.
Featured Rentals
This extraordinary luxury condo in the Verse boasts the most spectacular, panoramic distant views in all of McLean and is priced to rent! With over 1800 sq ft of living space occupying a corner of the Verse, you have an open floor plan with oversized areas for your living, dining, and kitchen activities filled with light from the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround you. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows is a wrap-around balcony with plenty of space for outdoor living. The condo has two large bedrooms with en-suite baths, a den, and a powder room. Both bedrooms have large bathrooms filled with Calcutta marble and frameless glass features that most people only dream of having, plus fantastic walk-in closets. The kitchen is beautifully designed for the serious chef with a gas cooktop and top-of-the-line appliances concealed behind custom Italian cabinetry. A large island provides seating for others. The laundry room is equipped with full-size washer and dryer and shelving. Two indoor parking spaces and a storage space complete this unique property. The Verse offers all the luxury amenities you would expect and so much more. There is 24-hour concierge services, beautiful entry lobby, and multiple public spaces for parties or solitary quiet time. There is also a unique one-acre outdoor Skypark with seating areas, cooking grills, and counter-height refrigerators for outdoor entertainment. In addition to a pool for swimming and lounging in the sun and a first-class fitness facility, the Verse has a pet spa and guest suites. The Verse Condominium is located in the heart of the Tysons Boro district, close to the Silver-Line Metro stop and filled with restaurants, shops, movie theaters and its own Whole Foods. Luxury living has been redefined in unit 2201 of the Verse! [The Boro Tysons - $5,590]
Gorgeous end-unit brick townhouse with 1-car garage in desirable Middleford. ** Beautiful hardwood floors on the main level and in the bedrooms. Park in the garage or driveway, walk into the lower level with rec room and half bath. Upstairs you have the main living area with hardwoods, bay window, kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops, a deck, and a half bath. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms plus a loft with carpet in the primary bedroom. ** Crown molding, chair rail, skylights, large closets, and thoughtful lighting finish this home. ** Excellent location! ** 5 min to groceries, 10 min to Whole Foods, 10 min to Springfield Town Center (restaurants, mall, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot), 10 min to Burke Lake Park (golf, boating, fishing, train ride), 20 min to Fort Belvoir, 22 min to Pentagon, 18 min to George Mason University, 10 min to Franconia-Springfield Metro. Welcome! Video walkthrough available. [Middleford - $3,300]
Welcome to a lovely, spacious, light-filled townhouse with new hardwood floors, new carpet, airy bedrooms with vaulted ceilings, walk-in closet, soaking tub, and dual vanities. Cozy fireplace in rec room. Walk out to patio for BBQ and sunshine. Adjacent to Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail, the famous 40-mile-long walking trail that stretches across Fairfax County. Near Franconia-Springfield Metro station, Springfield Town Center, Whole Foods, Starbucks, Lake Accotink Park, golf, shopping, and more! Unedited live or recorded video walkthrough available upon request. [Westhaven - $3,000]
READY FOR MOVE IN 6/10/24 Beautiful sunny 1 Bedroom with Den and 1 Bath condo. Renovated with stunning hardwood floors, Gourmet kitchen w/breakfast bar. Brand new Kitchen Cabinets and Granite counter top with backsplash, freshly painted and cleaned . Great views convenient same level laundry room & plenty of parking. and also 2 assigned parking. Close to Ben Brenman Park, Beatley Library, three miles from PTO & King St. Metro, close to Hoffman movie theater and Old Town Alexandria. Near 395 and Washington DC. Secure building on bus line and bike path. Outdoor pool, exercise room and sauna and also game room. Great location, Rent $1700. Owner pays all utilities Tenant pays only phone and cable TV. [Forty Six Hundred - $1,700]
Julie Nesbitt is an ABR who has served buyers in some of Alexandria’s most exclusive neighborhoods. She is a top producing agent who has listed and sold property in Northern Virginia. In addition to helping folks buy, sell and rent property in Northern Virginia, Julie is the primary administrator of the property management services performed by Nesbitt Realty and Condo Alexandria. Call Julie at (703)765-0300.
