Violating the no-pet rule in an apartment

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I’m living in a condo that has a strict no-pet policy. My roommate bought a dog for her boyfriend who lives in a different state. It’s going to be a service dog for him. She’ll be taking the dog to him in a few days, but in the meantime the dog is staying in our apartment. I told her that while I’d love to have the dog stay with us for a few days, I don’t want to violate the terms of our lease. She’s catholic as well, and I told her that this is a moral isse and that to keep the dog in our apartment in violation of our lease agreeement is a sin. Because both of us won’t be home for most of the day, she said the dog will be staying in a different apartment for the majority of the day. However, it will be here in our apartment in the evening and overnight. I guess my question is how big of a deal should I make this to be? If this weren’t a moral issue, I’d be ok with her keeping the dog in the apartment for a couple of days. But, I don’t want to be cooperating in sin, even if this would be considered a minor sin. The real issue I’m dealing with is what is my obligation in this situation? Have I done enough to just let her know how I feel about this, and if she decides to keep the dog for a few days, then that’s her choice and I’ve done my part? Or is there more that I’m obligated to do- such as ask her to stay in another apartment with the dog for the duration of the time the dog’s here?
 
Don’t let her keep the dog. I work in apartment management and while you won’t be evicted for it if you’re caught (provided you remove the animal) the incident will go in your file and the next place you try to rent from will be told about it. It could also be grounds for forfeiture of your deposit.

I suggest she speak with management about the issue. They may let it stay for a few days since its just visiting. If not then she needs to find another place for it.
 
I forgot to mention that I did ask her to clear it with the landlord first, but she said that she couldn’t do that because he’s out of the country at the moment.
 
mariagoretti24 said:
I forgot to mention that I did ask her to clear it with the landlord first, but she said that she couldn’t do that because he’s out of the country at the moment.
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Bad bad bad idea. She would need the permission in writing to cover her own butt.
 
The best situation for everyone would be to board the dog at a kennel that has good references. Since it’s only for a few days the expense wouldn’t be that much plus you wouldn’t have to be concerned about being dishonest to your current landlord. Nor, should you move in the future your references wouldn’t reflect the fact that you violated your agreement at your current location.
 
rtodaro said:
The best situation for everyone would be to board the dog at a kennel that has good references. Since it’s only for a few days the expense wouldn’t be that much plus you wouldn’t have to be concerned about being dishonest to your current landlord. Nor, should you move in the future your references wouldn’t reflect the fact that you violated your agreement at your current location.
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This.
 
I would have asked the landlord beforehand. He might have been willing to let you keep the dog there since this is only temporary, as long as the dog is quiet and doesn’t do any damage. I had a landlord who would let me dog-sit for my parents’ dog as long as it wasn’t for more than one week at a time. But the safest bet would be to take the dog to a good kennel, as others have suggested.
 
I don’t think that your roommate gave much thought to the issue. Not only has your roommate placed herself at risk for not getting a good reference from your current landlord in the future, but she has placed you at risk as well… which was not especially considerate.

She should have discussed the matter with you (as well as your landlord) before she brought the dog into your apartment.

Additionally, there’s always the possibility that her plans might not work out as she anticipates, which might require that you keep the dog in your apartment for an additional amount of time. Again it puts you at risk.

I think that placing the dog in a kennel is the prudent thing to do. As this was your roommates decision in the first place (and not yours) any expenses incurred would be her responsibility.
 
I know this is an old post but it came up on the list of topics in this week’s email.

Wait, wait, wait :). I think before we worry about a moral problem, everyone should take a step back and determine just exactly what the rule is.

“No pets” does not necessarily mean that a dog visiting for a day or two is a problem.

Where I live, there is even a regulation, I believe a state regulation, that exempts visiting dogs/cats from a no-pet rule. They are not the “pets” of the tenant, but merely visitors.

The boarding is also a good idea if it is only for a few days and especially if the dog will be left alone, it would be best for the dog’s safety and mental state as well.

They could do day boarding - and pick up the dog at night - if the visit is not a problem.

It’s usually better to board with a vet - that way if the dog has a medical problem unexpectedly, there will be a trained person to assist.

They should make sure all vaccinations are up to date, make sure they have the dog’s normal food, and probably should give the dog bottled water. Any abrupt change in water or food can cause diarrhea.

Just fyi…
 
Also, another very important point was missed.

SERVICE DOGS ARE EXEMPT FROM ANY NO-PET POLICY.

SERVICE DOGS, BY LAW, MUST BE ALLOWED, EVERYWHERE.

This doggie is a “service dog”, so there is no problem! 🙂
 
OCCathFemale said:
Also, another very important point was missed.

SERVICE DOGS ARE EXEMPT FROM ANY NO-PET POLICY.

SERVICE DOGS, BY LAW, MUST BE ALLOWED, EVERYWHERE.

This doggie is a “service dog”, so there is no problem! 🙂
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WRONG! No no no. A resident who needs a service dog is allowed to have one as per fair housing laws. The law does not protect people who want to own service dogs to train or allow them to visit unless the person who needs the dog is also visiting.
 
Thanks for the responses and advice. Having the dog in a kennel would be the ideal situation, but she wouldn’t be open to that due to the cost.

I guess what I’m looking for is just knowing how morally culpable I am. I know that my roommate has put herself and myself financially at risk and hasn’t acted very considerately. However, I’m more interested in knowing at this point what my moral obligation is than practically how to fix the situation. Honestly, I’m tired of confrontation and if I can let this pass with a clear conscience, then that’s really all I’m looking for at this point.
SERVICE DOGS ARE EXEMPT FROM ANY NO-PET POLICY.
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SERVICE DOGS, BY LAW, MUST BE ALLOWED, EVERYWHERE.
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This doggie is a “service dog”, so there is no problem!
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Unfortunately, like BlueEyedLady said, even though he is a service dog, because the person who the service dog is for is not here at the apartment, the dog wouldn’t be exempt from the no-pet clause.
Where I live, there is even a regulation, I believe a state regulation, that exempts visiting dogs/cats from a no-pet rule. They are not the “pets” of the tenant, but merely visitors.
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What state is this? I’m in Texas… I did a google search but couldn’t find any information on whether a visiting dog would be exempt. I have a feeling the dog wouldn’t be exempt though, since this condo is owned by an individual, and the lease is pretty clear on not having pets in the condo. It would be nice if I were wrong about this and it turns out visiting pets would be allowed.
 
Dogs are good. God Himself loves dogs. Your roommate is right, and there is nothing immoral about breaking an immoral regulation. Banning dogs is clearly immoral. If they throw you out, then just offer it up. Remember, All Dogs Go To Heaven. In fact, the Church could use a few Border Collies to get back the 85% (+/-) of the sheep who have gone astray . . .

Semper Fidelis,

JS
 
SgtMajUSMCR said:
Dogs are good. God Himself loves dogs. Your roommate is right, and there is nothing immoral about breaking an immoral regulation. Banning dogs is clearly immoral. If they throw you out, then just offer it up. Remember, All Dogs Go To Heaven. In fact, the Church could use a few Border Collies to get back the 85% (+/-) of the sheep who have gone astray . . .

Semper Fidelis,

JS
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I have to respectfully disagree and advise the OP to follow the suggestions of other posters vis a vis finding alternate lodging and determining what the actual rule is. At any rate, the “no pets” clause is on your lease. A lease is a contract; that is, you have given your word to abide by the rules therein. The clause exists in the lease to protect the landlord’s property, and we as Catholics are called to respect that.
 
mariagoretti24 said:
I’m living in a condo that has a strict no-pet policy. My roommate bought a dog for her boyfriend who lives in a different state. It’s going to be a service dog for him. She’ll be taking the dog to him in a few days, but in the meantime the dog is staying in our apartment. I told her that while I’d love to have the dog stay with us for a few days, I don’t want to violate the terms of our lease. She’s catholic as well, and I told her that this is a moral issue and that to keep the dog in our apartment in violation of our lease agreement is a sin. Because both of us won’t be home for most of the day, she said the dog will be staying in a different apartment for the majority of the day. However, it will be here in our apartment in the evening and overnight. I guess my question is how big of a deal should I make this to be? If this weren’t a moral issue, I’d be OK with her keeping the dog in the apartment for a couple of days. But, I don’t want to be cooperating in sin, even if this would be considered a minor sin. The real issue I’m dealing with is what is my obligation in this situation? Have I done enough to just let her know how I feel about this, and if she decides to keep the dog for a few days, then that’s her choice and I’ve done my part? Or is there more that I’m obligated to do- such as ask her to stay in another apartment with the dog for the duration of the time the dog’s here?
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I would say if it was a service dog for you or your roommate, you have the ADA laws backing you. but if neither of you need a service dog, there is probably a moral obligation to give the dog to someone else. I volunteer for the LA county animal care and control, I would say call your local humane or animal control center, and ask where a safe place to store a service dog in training. I know there are several foster programs for dogs, just for being a special breed vs. a mutt, or for puppies still nursing. Service dogs aren’t pets, in fact where I live, they aren’t even allowed in the dog park with the other dogs. you would think…“they’re the best behaved dogs”…but that’s NOT how they are seen. I’m sure there is another answer giving the nature of this dogs future as a service animal
 
mariagoretti24 said:
What state is this? I’m in Texas… I did a google search but couldn’t find any information on whether a visiting dog would be exempt. I have a feeling the dog wouldn’t be exempt though, since this condo is owned by an individual, and the lease is pretty clear on not having pets in the condo. It would be nice if I were wrong about this and it turns out visiting pets would be allowed.
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I am in Alabama and I was allowed to visit my parents with my dog. Dogs were allowed, but a deposit had to be paid. As a visitor, I did not have to pay a deposit.

I don’t know that it is a state law. I think it is in the lease.
 
If it’s a service dog it should be allowed because it is not a pet. Tell your landlord what you’re doing and that it’s a short-term situation.
mariagoretti24 said:
I’m living in a condo that has a strict no-pet policy. My roommate bought a dog for her boyfriend who lives in a different state. It’s going to be a service dog for him. She’ll be taking the dog to him in a few days, but in the meantime the dog is staying in our apartment. I told her that while I’d love to have the dog stay with us for a few days, I don’t want to violate the terms of our lease. She’s catholic as well, and I told her that this is a moral isse and that to keep the dog in our apartment in violation of our lease agreeement is a sin. Because both of us won’t be home for most of the day, she said the dog will be staying in a different apartment for the majority of the day. However, it will be here in our apartment in the evening and overnight. I guess my question is how big of a deal should I make this to be? If this weren’t a moral issue, I’d be ok with her keeping the dog in the apartment for a couple of days. But, I don’t want to be cooperating in sin, even if this would be considered a minor sin. The real issue I’m dealing with is what is my obligation in this situation? Have I done enough to just let her know how I feel about this, and if she decides to keep the dog for a few days, then that’s her choice and I’ve done my part? Or is there more that I’m obligated to do- such as ask her to stay in another apartment with the dog for the duration of the time the dog’s here?
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I really don’t understand where people are getting the idea that state laws exempt visiting animals from no-pet clauses in leases. I’ve worked in many states and have never encountered anything like that in the state renter’s rights laws.

Here’s why it would be very unfair for you to bring an animal in when the landlord is counting on no pets. 1. It only takes one accident or one chewing incident for an animal to cause hundreds of dollars worth of damage to a unit. That’s probably more than your deposit would cover. 2. Landlords usually contract cleaning and carpet cleaning companies to fix up the apartment between tenets. If a landlord is not counting on pets there is a good chance that his contractors aren’t either, meaning they may not be equipped to fix urine damage or remove pet allergens. That’s a huge headache for the landlord. 3. The next residents may very well have severe pet allergies. That’s one of the reasons people choose to rent at pet-free apartments. If that dog has an accident on your carpet, even if the carpet is pulled up and cleaned and the carpet pad is replaced, the urine damage to the concrete underneath can cause a severe allergic reaction and the residents won’t even know why. Furthermore, you will never get every last hair out, which once again can cause allergies. That is very unfair to the next renter.

As for it being a service dog. Service dogs cannot go everywhere. They do not have a right to go everywhere. PEOPLE who need service dogs have a right to take them everywhere. I cannot walk in to a coffee shop with a service dog for a blind person, however a blind person can if the dog is registered to them as a service dog.

At all of the pet-friendly properties I have ever run we have allowed residents without pets to have pets visit them-as long as they pay the several hundred dollar pet deposit. Why? Because it only takes a few hours for serious damage to be done. At the no-pet communities I have worked at we have not allowed visiting animals at all, ever, period.

Now a private landlord may be more lenient than a company, because a company is under more scrutiny when it comes to fair housing laws. But he must be spoken with first. It’s his property and he has a right to not risk it with animals. And you signed a contract with him agreeing to that.
 
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