Can your landlord deny your pet?

The search for houses to rent has become difficult for some years now, either because of the lack of properties or because of the monthly rental prices. If you have one or more pets, be aware that this demand may worsen.

Although the idea does not please many, landlords can deny the stay of pets in the property to rent. In 2017, the PAN political party raised an opposing proposal to stop the stray animals reality, but the same proposal was rejected.

The civil code provides for non-discrimination in access to the lease, but at this point, only non-discrimination of descent or ethnic origin, language, the territory of origin, nationality, religion, belief, political or ideological convictions, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability are contemplated. Therefore, the civil code will not protect you in this situation as the issue of pets is not mentioned.

Do you know all the details of having a pet in rented houses?

• The landlord may object to pets staying only if there is a clause in the lease contract stating it.

• The owner cannot deny the contract to someone who has assistance animals, such as guide dogs, or animals with the medical and legal justification that improve the healthy development of the tenant.

• If this clause does not exist in the contract, and if you are on a horizontal property, make sure that in the condominium regulations there are no such prohibitions either.

• Know that there is legislation for the number of pets per household. The law provides that each house may have up to four animals in total. If your pets are dogs, you can only have up to three. If you have cats, the number goes up to four per household. There may be an exception at the request of the owner and with the permission of the municipality veterinary and the health care representative, for a total of six pets in the house.

• It is obligatory that there is peace and quiet, so if your dog is noisy, consider training him. It is necessary to be aware of the noise regulation law so that there is harmony between neighbours, otherwise, you risk getting a complaint and the animal may be taken to a kennel or cattery. Whenever you move around the common areas of the building with your pet, always keep it on a leash to respect the obligation imposed by law.

• If your dog is of a potentially dangerous breed, you should take out liability insurance, which is mandatory.

Whenever you hear the phrase "landlords cannot ban pets from their homes", you now know that's not quite the case. The proposal was presented but was not accepted by the government as a whole. If this is your reality, try to agree with your future landlord. Guarantee an initial deposit to cover possible damage done by your dog or cat, but above all, show that you have a trained and well-behaved animal. Doing this, you'll see you'll be able to rent the house you so desire.