‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: In Defense of Non-Pet-Friendly Communities

Have you ever had that moment where you look at someone you thought you had a lot in common with and wondered, “How could she not like _____? Everyone likes that! Is there something wrong with her? Did I ever really even know her?” Well, I’m often that person getting stared at.

I don’t care for The Beatles. I can’t stand cheesecake. I hate the movie Top Gun (Goose died during a training exercise! What an idiot!).

Oh, and here’s the kicker: I’m not really an animal person. Especially dogs.

(I know, I know. Bring on the hate mail. But, in my defense, I do like chocolate and Arrested Development. I’m not a complete monster, after all.)

They’re plotting something, I just know it.

Tons of people have pets now, though, and lots of developers and property managers are jumping on the bandwagon by having pet-friendly buildings. And, according to this infographic, this could actually work out in favor of the community, because property managers could charge a fee for residents who have a pet.

But wait. Before you join in and make your building pet friendly, let me speak in defense of non-pet-friendly communities. There are several reasons to keep your building people only.

There will be less wear and tear on the floors. If there are no pets, then those beautiful hardwood floors won’t constantly be scratched. That’ll save you money in the long run because you won’t have to fix them up before a new resident moves in.

The building will be quieter. Without pets, there won’t be barking at 4 a.m. every morning. Sure, there might still be babies crying at that time, and people’s TVs might still be blasting, but, hey, no barking, right?

You don’t have to make exceptions for people. If your building is pet friendly, does that mean any pet can live there? Sure, a tabby cat or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is cool. But what if someone has a Pit Bull or a Doberman Pinscher or a Bengal Tiger? Do you charge a higher fee? Or do you not allow them? In which case, you’d have to deal with arguments such as “that’s not fair”/”you’re just prejudiced about this kind of dog—they’re actually really sweet.” No pets mean you don’t have to make exceptions. Everyone is happy. (Or sad, I guess, if they wanted a pet. But at least everyone is on equal ground.)

It appeals to people who aren’t animal people or who are allergic. I might be alone in admitting my dislike for pets out loud, but I’m certainly not the only one who feels this way. And even if people are animal people, if they are allergic or have little kids or wear fancy suits, they might not want animals jumping on them every time they step in the elevator.

What’s your take on pet-friendly or non-pet-friendly apartment communities?

-Jessica Fiur, News Editor

Photo credit: Eric Isselee