Yes, we allow pets in your properties! With that in mind, there are still some best practices and policies that we would like to follow up with you on moving forward if you become a renter here in Buffalo and WNY. Owning a pet, whether it’s a dog, cat, snake, goldfish, or so on, takes a lot of responsibility, and it also comes with some needed variables that will allow you to keep them inside. There’s a lot of maintenance that comes with this, and as long as we are all on the same page, then this part of our relationship between the tenant and the property management company will work well. It’s our job to make sure that this works out for all parties. It’s a part of our Triple Win philosophy that we install in all of our tenants, and owning pets is a big step in making that become a reality.
In this blog, we will go over several pet policies for renters and what those best practices can mean for you as a renter here in WNY.
What Nickel City Allows for Owning Pets in Properties
Below is a graph showing all of our requirements for having a dog or cat inside of your property, with the weight category, what breeds we allow, and the fee amount for them:
This graph can be found on our Prospective Tenants page! We also allow support animals, too, as long as documents are signed and approved for it. As we note at the top, not all landlords might allow pets in their properties, so you must check with them. Nickel City allows it, but not every landlord will. The best thing you can do in that situation is properly review the lease agreements.
Typically, a normal lease agreement might mandate compliance rules with noise complaints, people could have leash laws in an area, or a requirement for proper waste disposal. Most of the outline that you see in the graph above is also what you might see in the lease agreement as well, and again, it’s important to make sure that all parties see eye to eye on these rules and policies.
Normal Pet Policies Renters Should Know About
Beyond what you might get with your normal pet approval and fees, there are other common pet policies renters in Buffalo and WNY should expect to see. These policies help maintain the condition of your property, respect the neighbors around you, and ensure everyone is safe and sound. Be prepared for this, and everyone can avoid any potential misunderstandings later on.
A common policy that we alluded to already is about noise complaints. Dogs, as an example, bark a lot and create ongoing disturbances, which can quickly become an issue in multi-unit buildings. Property managers may require tenants to address noise through training or proper supervision. Repeated noise complaints can sometimes lead to fines or, in serious cases, lease violations.
Leash policies are a standard in WNY for landlords. Many local municipalities already enforce leash laws in public areas, and property management companies can extend that to shared spaces like hallways, courtyards, parking lots, and sidewalks around the property. Pets should be on a leash when outside the unit to protect neighbors and other animals. Also, keep in mind that Buffalo winters can be dangerous with icy conditions and other hazards.
Another key policy is waste disposal. Renters are required to clean up after their pets immediately and dispose of waste properly. Now, the great thing about Nickel City is that we work with property maintenance already, so we are here to assist you if you need it. Waste disposal keeps areas clean, prevents pests in your home, and maintains an environment that all surrounding residents can be comfortable with. In WNY, with the changing seasons, uncollected waste can become a bigger issue once the snow melts in the spring, making year-round responsibility important. See one of our Instagram posts below to get an idea of what educate people about!
To piggyback off the maintenance point, landlords may also include expectations around unit maintenance and damage prevention. We’ve all had pets before, and we know what they are like around furniture and other accessories. They will wear and tear through them, scratch up fabric, chew on them, and stain the carpets if they poop or pee on them. Renters are responsible for addressing any damage beyond what you normally see.
The last pet policy we want to talk about is around vaccinations and health standards. Many property managers require proof that pets are up to date on their vaccinations and are properly licensed according to local laws. This helps protect other tenants and ensures a safe living environment for everyone in the building. No one wants a bad virus to start spreading around!
At the end of the day, these policies are about balance and helping all parties understand what’s right for a good relationship. When renters understand and follow pet guidelines, it supports a positive experience for tenants, neighbors, and property managers alike, factoring in that Triple Win philosophy we mentioned at the beginning of the blog. It’s what’s allowed us at Nickel City to create successful rental opportunities here in Buffalo and WNY.
Property Management Pet Policy FAQ
What pet policies should I expect as a renter, and how should I respond to them?
- Pet approval and health documentation (their weight, breed in case of restrictions, and vaccination updates)
- All normal pet fees (budget wisely for this scenario and check to see if fees are refundable or non-refundable)
- Having expectations for noise and behavior (good training and supervision will help alleviate these concerns, and a potential for eviction)
- Responsibilities for waste management (clean up after your pets and dispose of the waste properly)
