My husband and i are trying to rent a house, it's a nightmare what can we do?

If an owner does not take pets there is nothing you can do about it. There is nothing you can do to change the mind of any landlord that has had a bad experience. I'm sorry you feel discriminated against but landlords have every legal right not to take pets and tenants have no legal right to force them to.

Lying and or sneaking them in IS NOT an option!!! That is illegal and will just get you evicted thus ruining your current good rental history and good credit.

Unfortunately the not so nice places are the few that will take pets. They only take them because they are already in such bad shape. Most really nice places will not take pets because they want assurance that they will stay really nice. This is just something that pet owning renters have to deal with. You just have to keep looking until you find something that meets your standards and will take pets.

The few get punished for the previous actions of the many. This is yet another area of landlord tenant law that is not really fair.

Do either of you get tax money back? Because tax time is coming up and I'm sure you could put that towards making a positive change. I'm sorry you are going through this, and even more sorry you feel like you are left with no options. I get the feeling you would make change if your finances are better. Check into shelters. Uprooting your son isn't ideal however he has the rest of his life to thank you for. His father is only teaching him bad things. You don't want your son to act like your husband one day so move forward and do what you have to do. The shelter has resources to help you find housing, etc. If you can afford the house expenses see if you can get a restraining order against your husband. Tell the courts and show documentation of what he is doing. Tell the courts you want to pursue a divorce. See if the order can be granted. That way you stay in the house and he can't. I'm sure that will be motivation for him to agree on divorce and you can apply for child support. Lastly, ask your job to cut your hours. I know it isn't ideal, but if that will get you into some programs to get you away from the abuse then do it. You might struggle for awhile but understand you can always find more hours or a better job after your home life is no longer a struggle. Good luck! HOLD ON: Your other question in your profile says your son is 5 and your husband is begging you to stay and be a family. Which is it????

There is no discrimination here. A person who has pets is not a protected class unless they are disabled and have a service pet.

You may have the best pets in the world (heck, what parents have ugly or horrible kids?) but, the landlord doesn't want to deal with it. They don't have to. And that is the bottom line.

You are not going to sway the opinion of a landlord who has a strict no pet policy. They have heard it all before from others who had perfect pets who did nothing wrong, and were left with a mess.

Look for a place that accepts pets or a landlord that can be bribed by a large pet deposit or a monthly fee tacked onto the rent for having pets.

In all reality, all you can do is continue to search for pet friendly rental properties. Unfortunately there are no laws that govern "pet discrimination", and when you list what you're willing to do, pay, and how you are as renters all those potential landlords hear is "blah, blah, blah", because many other renters that came before you all stated the same things but did not live up to it. So now, you and your husband get to pay for the indiscretions of those past renters.

Maybe you could list former landlords as referrals and ask the new, potential landlords to at least check with your referrals before they make a final decision. Another option would be to use a "middleman" service, a company who will search out friendly properties for you. There is one in my area called Rental Pros, potential landlords list their properties with them and potential renters can run down the list in search of a place that suits their needs. There usually is a charge, but they take all the leg work out for you and they do background checks, not just on you... but the landlords as well.

I THiNK to answer this question we will REQUIRE a Location Factor:

PETS are a problem!!! But you sound like Neat Clients. YOU should take pictures maybe even a film of your present place. I say forget the PET Deposit!!!

GO get insurance!!! This is a financial TOOL. Pet Insurance so this way if there is any damages the owner is the beneficiary of the insurance policy. You will need to speak to an insurance agent about this.

BUT I THiNK the best way to find a HOUSE in ToDAYs Economy is to look at the Foreclosure Market!!! Get a BiG House. The BiG houses do NOT Sell in this Type Market. Find one that is tiled too. I mean Banks or investors have to sit on it for 1, 2, to 3 yrs. Go to the BANK an ask them if you can House SIT for them. This is good as long as you do NOT have kids.

(as Bank’s Fear the Liability Factor). If you can find persons that want to leave (abandon it) the house this is best. In today’s economy it is best to look and stay in a house for FREE!!! For this you have to be NEAT and have very Little Furniture. And you have to agree to SHOW the House.

We have done it. We pay NO rent just keep up the place. Of course Insurance, Electric and Maintenance of the BiG House IS the Rental factor. But hell where else can you live for free in a 10,000 sq. ft house. Yea!! That’s what I am talking about. YES if you LooK for it You WILL find it. We found TWO and one has an actual Basketball court in the house. Of course you have to be WILLING to move if the house is sold. Always set some money aside for this and have a contract with the bank that you will need 30 to 45 days to move or an Extra payment of $10,000 gets you OUT in 2 Weeks. Like I said Light furniture and it shows better too as long as you are neat and do not throw any parties. Goooood Luck in House hunting.

Now GO follow the Ice Cream Truck as they too know of some houses that are empty. I did that one summer. ONLY in expensive areas or ones that have 3 to 5 arcres of land. Mowing can be a problem...

Alan

infoSeeker007

Your PS answered your own question. The few irresponsible pet owners who rent adn ruin - make landlords very unwilling to consider pets in the future. It may seem unfair to you, and I understand being a pet owner, but pet ownership is not a protected class for discrimination and the property owner has every right to want a pet free rental property. Sneak in a pet and you violate the lease and open yourself up for all types of liability for damages your pets did not cause but might be blamed upon them by an angry, lied to, landlord.

You best option at this point would seem to be placing an ad for rental wanted stating your professional situation, military, and pet owners. I suspect you will find people looking for good renters who will accommodate you.

I grew up a military brat and know what it is like to move unexpectedly (21 times in 20 years). Thank you for you service to our country. I pray you will find the perfect rental!

If your dog bites someone on the rental property the homeowner will be sued. Animals can also do a lot of damage to a home - everyone says they have a great, well behaved animal, but it is rarely truly the case. You are going to have a difficult time finding a good place to rent with pets.

If you applied at pet trashed places and were accepted, why are you not going there? If it wasn't acceptable, why apply?

I am a landlord that is animal friendly to a certain point..I allow people to have one spayed or neutered cat--but draw the line at dogs..My reason is based on past experiences-damage done-noise issues-insurance issues..issues have even arisen when a formally pet occupied unit is re-rented to a highly allergic individual'. You are right that most owners base their rules on negative past experiences but that is their right .to not possibly repeat a mistake. All I can say is keep looking--if you sneak the pets in and get caught you will be subject to legal issues that can seriously damage your credit and ability to rent in the future.

not sure what state you live in, but have you looked on Craigs List on your state? City?

if you want to rent a house you should find one there that will let you and your pets live there.

there is an option on CL that you click and will give you listings of houses or appartment that are pet friendly...

Just a thought

good luck.

It is unfair I know. I have to hide my birds every time I have an inspection. So far for 3 years now have gotten away with it. Maybe you may have to consider renting in a more rural kind of neighborhood/town and accept something a little more run down than usual. I would if it meant losing my pets.

Good luck.