Resume may get Fido past the door

Natalie Youn is in love with a Maltese puppy whose hobbies include long walks in the park, playing fetch and chewing on slippers. What should Youn do if she wants to have a puppy or other pet move into her Los Angeles apartment? The answer depends on her landlord and the rental situation.

What type of pet is best for apartment dwellers? If a lease specifies “no pets,” what’s the best way to convince the landlord to let a dog join the household? What are the rights of the elderly and disabled?

Before picking a dog, find out about personality types. Breeds are known for their temperaments, some calm, others more energetic.

Dalmatians and golden retrievers, for example, love running, have high energy and are not usually suggested for apartment homes. Maltese dogs, usually weighing less than 5 pounds, are considered to be fine apartment dogs. Breed details can be found at www.dogbreedinfo.com or through the local humane society.

In San Francisco, the Open Door Program was created to foster greater acceptance and understanding of pets by landlords. That program, a branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and other sources offer these tips to renters:

* Write up a pet resume. Include the pet’s age, activity level and breed traits, preferably highlighting a history of good behavior. If the pet has had obedience or other special training, include that information. Mention any outstanding characteristics, such as if the breed is unlikely to shed. If the pet is spayed or neutered, include that information too.

* Detail how often, when and where the dog will be taken for outdoor entertainment and relief activities. If there’s a nearby park, all the better.

* Has the pet lived in an apartment already? If so, a letter from a previous landlord might make a difference.

* Specify who the vet is and how often the pet is groomed and taken for shots. Detail how fleas will be controlled. If the pet is a cat, mention whether it stays indoors. Explain that cleanup will be a priority and that soiled litter will always be placed in a sealed bag.

* Include a photo of the pet, along with its name. Mention how and why the pet was obtained if the story might win the landlord’s acceptance. One tenant explained she was single and wanted kids but that a dog would do the trick until the right fellow came along.

Pet owners often are more familiar with the neighbors and the neighborhood, creating a sense of community. Tenants working at home, or close to home, may find that a plus when convincing landlords. Letting the plumber in is less of an issue if the tenant is available because some tradesmen won’t enter the premises with a dog.

Cats seem harmless but can slip out the door and get lost. Who will be held responsible if a pet runs away? If asked, be ready to explain.

Offer to sign a pet agreement and provide extra deposit funds to cover any pet damage. California laws cap security deposits, so even with the additional portion for a pet, the total deposit cannot exceed the limit.

Pet agreements supply written proof that the pet owner will tend to the animal. Information highlighting the name, age and breed of the pet is also included, along with the date of the rental agreement.

Other concerns addressed by the agreement, such as having sufficient liability insurance, are also often detailed.

The federal Housing and Urban/Rural Recovery Act, Section 227, addresses pet ownership by the elderly or disabled: “As a condition of tenancy or otherwise, no owner may prohibit or prevent any tenant in federally assisted housing from owning common household pets living in the dwelling accommodations.”

Assistance dogs, such as dogs for the blind, are also covered by law in many states. Refusing to rent to a person with a guide, hearing or service dog is prohibited in more than 30 states, including California.

Nonprofit groups, such as Canine Companions for Independence (www.caninecompanions.org), can provide further information to those with assistance-dog needs.

Above all, don’t sneak a pet in and hope no one notices. Breaking a no-pet rule may be grounds for eviction and can leave you with no place to call home.

H. May Spitz is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer. Reader comments may be sent to hmayspitz@AOL.com. Attachments cannot be opened.