“Beastfully” peaceful under one roof
Keeping animals in a multiple dwelling – an explosive mixture? The potential for conflict ranges from barking dogs to overflowing dustbins to cat hair allergies. Experts from Maxi Zoo give some tips on achieving a quiet life for both pet owners and non-pet owners.
As a tenant, you have the option of keeping one or more small animals. This includes guinea pigs or hamsters, exotic birds, fish or reptiles. A landlord may not forbid these – as long as the animals present either a danger, noise or disturbing odours. Cats don’t count as small animals – here, it’s up to the landlord to decide and even insert an appropriate clause into the tenancy agreement. The same goes for keeping dogs. This is mostly a case-by-case decision in which the landlord will take the interests of everyone into account. Some house owners allow pets from the outset – obviously the best prerequisite for animal-loving tenants.
But that’s just the legal situation. What if it really “kicks off” between the tenants over an animal? This requires respect and understanding on both sides. Here are a few of the typical bones of contention and how to cope with them.
Beastful noise
There are domestic pets from which a comparatively good deal of noise can emanate, such as specific types of birds. Agapornis are very loud-voiced and shrill which is why they’re not to be recommended in a multiple dwelling. Even a cockatiel can really screech out. This can be a big problem for noise-sensitive fellow beings.
Our tip
Before you, as a tenant, go out and get yourself a pet, inform yourself thoroughly first from a specialist pet shop or the internet about the animal you want. A dog which starts barking at every little stirring on the stair well or which howls or goes on the rampage when it’s alone… can be disturbing to other tenants. From a legal standpoint, the dog owner can be ordered to control the nuisance.
Take your neighbours’ complaints seriously. Maybe your pet isn’t getting enough exercise? Or he simply hasn’t learned to behave himself reasonably. That can be trained.
Full dustbins
When the neighbour can’t dispose of their rubbish any more because the bin is full of voluminous rabbit litter, he will, understandably, be at a loss for words.
Our tip
As a pet owner, be mindful of keeping things in proportion and find another solution where necessary. Some take their litter regularly to the recycling centre or wait until collection day before throwing it in the bin. In many places, you can buy rubbish bags against a fee for which the disposal company will take them away separately. But resist the temptation to dispose of your bedding or cat litter “illegally” (“wrong” dustbin, toilet etc.).
Sensitive neighbours
The subject of animal allergies is no longer an unusual one nowadays. Free-running reptiles which escape into the neighbouring flat are also a horror to some people.
Our tip
Have consideration for your neighbours – as far as you can! Don’t open the front door until all the animals are back in their cage. Or let the cat out via the balcony door instead of the stair well.
These tips will make life much easier between you, your neighbours and your pet.
Call into your local store today to discuss your reptile’s personal needs with our Maxi Zoo Pet Experts.