Can't Rent with a GSD!!!

[1der_girl]

I couldn't figure out where to put this, so I hope this is ok. It's a bit of a rant....
In Sept. of last year we started renting a house from some aquantences (I went to HS with their daughter's fiance). We did not sign a lease (and now I know why people say ALWAYS get it in writing). They assured us that we would be able to live in the house for- at the very least- 2-3 years, or longer if the housing market was slow to recover.
Because we were planning on being here long-term, we stripped wallpaper, primed and repainted and had all of the hardwood floors stripped/sanded/refinnished (with the owner's knowledge and blessing). We got Tober in Dec. (again with their knowledge and blessing), and brought our baby daughter home from the hospital to the nursery that I spent WEEKS making perfect.
Long story short, the owner of the house called me on Wed. and told be we had 30 days to vacate- they are moving back.
We are now in need of a 2 bedroom apt. that is GSD friendly... and I am not having any luck (NOTE: We will not be dropping our dog of at a shelter/putting an ad on CL or returning her to her breeder- WE ARE KEEPING THE DOG). All of the complexes that advertise "pets welcome!" have a breed ban on GSDs, and all of the privately owned spots that say 'pets negotiable' are small dog/ cat places... I've even told people we are willing to pay a huge pet deposit and that she comes with her own glowing references, that they can meet her, etc... no luck.
If worse comes to worse (which I have a feeling it will), then me, my husband, our 4 month old daughter and our 60 lb GSD will all move in with my parents until we find a place (my poor hubby).

[KZoppa]

i would suggest moving in with your parents and continue searching. There is ALWAYS someone, usually independent owners, who will make exceptions for you after meeting your dogs and seeing the references you have. You may even be able to check with your vets office and see if they know of anyone who might accept GSDs. Also, if you have insurance, renters insurance the clearly states the dog is covered in the event of a bite and present a copy of that to anyone who you may rent from, it may work in your favor. You can also ask about a waiver stating that if your dog were to bite someone, the owner of the complex or house would not be held liable which helps their insurance. Its a tough time finding GSD friendly rentals. Part of why we live on base housing. I dont have the patience to be told no over and over again because of ignorance. there is a lot you can do but you also need to be prepared for that constant no. Most of the time, the NO Gsds ban is because their insurance company said no. Breed prejudice.

[1der_girl]

I hadn't thought about the renter's insurance thing. I'll have to check my policy.
We most likely WILL end up at my parent's house, as abandoning our dog is NOT an option, I'm just so tired of the whole "bad dog" thing. I've had shepherds my entire adult life, and I've NEVER had a mean. destructive, child-eater... but most of these places won't even give me a chance once they hear her breed!
I even had one woman say (and I wasn't holding my breath- you should have heard her tone) "I'll ask my husband and call you right back"... guess what? that was 4 days ago... and I've used the "I've got to ask my husband" line... I may have INVENTED it!

[Mac's Mom]

Originally Posted by 1der_girl

....We most likely WILL end up at my parent's house, as abandoning our dog is NOT an option,...

[KZoppa]

Originally Posted by 1der_girl

I hadn't thought about the renter's insurance thing. I'll have to check my policy.
We most likely WILL end up at my parent's house, as abandoning our dog is NOT an option, I'm just so tired of the whole "bad dog" thing. I've had shepherds my entire adult life, and I've NEVER had a mean. destructive, child-eater... but most of these places won't even give me a chance once they hear her breed!
I even had one woman say (and I wasn't holding my breath- you should have heard her tone) "I'll ask my husband and call you right back"... guess what? that was 4 days ago... and I've used the "I've got to ask my husband" line... I may have INVENTED it!

oh yeah i use that line a lot myself. Had i known there were so many tricks sooner, i think it would have been easier for us to find a GSD friendly place. Generally, if you have insurance that doesnt disapprove of your dog and you have a coverage policy in place to cover a bite by the dog, they should be able to present a copy of your insurance to their insurance and get an approval for a waiver. Just make sure you get copies of absolutely everything. Everyone on here always says make a resume for you dog. If you have neighbors, ask if they'd be willing to write a letter of recommendation for your dog. Get a letter from your vet saying you have a good dog and he's not had any problems. Anything you can think of. You pretty much have to make it seem like having your dog there would be a huge positively big deal. If you have training certificates, make copies and put that in there. Make sure your dog is continually updated on shots and have the paperwork to back it up. Eventually someone will be willing to give you a shot. Obviously offer an additional pet deposit as well to cover any damages. get everything in writing when an agreement is reached and have a copy on hand in your paperwork and ask your parents to also maintain at least one copy. Copies galore complete with dates. Your lease when signed should also state the breed is welcome and the waiver to support it signed and dated on company letterhead. Make it all legal and binding which would mean a lawyer would need to review the contract and make sure its all in your favor.

[angelas]

I've run into the same problem looking for a Rottie friendly rental. I don't even have a Rotti and all I'm finding are small dog/cat places only. Even found one that stated small dogs welcome/ no cats yesterday.

There is also the pet resume to make up. This is an example from the San Fransisco SPCA:
http://www.sfspca.org/sites/default/...g%20Resume.pdf

I have one made up for Shania and am copies of her current vaccine certificate, city license, proof of sterilization, proof of microchipping, references, proof of renter's insurance and a copy of her CGN certificate.

[TitonsDad]

I really hate to recommend this but try mentioning... Dutch Shepherd.

[Freestep]

I feel your pain--renting with any dog is difficult enough, let alone with a GSD.

If you camp out with your parents for a while, maybe you can save enough money to buy a house in the not-too-distant future?

[weber1b]

Say you have an Alsation. It's not a lie, just another name for a German Shepherd.

[KZoppa]

Originally Posted by weber1b

Say you have an Alsation. It's not a lie, just another name for a German Shepherd.

if you do that, please keep in mind, it should say it on vet paperwork just in case they ask.