[PET OAHNA]
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Even though pet owners make up more than half of Oahu's households, a larger percentage of rental houses and apartments have a "no pets" policy, making it difficult for pet owners to find a place to live. Pet owners make
good rentersBy Hawaiian Humane Society
The Hawaiian Humane Society Web site is making it easier to find pet-friendly landlords.
Cynthia Keolanui of the society describes pet owners as ideal tenants, saying they "make stable tenants who tend to live in one place longer than those with no pets.
"Some condos do not allow pets according to their bylaws. Many Oahu rental apartments, homes, condos and town homes do not allow pets because of inexperience or rumored bad experiences with pets. The goal of our Pets in Housing program is to change these attitudes."
Keolanui oversees the program that was created to increase the number of properties that welcome pets. Pets in Housing works to help landlords, associations, property managers and real estate professionals identify responsible pet owners, while also suggesting policies include pets, and offering information such as an addendum to a basic lease that would establish a pet owner's liabilities.
An information packet is available that can start a dialogue between landlords and tenants with a goal of changing a "no pets" policy to "pets possible." The Pets in Housing materials emphasize that everyone benefits -- Realtors and landlords, who increase their tenant base, tenants and buyers; and the animals.
The kit includes pre-printed forms that allow responsible pet owners to show landlords that they are considerate, dependable renters by providing references for them and their animal companion. Pets that have graduated from obedience training, receive regular veterinary care and are well groomed and free of fleas make excellent tenants.
Information available from the program includes:
>> Landlords find the "Checklist for Landlords" useful in screening for responsible pet owners.
>> Property managers use the "Pet Application/Registration Form" and "Pet Health Report" to assure themselves that the pet is in good health, well socialized and up to date on vaccinations.
>> The "Pet Addendum to Rental Agreement" makes clear that pet owners are responsible for their pet's actions, and landlords are assured of a good renter and reasonable outcome if any issues should arise.
>> Condominium owners' associations and property managers use "Recommendations for Condominium House Rules" and "Common Pet Problems: Suggested Solutions" to draft comprehensive pet policies.
>> Renters and condominium buyers can find listings for more than 600 pet-friendly condominiums, town homes and apartments on Oahu, available in booklet form or online.
Since 1997, property managers and landlords could call or fax details of their "pet friendly" listing to the Humane Society to post. The bulletin board has resulted in many perfect matches, and the number of pet-friendly listings continues to grow on the bulletin board and online.
"The Internet has increased and expedited access to the 'Pets Possible' information," said Keolanui. "We invite Oahu landlords to try this service. The free listing expands the choice of tenants for landlords; most receive lots of calls from stable families looking to rent."
Dr. Ronald Ezar is a property owner-manager who uses the bulletin board. "Some of my best tenants have come through the Humane Society," he said. "As long as I'm a landlord, I'll continue to post vacancies on the 'Pets Possible' bulletin board." Ezar has even taken steps to change one building's "no pets" policy to welcome four-legged creatures.
"There are many workable alternatives to 'no pets' policies," said Keolanui, who is available to speak at association board meetings. "The Hawaiian Humane Society can help you create a policy that works for you."
Keolanui can be reached at 946-2187, ext. 222.
Find 'Pets Possible' rental listings online
The Hawaiian Humane Society Web site at www.hawaiianhumane.org offers leads for pet owners seeking housing and allows landlords to post their listings.
Renters
>> To look for vacancies in rentals where pets are welcome, go to www.hawaiianhumane.org/programs, click on "Pets in Housing," and choose "Search for Available Rentals" from the menu on the right.>> To check on the pet policy for more than 600 condominiums, town homes and apartments on Oahu, go to www.hawaiianhumane.org/programs, click on "Pets in Housing," and choose "Pet Friendly Buildings" from the menu on the right.
Landlords
>> To advertise your "Pets Possible" rental, go to www.hawaiianhumane.org/programs, click on "Pets in Housing," and choose "Submit a Rental" from the menu on the right.
"Pet Ohana" runs the first and third Fridays of the month. The Hawaiian Humane Society is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. They are at 2700 Waialae Ave. Call 946-2187.
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