Many people move into apartments and rent in order to afford their own place. Owning a home is incredibly expensive between mortgage payments, down payments, and closing on a property.
However, rent is much more affordable for many individuals because they do not have to spend extra money on specific fees. Many times, utilities are also included for tenants who are renting.
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While there are perks to renting, there are also downfalls.
There are many perks of renting for many different people, but with renting also comes quite a number of downfalls. Renting a home means you are living on someone else’s property, so you have to live by their rules.
Many times, with rentals, pets are not allowed.
Individuals who rent their properties out oftentimes do not want their tenants to have pets. Pets can be a liability to them, and also pose the risk that the home can be damaged. Pets can cause wear and tear on homes and some homeowners wish to avoid that.
However, some renters find ways around this.
There are different ways that individuals who rent are able to continue living in a home that they rent and also have a pet. One way is by having the pet be a licensed support or service animal. Emotional support animals are one type of service animal that is protected under the fair housing act in many places.
Some landlords also make people put down a pet deposit.
Another thing that landlords ask of their tenants is a deposit that is specifically set aside for pet damages and pet issues. Leaving a deposit is almost like a security deposit to make sure that anything that is ruined or destroyed can be replaced or paid for.
Others outright do not allow pets and will evict people for hiding pets, too.
Some landlords do not wish to have pets at all. In addition, if they find out that a tenant is hiding a pet in their apartment or home, they will take action to evict them or likely try to find a way to fine them.
However, some tenants find other ways to keep both their home and their pet.
Deborah Hodge, 49, was tired of landlords telling her she had to “give away” or get rid of her pets if she wanted to continue living on their property. She had already given away her cats and two Huskey dogs that she owned.
She did not want to lose her cat, India.
“I can’t be without India. She is truly a sensation, she is so friendly and amazing. She is fundamentally the most important thing in my life after my children,” she told The Sun .
Instead of moving or giving India away, she decided to make their relationship permanent.
Instead of giving away her cat India, she decided to make sure that everyone knows their love was permanent and that no landlord could separate them. She decided to get married to her own cat, in order to make sure she can keep her.
Hodge and India were married in a civil ceremony.
“I had a group of friends there. They think I’ve gone bats*** crazy but we all had a lovely day. My kids weren’t there, they just think mummy has lost the plot,” said Hodge . The two had a small ceremony in the park.
The pet owner and her cat have been through a lot together.
“I don’t believe in organized religion. However, I do have faith. India always came back, even after losing a leg. I’m her universe and that’s why I married her,” Hodge said.
If you’re ever stuck in a situation like Hodge, you could always tie the knot.
If you have a pet and you’re looking for a way to make sure you can have your pet in your life for good, you may want to have your own civil ceremony and just tie the knot. You may think it’s crazy, but some people will do anything for their pets!
