Tips and advice about pets

Animals are human companions. However, pets must be kept in an appropriate manner in an apartment and they must not disturb other residents. Not every animal is suitable for living in an apartment. In the following we have put together the most important tips and advice on the subject of pets for you:

1. Please find out more about pets in your rental agreement first. In many cases, this regulates whether keeping a pet in your apartment is permitted.
2. If you would like to rent an apartment from us, please be sure to let us know if you have a pet so that there are no misunderstandings.
3. Before you decide to have a pet, you should check whether you have enough time to care for the animal and whether the financial expenses are within your limits. The Berlin Animal Welfare Association has calculated that a medium-sized dog costs up to 1,200 euros and a cat up to 600 euros a year. Extra visits to the doctor, medication or special food are not included in these costs.
4. As a landlord, HOWOGE values peaceful, neighborly coexistence in their houses. In general, keeping pets in the apartment should not cause any nuisance to other tenants and the apartment must not be damaged.
5. Damage caused by pets is not covered by regular liability insurance. So you should think about taking out pet owner liability insurance.
6. Small animals such as ornamental fish, canaries, hamsters or guinea pigs can be kept in the apartment in a manner appropriate to their species. However, if you would like to get a larger animal, such as a dog or a cat, you need our approval.
7. Dogs must always be kept on a leash in stairwells and elevators. This also applies to green areas and playgrounds that belong to the household.
8. Please make sure to get rid of the legacies left by your four-legged friend. Do not take your four-legged friend out in sandboxes. These are reserved for small children to play with and must be perfectly hygienic.
9. Constant dog barking or loud growling can lead to trouble with concerned animal lovers or neighbors. In such cases, the professional advice of an experienced dog school should be obtained.
10. If you want to make your own balcony cat-proof, you must not drill or glue the full thermal insulation of the facade. Height-adjustable telescopic rods are available from specialist retailers and are a good way to hold cat nets.
11. Keeping animals of a species or breed that is considered dangerous or that can be trained for fighting purposes is prohibited at HOWOGE. The same applies to exotic animals such as iguanas, poisonous snakes or scorpions.