From pet rent to cleaning deposits, the added costs of sharing an apartment with your furry friend can quickly add up. Avoiding the oversights, missteps and other issues which could keep you from having your full cleaning and security deposit refunded is not a matter that should be left to chance. From reading your lease and following all pet rules and guidelines to ensuring your animal is kept healthy, active and stimulated, there are plenty of ways that responsible pet owners may be able to protect their security deposit.

Follow the Rules

Adhering to apartment community's rules and guidelines regarding pet ownership is very important. Even rules that don't make much sense or don't seem to apply to your situation can be important. Owners who frequently violate the terms of their lease or who flaunt the rules regarding pets could be facing an uphill battle in the event that there is an issue with their deposit refund.

This will bring you and your pets better mental health. If you lie about your pet you will be on edge if they make any noise or act too enthusiastically. They don't know any better. You will place your own anxiety on your pet and it can harm them negatively. Getting a pet friendly apartment protects your doggo as much as it protects you.

Invest in Throws and Area Rugs

Even well-behaved pets can be hard on the floors. Protecting the carpeting, hardwoods and other flooring materials is a top priority, especially within a luxury apartment. Cheaper throws and affordable area rugs can help to ensure that more expensive flooring materials are less likely to be damaged. This will help you feel more at peace of mind in case there's an accident that happens. You can replace area rugs if a stain doesn't come out. Many newer apartments have waterproof vinyl that looks like wood. This means easy cleanup for all the spills that come with a curious puppy.

Providing Your Animals with Enough Space

Trying to squeeze a cat or dog into a space that may be too small for their needs is a recipe for trouble. Cats that are very active and larger dogs can do considerable damage to their surroundings, especially when they don't have enough space. Selecting an apartment that is big enough to accommodate your pet is not a concern that should be subject to compromise.

If you have a dog then think of the space that their breed needs. If you have a large dog that requires lots of exercise and mental stimulation home alone all day then you are creating a recipe for disaster yourself. A pet is a responsibility that you can't just shrug away. Make sure that you get a breed that fits with your lifestyle and that your apartment or house doesn't just reflect your needs. It should reflect your pet's needs as well.

Making Sure Your Pet Gets Plenty of Exercise

Pets that are bored or that are not getting enough physical exercise are far more likely to act up or misbehave. Taking frequent walks with your dog or scheduling plenty of playtime with your cat can go a long way towards protecting the apartment. Plenty of games, play and other activities also helps to keep indoor pets happy and healthy.

Making sure you live in a pet friendly building will most likely mean that you will have an area to exercise your dog. Find somewhere that is close to a trail, a park, or that has a play area you can use to walk them so they can use up their energy outside of your apartment.

Double-Check the Lease

An overlooked pet clause in your lease could be serious trouble. Violating the terms and conditions that were agreed upon could void your deposit or even find you forced to pay additional fees and fines. Always double-check the terms before signing a lease in order to ensure that caring for your pet isn't going to cause any additional problems.

Don't let apartment life keep you from keeping your furry pet. Remember that they are a lifelong commitment. When adopt you should consider how they will not only bless your life, but what you'll be willing to do to keep them with you. Don't give up on your first apartment search. You can find great pet-friendly apartments that will work for your entire family.