any city dwelling renters out there?

[citychickenmom]

I'm not sure if this is the right spot to post this, so please forgive this newbie if incorrect...

I'm in the East Bay area, and renting. My landlord has been very laid back with everything I've done around the house and yard in the 1.5 years that we've lived here. We have a big fenced yard (1/3 to 1/2 acre?) surrounded by other big fenced yards> The back 1/3-1/2 is either dirt or mossy/weedy, where I'd like to keep the hens (2-3), but let roam a bit during the day while I'm out there. The landlord has only asked that we keep the grass alive... I think the main things that are still keeping me from going for it are the renting part of the equation, and how to bring up chickens to her...

So, any city dwelling renters with chickens out there? How did you bring it up to your landlord? Did you talk about things with your neighbors? Anything I should know, or suggestions for bringing the topic up to the boss? am I just being unrealistic in my quest for chickens? TIA for your responses!

 

[CityClucks]

Hi citychickenmom! I can't respond specifically to your question about talking to your landlord since I don't rent, but I live downtown and have a fairly large yard and a tall privacy fence - most of my neighbors don't even know I have chickens. I only have hens, and they're not loud. In a yard as large as your, if you only had 3-5 hens or so you'd probably be able to maintain some grass if they're allowed out to range every day. If they're kept in an enclosed run they'll ruin the grass inside it. Remember that they can and do sometimes scratch "holes" in the grass to make a dirt place to bath in, so don't expect to keep a lush, well-manicured lawn. If you haven't already, you might post your question on the thread below - that's where other Bay Area BYC'ers might see it and give you more advice. I think you're great for being a responsible person and thinking of your landlord - I hope you're able to get your backyard chickens - you'll love them!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=292725

 

[citychickenmom]

Thanks for replying, CityClucks. After a very short period of feeling like this wouldn't come to fruition, your response has reassured me that I can doooo this!

 

[Emzyyy]

My parents rent houses out for a living with their other jobs and we own chickens.

I think as long as your coop is not a big eyesore and you keep it clean you should be good. Maybe he will like some fresh eggs?

And you can always use some of the waste as fertilizer to help the grass. Make a compost bin.

We've never had renters ask about chickens but really my dad is more likely to let someone have chickens at the house then a dog. Dogs cause more damage then any chicken could. We had one house that locked this poor pup in the basement and never let it out the carpet went from beige to black.

, and don't even get me started on CATS! We have more issues with cats then anything else. Goodluck!

 

[citychickenmom]

That's good to hear, and very reassuring Emzyyy. I'm planning on a small tractor, but definitely not anything that will be taller than our privacy fences or an eye sore...

 

[vermontgal]

I rent in Salt Lake City, and I will be getting chicks this spring. When I moved from Vermont (where I still own a duplex; so I'm a landlord, myself), I knew I wanted to have chickens. So I looked for a private landlord (not an agency) with a good-sized lot (sounds like you have these ingredients).

When I was looking at apartments, I found two landlords that were good with chickens. I only asked the question when it looked like it would be appropriate for the lot. I brought it up by saying, "maybe you haven't been asked this question before, but how would you feel about having chickens?" This is after the landlord already knew that I was a responsible person, with a job, etc. (If you already have a good track record this will help!)

I actually have a chicken coop permitted in my lease! Where I've landed, the landlord doesn't care much about the yard. He and the other tenants have dogs, such that my biggest concern is building a dog-proof coop (and a dog-moat around the coop). But if your landlord does care about your yard, you could offer to put down a deposit that could be used to sod the yard (or plant a perennial garden?) for the area of your chicken coop and run. Provided you fix the lawn after your coop leaves, you would get your deposit back.

I have lived in a lot of owner-occupied or 2-4 unit buildings owned by small-time landlords. I prefer this because I find these folks to be real people to talk to. Put together your plan for a coop (show photos, maybe, of similar coops) and show how you would be a responsible chicken owner.

Sometimes when bringing up a sensitive topic, it may be better to put the idea in writing (well researched, responsible presentation) to give a person a chance to turn the idea over in his/her mind before being put on the spot. If you put things in writing, make sure that you also indicate that you are flexible and want their feedback on the idea. When you do talk, ask what concerns your landlord may have. Ask if you could put together a plan to address those concerns... and then talk about it some more? If he/she has concerns, take the discussion slowly...

It can be done! Good luck.