Landlord won't allow chickens, I need to do it Undercover!!!

[leasmom]

I gave up my chickens in Michigan to move back to Tennessee where having chickens isn't a big deal at all. We ended up in an apartment for 3 months and as of today we are back into a house. The previous renter had dogs and now the landlord won't allow pets even outside, but I'm gonna put in a garden and the kennel area the previous tenant had would be perfect for a portable green house such as the one found at: http://www.ourcrazydeals.com/3x5-portable-greenhouse-kit.html

It doesn't get very cold here but I figure that if I make an enclosed area at the bottom shelf for a total of 2 small chickens, would be the best way to hide my chickens. I could also create a hidden run covered up by flowers, like a wire box with a few flowers on top to cover them up. I can't imagine going longer without having my own chickens. Do you think this would work?

 

[Countrywife]

I am a lover of chickens, goats, sheep, cow, dogs, cats and anything else that wanders over here and needs a meal, including teenagers. I am also wholly opposed to breaking the rules to have what you want regardless of what you agreed to. When you moved into that house you agreed to that owner's rules. To break them because you want something is not only wrong, but illegal. Go move somewhere that allows chickens.

 

[leasmom]

We tried finding a place where we could. It easier said than done!!!

 

[onthespot]

I see a trainwreck headed your way, and it has chickens written all over it.

 

[TipsyDog]

I am a landlord. If I say no pets and you do it anyway, I will be VERY mad. I'll bet the reason your landlord said no pets is because the previous tenant didn't take care of the dogs, didn't clean up after them and left a mess and/or damage. The #1 way to get your landlord on your side is to PROVE that you are a responsible tenant. That means paying your rent/bills on time every month and keeping the place clean and neat. Everyone is different. I don't allow pets either. That being said, if I see a tenant who is responsible in other areas and keeps my house/apartment clean and neat and respects their neighbors then I would allow that person to keep a pet.

From a landlord's point of view, your actions and housekeeping habits are what determines your character in my mind. Give it 3 months to demonstrate your character to your landlord and then ask again.

Good luck!

 

[rhoda_bruce]

How much of a yard do you have and how close to the land lord is the nextdoor neighbor and how close are you to him/her and how often will the owners be around to check on things? You know, I'm 100% behind you and I don't even consider chickens to be pets, but livestock and a useful animal; I even call mine lawnmowers.
You know, I would start with the garden and pray about this and think of reasons that a chicken would help maintain the yard, provided you set it up right and then present it to the landlord after you develope a good relation with him/her. I know my momma would have been really upset if one of her tenants had broken one of her rules, and she could get mad real good.
Maybe your plan could work, but I would keep track of how often your inspections will be and come up with an excuse if you get caught. I guess you have time. Believe me, I completely understand. Anyone on the forum would at that.

 

[Countrywife]

Quote:
Then you simply do without. That is a lesson I try very hard to teach my children. When you simply cannot have it, you do without. It is not food, shelter or medical care. You can do without.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Quote:
Well, since you asked, I think it's a lousy way to begin your relationship with your landlord as his tenant. Why don't you spend these winter months getting settled in and building your reputation as trustworthy & desirable renters with your landlord? Then perhaps by spring you can approach him with a request to try keeping chickens in his yard. Let's hope by then you'll have him eating out of your hand and willing to accommodate you in every way just to keep you as his tenants.

Another option is to find somewhere nearby where you can keep your chickens on someone else's property, somewhere they may already keep chickens, or at least have the coops but no resources to keep their own birds.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I understand that with a rental property it may not be as easy. However I do agree with Countrywife. If the previous renter had dogs, and no animals are allowed, it is probably because of the previous renter and how he did and did not manage his dog and care for the owners property that animals are no longer allowed.

You can try negotiating a large pet deposit that would be sufficient to repair any damage your birds might do. You can also show your landlord by your very good care of his property that you will properly manage chickens so that they cause no damage or nuisances; this will take a few months to build up his trust, of course, and that is also assuming that you will take extraordinary care of his property. Most renters do not.

You also need to consider the zoning, and whether chickens are allowed or not, and you need to consider the repercussions should you ignore your lease and have pets. If chickens are not allowed in your zoning, your landlord may well face fines, not to mention you facing them.

 

[leasmom]

First of all, I didn't say I was going to have chickens now. I was thinking about this in the future, It WAS JUST A THOUGHT...I just moved in today and most of my stuff isn't even moved in! I had a rental house before where no pets were allowed and after nearly 2 yrs of living there I got chickens and the landlord knew what kind of a person I was and was fine with it and it was legal. I was thinking of it...its nearly Christmas so of course I'm not talking about now! But I was thinking of housing 2 chickens in the greenhouse. But since its caused such an uproar, I'll just garden and worry about getting back to chickens some time after my daughter is grown!