Many people are concerned about their pets when moving and wonder if the apartment management will allow them to bring their fish tank to their new home.
Let’s look for the answer.
Do Apartments Allow Fish Tanks
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot let your pets go once you connect with them and form a bond.
Pet fish are the same way. Despite having no physical contact with them, you can get attached relatively quickly.
This is why many people are worried when moving because they are unsure if the apartments will allow them to keep their fish tank inside.
The answer is a little complicated and depends on the particular complex, or the landlord if you are renting.
Let’s dig in further to understand the answer better, and how you can figure out if the apartment will allow fish tanks.
Understanding the Rules
Every residential place has its own rules, and it is essential to abide by them. When multiple people live in the same complex, the authorities must ensure that everyone follows the same rules.
It is also easier for them to manage the building this way.
You must read your lease or renter’s agreement thoroughly to see if they have made any mention of fish tanks.
There are times when pets are strictly not allowed in the building, but fish tanks are an exception. Other times you may find there are no rules for keeping pets, but fish tanks aren’t allowed.
It will help you to communicate and ask about fish tanks if you do not find the answer in the agreement. It is always better to be upfront, so you have no issues in the future.
The Size of the Fish Tank
While a fish tank may seem like it cannot cause any problems, the reality is that it can cause water damage in the apartment if it breaks.
Moreover, the weight of the fish tank can pose a threat to the floors. Repairing property damage can be quite costly. You may argue that homeowners would have insurance.
The problem with this argument is that insurers will pay for the damages but will also increase premiums significantly once an incident occurs.
That said, some apartments will have absolutely no issue with residents keeping big fish tanks, and some might allow small fish tanks but refuse to allow bigger ones.
Hence, this totally depends on the policies and on communicating with the apartment authority or your landlord about keeping a fish tank in the house.
Fish tanks come in all shapes and sizes, and the one you choose to keep will also depend on the size of your apartment.
This is also why management at some places has predefined size limits, so people don’t cross the standard size they have set for the area.
Asking about it will help you adhere to the rules and also keep your fish happy in a suitable fish tank that’s right for your apartment.
May Require Insurance
As mentioned, in case the fish tank breaks, the water damage to the apartment can be severe and very expensive to repair.
This is a big reason why many apartments do not allow residents to keep fish tanks. However, some might allow you to keep fish tanks if you have liability insurance.
You may be able to convince the other party to let you have a fish tank if you can prove that your insurer would have no problem covering water damage in the apartment.
Some apartment policies clearly mention the insurance requirement they need their residents to fulfill. If not mentioned, you can ask upfront about policies that will cover similar damages.
May Require Permission
If you want to keep a fish tank in an apartment you already reside in, you might want to know if you need permission before you spend money on it.
Firstly, it is always best to ask such questions before moving. Even if you have no intention of keeping any kind of pet, it is a good idea to ask about it for future reference.
In case you didn’t ask and are now clueless, it is an excellent idea to communicate now. However, whether you get permission depends on the management or the landlord in the case of a rental.
They might not care about your insurance if they are rigid with their rules. That said, it never hurts to try, and you might even find that the management has no issues.
Possibilities of an Eviction
Many people might advise you to keep the fish tank without consulting the management. This is terrible advice and can turn out badly for you.
Sometimes residents keep items in their homes without consulting the management first, and it shouldn’t be an issue if you are the homeowner.
However, it may be a problem if you are living on rent. The landlord has the right to evict you if you fail to follow a rule.
Hence, getting in touch with your landlord is best, especially if you have a large fish tank. Another way to eliminate the possibility of eviction is to get permission in writing.
Ask your landlord to sign an agreement so that they can’t go back on their word, and you have written proof that says you can keep the fish tank.
It is better to be on the safe side, so the roof over your head isn’t jeopardized. Furthermore, you can rest assured that keeping a fish tank will not pose any problems.
A Few Tips to Ensure Apartment Management Won’t Have Any Problem with Your Fish Tank
Before talking to your management, it is best to figure out the details yourself so that you can discuss them confidently.
Simply asking if you can keep a fish tank may result in a negative answer if there is a no-pet policy. Hence, you can start the discussion with as much information as possible so they realize you have relevant knowledge and can be responsible.
Determine the Size of Your Potential Fish Tank
Browse through the many options and determine which size will be suitable for your apartment. The management might not have any particular idea about the size.
It will be helpful to provide measurements so they need not worry about it or show any hesitation in agreeing.
It is essential to keep the size of your apartment in mind when choosing the fish tank.
This will help you convince the management that you aren’t buying something that is oversized or dangerous in the particular space.
Consider the Noise It Will Produce
Your management might have a problem with your fish tank because the noise might disturb your neighbors.
Fish tanks come in various forms and may emit different levels of noise depending on their type. Hence, when choosing the fish tank, it is essential to consider how much noise it will make.
The apartment management will be happy to know that the noise will not be an issue and will likely give the green signal.
This will truly show that you are concerned about your neighbors and understand that noises can disturb your neighbors.
Choose a Location for Your Fish Tank
Once you have decided on your fish tank, you must determine where you are going to place it.
In case your fish tank is a little noisy, you can place it away from areas where it might disturb the neighbors.
However, that is not the only reason why location is important. Your fish tank will require light. Remember not to place it under direct sunlight to avoid algae.
You must also not place it next to vents or windows because the cold air is not suitable for fish.
If finding such a location in your apartment is challenging, you might start with a small fish tank.
The management or your landlord will also appreciate that you are taking your time to understand the responsibility.
This can get you brownie points, and when the time comes, you will get permission to keep a fish tank of your choice.
Learn About its Maintenance
Fish in the tanks need a clean environment for healthy living. Also, in order to avoid any problems, you should clean and maintain the fish tank, so there is a lower chance of damage.
Damage can be leaks or other issues that may lead to mold in the apartment or even flooding.
To avoid these situations, you will have to ensure you regularly clean and maintain the fish tank.
This can be a rather exhausting task and will require commitment. You can learn about it beforehand and discuss its maintenance with the management or landlord.
You can inform them that you are well-versed in its upkeep and can responsibly take care of the entire tank.
If you had a fish tank in your previous living space, you could ask the previous landlord or management to vouch for you and agree that you took care of the fish tank without causing any problems.
The Bottom Line
It is always better to communicate with the apartment management or your landlord before spending money on any item you are doubtful about.
Go through your lease or agreement to find out if you are allowed to keep pets. If the complex has a strict no-pets rule, you can still ask them about keeping a fish tank.
Cover all your bases before you initiate this conversation. It will show you are well-equipped to deal with fish tanks and will strengthen your case.
Remember to purchase insurance once you get the green light so damages will be covered in case of any issues.
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