Anyone Renting in SF/Peninsula With a Large Tank?

[arc eye]

So my wife and I are planning to move to SF or somewhere just south of SF. We are planning on renting at a place that accepts dogs.

I would like to bring my 90g with me, but most places don't allow tanks. Am I screwed? Are any of you renting in the City or south of the city with a decent sized tank?

 

[Mark SF]

I would try to find a single residence, if possible, as you will most likely be dealing with the property owner. Express that you will carry full liability renter's insurance, etc.

I got lucky with my APT and my fish tank on the north end of the city. What is important IMO is to get the fish tank put onto the lease as a specific inclusion. This should help with a renter's insurance policy should there ever be any issue. You certainly don't want to be in a situation where it clearly says "no water filled furniture" and then have a fish tank leak. Your insurance will probably be quick to dismiss your claim!

-Mark

 

[bluecoyote79]

Perhaps I should ask my agent about this, but why would insurance deny your claim for breaking the landlord's rules? I can see how the landlord might have grounds to take action against you. I had more trouble finding places that would accept a large dog. Nobody seemed to care about a reasonably sized tank. That being said with multistory buildings being more common here, I'd be extra careful about leaks or large tanks. Any leak is going to damage your apartment plus any below you which can easily add up to many tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

 

[andyman]

I have rental property and my lease explicity denies dogs and fish tanks. I have both and know how much damage they can do. If I were you I would not start my conversation with those 2 items. At the very least let the landlord know you.

I also know of some people who may let you have the dog but charge you extra (200-300) per month for each animal. Your best bet is to rent something outside the city. If you must be in the city then maybe rent an entire house in richmond or sunset districts. Don't talk about the fish tank. If they don't exclude it your golden. Just know that you will be responsible for any damage you cause.

 

[Mark SF]

Perhaps I should ask my agent about this, but why would insurance deny your claim for breaking the landlord's rules? I can see how the landlord might have grounds to take action against you. I had more trouble finding places that would accept a large dog. Nobody seemed to care about a reasonably sized tank. That being said with multistory buildings being more common here, I'd be extra careful about leaks or large tanks. Any leak is going to damage your apartment plus any below you which can easily add up to many tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

Because, as I understand it, anything you are liable for should be technically covered renter's insurance's liability coverage. However, if your landlord says, "Don't put a fish tank in the apartment" and you do, and it leaks, the insurance company has grounds for terminating your coverage, despite you being liable for the damage.

At least, this is how my agent explained it to me. I increased my coverage to $500k liability at about $150/year.

-Mark