You state your lease says " NO PETS" and you have a neighbor downstairs. Hypothetically, lets say you break your clause and the neighbor complains. Do you think they will want to renew your lease or get another person w/o pets. If I was a landlord I wouldn't and take the next person. Its as simple as that.

I've seen many post on regarding pets and places that will take them. I know a cat isn't a big deal but dogs is another thing regarding noise and potential to bite regardless of how well trained they are. Have you considered others in the building.

I know this isn't easy but if there are landlords out there that have entire units for people w and w/o pets this would eliminate these type of issues.