If you’ve ever been apartment hunting, you know the look you get from the leasing agent when you tell them you have pets. Some rental units have strict no pet rules, regardless of whether or not your pet is well behaved, or you offer to pay a deposit. Renting with pets can definitely be a challenge.
For a property owner, pets create risk for damage to the home, and in apartment or condo units, there is always the chance that the pet will be disruptive or unkind to other tenants, as well as their pets.
If you can quash these concerns, you’re on your way to renting with your furry friends in tow. Here are some tips on how to successfully rent with pets.
- Provide proof that you’re a good pet owner of an equally good animal. Supply certificates from obedience classes and receipts from the groomer. Are you involved in the animal community? Tell your future landlord about your affiliations to build credibility.
- Give your landlord the opportunity to emotionally connect without being overly sentimental. There is no need to relay the entire, sentimental back story of how you rescued your dog or cat, but do share a bit of history, maybe a story. If your landlord is agreeable, bring your animal to meet him or her.
- Offer to offset the risk by paying a sum of money for the right to rent with your pet. Many apartments and condos will require a non-refundable pet deposit that will be used to repair any damage the animal does after the tenant moves out. If it’s not required and the pet is an issue, offer to pay it regardless. Another way you can compensate monetarily for your pet is by having the carpets in your home cleaned a few times during your stay there.
- Carry references to the leasing agent or landlord. Did you adopt your dog from a shelter? The adoption coordinator would likely write you a letter of reference and recommendation. Have you lived other places with your pet before? Request testament from previous landlords to your sound pet ownership. Who else has spent time around your animal and can vouch for its good behavior—groomers, pet sitters, veterinarians. Your vet can also provide you with proof that your animal is healthy and up to date on all necessary vaccines.
- Do you carry renter’s insurance? Are you willing to get a policy? Some landlords are concerned that a dog will injure another tenant, and many renters’ insurance policies will provide you, the owner, as well as the landlord with some level of protection.
- What other added value can you, as a pet owner, bring to the community? Can you occasionally watch other tenant’s pets when they’re out of town? Maybe you could start a dog walking group, or arrange a pet owner group that works together to maintain common, pet-friendly areas.
You will come across landlords that enforce a strict no-pets policy, especially if they’ve had negative pet experiences in the past. But an empty property is not an income-generating property, and most owners are willing to work with potential tenants simply to fill the space. Be upfront about your animals and do all you can to assure your landlord that the situation is safe and as risk-free as possible.
Call Boundless Management today at 866-331-6626.
