Home rentals for Pet Owners
Are you trying to find a house or apartment rental that will accept your pet? My experience has shown it’s not very easy to find a rental that tolerates pets. Your selections are very limited with landlords who are more accepting of pets and responsible owners.
Following these steps will help you conduct a successful search for animal-friendly rental housing.
No one likes the hassles involved with moving; much less finding rental housing that accepts pets. Contact a real estate agent several months before you plan to move. It’s best to start your search and work with a real estate agent and landlord who has pets themselves or who share your love of animals.
Try to understand and look at a home or apartment rental with the landlord’s perspective. They may have had bad experiences with irresponsible pet owners who didn’t safely confine their animals or pick up after them. Sometimes tenants sneak in pets or destroy the landlord’s property. They may be worried about complaints from neighbors with regards to barking dogs and wonder how they are going to deal effectively with pet owners if problems arise. All these concerns are legitimate.
This is why if you are looking for an apartment, house, or condominium to rent, you must be able to sell yourself as responsible pet owner. Show that you are committed and would be a good choice by providing responsible pet care and being a responsible neighbor.
Addressing your landlord’s prior experience may show you how to present your own request most effectively.
The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord. Compile the following documents:
As part of your offer to rent it may be a good idea to include a letter of reference from your current landlord verifying that you are a responsible pet owner. You may also want to include a letter from your veterinarian stating you have been diligent in your pet’s medical care. Supply documentation that your pet has been spayed or neutered showing that he or she is healthier, calmer, and less likely to be a nuisance.
Point out that your pet is housetrained or litter-box trained. Emphasize that you always clean up after your dog outdoors and that you always properly dispose of your pet’s waste.
Responsible pet owners make excellent residents. Because they must search harder for a place to live, pet caregivers are more likely to stay put. Lower vacancy rates mean lower costs and fewer headaches for landlords and real estate agents. Let prospective landlords know that you understand that living with a companion animal is a privilege, not a right.
Offer to bring your pet to meet the owner or property manager, or invite the landlord to visit you and your pet in your current home. A freshly groomed, well-behaved pet will speak volumes. Emphasize that the same pride you take in caring for your pet extends to taking care of your home. Make it clear to the landlord, that you keep your cat inside and your dog under control at all times and that you understand the health and safety benefits of doing so.
Let your prospective landlord know that you are willing to pay an extra security deposit to cover any damages your pet might make to the property.
Once you have been given permission by a landlord to have a pet, be sure to get it in writing. Sign a pet addendum to your rental agreement. Comprehensive agreements protect people, property, and the pets themselves.
We love pets and know how to help you find a great place to live! Call us today!!
Betty Bondi
Bondi Realty Group LLC
203-899-9990