How to Find a Rental Property That Allows Pets

Your pets are like children to you, and you couldn't think of not having them at home. How do you get a landlord to accept your pets, when landlords have the right to not allow pets in the properties that they rent? Here’s how to take care of this issue while you are looking for a new rental in the classifieds.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Former landlord recommendation
• Newspaper

1. Scratch off the properties that are clearly marked no pets.
2. Contact smaller properties rather than apartment complexes. A smaller property will usually be handled by the landlord directly, rather than a management firm.
3. Do not bring up your pet over the phone, unless directly asked. Mention your pet after you have viewed the property.
4. Be honest. Let the landlord know what kind of pets you have, their habits and current size. Do not give the landlord a picture of your Great Dane when he was a puppy.
5. Offer to pay an additional security deposit or an additional amount of rent each month to cover any extra cleaning costs and the wear and tear a pet puts on the property.
6. Make it easy for the landlord to say yes. Send a letter of reference from your current landlord that shows that you are a responsible pet owner, or consider writing a resume for your pet.
7. Respect your landlord's decision. No means no.

Tips & Warnings

• You can get suggestions for making a pet resume from your local ASPCA.
• Back up claims with paperwork wherever possible. Vet records and obedience school certificates can be that little extra which swings a landlord your way.
• Violating a landlord's clearly stated refusal to allow pets on the rental property can result in eviction.