How to Rent an Apartment If You Own a Dog

Not everyone has the luxury of living in their own house with a backyard, picket fence and ample room for Spot to run around. But that doesn’t preclude apartment dwellers from having dogs too. It just makes it a little more of a challenge to find that special place to call home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet Access
• Apartment Guide
• Persistence
• A love for your dog that overrides the inconvenience of searching for an apartment that allows pets

1. Pick up a free apartment guide. Just about any medium to large city will have one that encompasses surrounding suburbs and includes pretty much all of the multi unit apartment complexes. If it’s not in there, chances are it’s not worth considering. You’ll want to first look for those two all-important words: “pets welcome.” Also visit web sites such as Rent.com for pet friendly apartments and search online for realtors that specialize in pet friendly properties.
2. Inquire about the percentage of tenants who own dogs when you meet the leasing agent. This will tell you just how welcome Fido really is. There are some complexes that actually pride themselves on being pet friendly and list it as an amenity.
3. Find out if there are designated areas to walk your dog, and if not, what the best places are. Also check if there is an off leash dog park nearby which might be an important thing to consider.
4. Be prepared to pay a pet deposit, as just about all apartments require one. Find out how much of it is non-refundable and make sure it is clearly stated in the lease or in a pet addendum. This will avoid confusion upon move-out.
5. Dog proof the inside in accordance with your dog’s destructive habits. For instance, if he likes to chew or scratch the door or door trim while you’re gone, nail up two strips of vinyl, one along the edge of the door and the other alongside it on the trim. The strips should come up within a few inches of the doorknob and only need to be approx. 2 to 3 inches wide (this is normally the area they scratch since it's the point of exit).
6. Have a product on hand that removes urine stains and odors from carpet. There are good ones on the market that are made of natural enzymes. Even if your dog is house broken…there is still the occasional accident.
7. Keep your dog's nails trimmed if there are hardwood floors.
8. Keep blinds rolled up enough to where the dog can’t jump up and damage them.

Tips & Warnings

• Always remember to be courteous of your neighbors. Keep your dog on a leash at all times and clean up after him (don't leave it up to maintenance)...and most importantly...don’t initiate an impromptu game of fetch in the wee hours of the morning if you have downstairs neighbors.
• If you work long hours or will be gone for an extended period of time, consider having a friend, relative or professional pet sitter walk your dog and check to make sure everything’s kosher.
• Find out what constitutes normal wear and tear to avoid problems with getting your deposit returned.
• Be up front with the leasing agent as to the breed and size of your dog, as well as how many will be living in the apartment. If you fail to disclose this, you could be subject to eviction.