How to Rent An Apartment With A Pet

Tenants looking for apartments with pets will find the process more complicated and will usually have less options available to them. Here are some tips for tenants with animal live-ins.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Updated list of pet's shots and vaccinations
• Dog/Cat reference from past landlord
• Rental application
• Patience and understanding

1. Get your dog or cat up to date on all shots and vaccinations. Make sure that it is licensed and is legal in the eyes of your city and state. Have a copy of this information and be ready to furnish it with your rental application.

2. Prepare a reference letter from your landlord and have him/her sign it. OR, have him or her draft his/her own letter praising your dog or cat's behavior. Have a copy of this and be ready to furnish it along with your application.

3. Look for apartments that will accept animals. Do not call to make an appointment with an owner or real estate agent without confirming that the landlord is okay with renting to animals. It is a waste of your time as well as the person showing you the apartment if the landlord does not accept pets. Chances are you will not convince them that your animal is worth bending the rules.

4. Be honest. If you dog is a barker, do not lie. You will eventually have to face angry neighbors (sometimes landlords that live in the building too!). If your dog is a barker find a place that is isolated from other units, a single family, or a very well insulated apartment. OR, find an alternative means of preventing the barking. Bark collars, etc may be options you simply need to explore to be able to rent.

5. Submit your dog as a tenant. Treat your dog (or cat) like a roommate. Submit a reference and his/her medical record. Attach a picture if you'd like. Your goal should be to assure the landlord that your animal will not cause damage to the unit.

6. Offer an additional security deposit. Instead of waiting to hear if the landlord will accept your animal with a regular security deposit, offer to pay extra funds. This shows you understand the landlord's position, and that you are confident that your animal will not cause damage.

7. Be patient and understanding. Many landlords do not rent to animals. Animals can cause damage to everything and anything in an apartment. Do not assume that since your pet is an angel, that the landlord is being unreasonable in not letting you rent the apartment. It is their prerogative to choose a tenant sans animals. If you are turned down on the basis of your pet keep trying!

8. Be realistic. If you have three dogs and are looking to rent in the city...you may not find a place. Landlords usually are not interested in multiple animals because that means multiple damages, more noise, more liability. Remember that certain dogs carry liability beyond the normal pooch. Talk to your insurance carrier to see if your breed requires additional insurance (Pit bulls, Dobermans, German Shephards, some other larger breeds are considered "un-insurable in some states").

Tips & Warnings

• Speak to your insurance agent about your pet and the specific breed you have. You may need additional insurance or will need important information regarding your animal as it pertains to insurance and liability.
• Ask, twice, if the landlord accepts animals BEFORE you visit the apartment.
• If you have multiple animals you may not find a suitable home. Be prepared for the answer of "no".
• Remember that you do not own the apartment, so do not get indignant when you are denied. Remember that the landlord has to protect his/her investment and is not there to please you!
• Do not lie if your dog barks. You will get caught and may be evicted based on this. It is better to find a suitable home that will be flexible with your noisy pet than to lie.
• When you find an apartment, make sure that the pet clause allows for your animal in the apartment. If it does not list your animal the landlord can evict you (or at least, try) if and when he/she changes her/his mind and it is not in writing that you were allowed to have an animal.

[4wallskelly]

on 9/9/2009 At 4walls.us, you can find pet policies on most listings, including deposits and restrictions. Many of the apartments are pet-friendly.

[CSeida08]

on 6/27/2009 These are all great tips, however I disagree with the statement that a bark collar is a good option. It is not really all that humane of an option, and the best way to work on this is just consistent training!