How to Find a Home Rental That Accepts Pets
When looking for a rental home, you will encounter landlords who are unwilling to allow pets on their property. According to the American Humane Association, the most common reasons people give when they relinquish their pets to shelters across the country are moving or an inability to find pet-friendly rental properties. Rental homes that allow pets do exist, you just need to take extra time to find them and make a good case to the property owner to accept your pet.
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Instructions
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Find a real estate agent in the area you want to move to that deals with home rentals, as some agents only deal with home sales. Inform the agent that you have pets and wish to find a pet-friendly property. Let the agent know the number, breeds and types of pets you own, so he can narrow down the listings that allow only certain types of pets. Tell the agent if you are willing to offer a separate pet deposit to cover any damages caused by the pet.
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Browse listings on a pet-friendly rental website such as PeopleWithPets.com or look through the listings of pet-friendly property websites that the Humane Society of the United States offers by state. These listings will contain only listings for real estate rentals that allow pets. Adjust the search criteria based on the type of pet you own to narrow down the number of listings.
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Contact the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in the area where you want to find a home. SPCA shelters usually have contacts for local landlords, companies and private persons who will allow pets on their properties. Other local pet rescue groups may also have contacts for property owners who allow residents with pets. Check Petfinder.com for listings of rescue groups in your area.
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Create a pet resume for each of your pets. This document lists your pet's temperament, size, weight, description, vaccinations and photo. Show this document to any potential landlord to give them an idea of your pet and offer to have the landlord meet the pet in an interview. Some landlords may have had prior unpleasant experiences with tenants who kept destructive pets. Give the landlord references from previous landlords, neighbors or your veterinarian to assure him that your pet will not damage the property. A letter from your veterinarian indicating you have kept up with regular medical care and vaccinations will show that you are a responsible pet owner, giving a good impression of you to a landlord.
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Disclose the fact that you have pets to any potential landlord. Have an addendum to your lease agreement drawn up which specifically allows your pets in the rental home. This written agreement provides legal protection for both you and the landlord. Certain landlords will allow pets with an extra deposit or a small rent increase per month, so ask about these options.
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Tips & Warnings
Have your pets spayed or neutered and provide proof of this, in the form of a letter from your veterinarian, to a prospective landlord. Altered animals tend to have calmer temperaments, making them less likely to damage the property.
Keep pets indoors and assure the landlord of this in writing. This will prevent pets from roaming the neighborhood and causing damage to a neighbor's property, which could get you evicted.
Never sneak pets into rental homes that do not allow them. The landlord can have you evicted or take other legal action against you for breaking the lease.
Check with local ordinances to ensure the pet you have, if approved by the landlord, is allowed in the state or county. Certain exotic pets have special restrictions or licensing requirements.
You are responsible for the cost to repair any damages to the rental property caused by your pet.
References
Resources
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