13 Steps to Finding Pet-Friendly Rental Housing
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Source: Humane Society of the United
States. (n.d). 13 steps to finding pet-friendly rental
housing. Retrieved March 8, 2005, from http://www.hsus.org/
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1. Give yourself enough time. Nobody
likes the hassles involved with moving, much less finding rental
housing that accepts pets. If you are renting now, start to
check ads and contact real estate agents and rental agencies
at least six weeks before your lease expires.
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2. Understand why many housing
communities reject pets. Put yourself in the
shoes of a landlord, housing manager, property owner,
or condominium association board member for a moment:
They may have had bad experiences with irresponsible
pet owners who didn't safely confine their animals
or pick up their feces, sneaked pets in, or left ruined
carpets and drapes when they moved out. They may be
worried about complaints from neighbors about barking
dogs and wonder how they are going to deal effectively
with pet owners if problems arise. All these concerns
are legitimate.
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That's why people looking for an apartment, house, or condominium
to rent must be able to sell themselves as responsible pet
owners, who are committed to providing responsible pet care
and being responsible neighbors.
3. Make use of available resources. Contact
the humane society or animal care and control agency serving
the area into which you are moving; the agency may be able
to provide you with a list of apartment communities that allow
pets. If you know any real estate agents, rental agents, or
resident managers who own pets themselves or who share your
love of animals, ask them for leads.
While there is no substitute for making a professional connection
with someone who understands how important your pet is to you,
look for a community apartment guidebook at the supermarket
or near newspaper distribution boxes on the street. The guide
may indicate which apartment communities allow pets and may
list any restrictions, such as species allowed or weight limits.
In addition, be sure to check local newspapers.
4. Recognize that it may be futile to try to sell
yourself and your pet to a large rental community with a
no-pets policy. You're more likely to be successful
if you focus on places that allow most pets, allow certain
pets (for example, cats or dogs weighing less than 20 pounds),
or that don't say, "Sorry, no pets." Individual
home and condominium owners may be easiest to persuade. Ideally,
look for a community with appropriate pet-keeping guidelines
that specify resident obligations. That's the kind of place
that's ideal for pet owners because you'll know that other
pet caregivers there also are committed to being responsible
residents.
5. Gather proof that you're responsible. 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:
- A letter of reference from your current landlord or condominium
association verifying that you are a responsible pet owner.
- Written proof that your adult dog has completed a training
class, or that your puppy is enrolled in one.
- A letter from your veterinarian stating that you have been
diligent in your pet's medical care. Supply documentation
that your pet has been spayed or neutered and vaccinated
against rabies. (Sterilized pets are healthier, calmer, and
far less likely to be a nuisance to neighbors.) Most veterinarians
routinely fulfill such requests for their clients.
6. Make your request to the individual
or group with the ultimate authority to grant your request. Usually
this will be the owner of the house or apartment. The owner
may, however, delegate the decision to a property manager
or resident manager. Check to see if, in addition to obtaining
the landlord's approval, you must also submit a written request
to the building's board of directors (or association, in
the case of a condominium community).
7. If you encounter a no-pets policy,
ask if it is the result of a negative experience with a previous
resident. Addressing your landlord's prior experience
may show you how to present your own request most effectively.
8. Let the landlord, manager, or condominium
board know that you share any concerns about cleanliness. 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.
9. Promote yourself. 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 and managers know that you understand that living
with a companion animal is a privilege, not a right.
10. Promote your pet. 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. Many landlords are concerned
about fleas, so be sure to let your prospective landlord know
that you maintain an active flea-control program for your pet
and home. Provide written proof that your pet is spayed or
neutered and is, therefore, healthier, calmer, and less likely
to be a nuisance.
Make it clear to the landlord, manager, or condominium
board 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.
If you can't arrange for a meeting, consider
making a short scrapbook with photos of your pampered pet in
his or her current home, and/or draw up a resume for your pet.
Scrapbooks and resumes are unique ideas that are guaranteed
to make a strong, yet positive, impression.
11. Be willing to pay a little extra. Tell
your prospective landlord or resident manager that you are
willing to pay an extra security deposit to cover any damages
your pet might make to the property.
12. Get it in writing. Once
you have been given permission by a landlord, manager, or condominium
committee 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. If your
lease has a no-pets clause, verbal approval won't be enough.
The no-pets clause should be removed from the lease (or crossed
out and initialed) before you sign it. Be sure it has been
removed from or crossed out on your landlord's copy, too.
You may be required to pay a pet deposit, some
or all of which may be nonrefundable. Be sure to discuss deposits
and monthly pet-related fees in advance. And have these fees
put into writing, too. Request a copy of any house rules pertaining
to pets. Let the landlord know that you will abide by the rules
set for the broader community and respect the concerns of residents
who do not own pets.
13. Be honest. Don't try to
sneak your pet in. Keeping an animal in violation of a no-pets
rule contributes to the general inclination of landlords not
to allow pets. You also may be subject to possible eviction
or other legal action.
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