Increasing Chances of Renting Your Dream Apartment With Your Pet
In the dream world of any pet owner, all apartments are pet-friendly and all landlords fall in love with Mister Whisker’s fluffy paws immediately and irrevocably. In reality, however, owning a furry companion often translates to an avalanche of trouble when it comes to finding a new home as vividly described here.
It’s not that landlords don’t like animals. In most cases they do and even have a few of their own. They just don’t want any trouble in the property they rent out, and might have had bad experiences with previous pet-burdened tenants.
Some property owners are ready to meet tenants halfway, which leads to restrictions on certain breeds and sizes. That’s why choosing a cat-friendly apartment is much less trouble than renting a place that will accept a medium sized dog. 
Avoid the trouble altogether with apartments that are pet-friendly
There is no easy way around landlords’ pet-free politics, so why not look for pet-friendly listings in the first place? The number of rent companies is growing, with some of them focusing exclusively on pet-friendly dwellings. An animal care agency serving the area may also provide you with a list of properties open for dog and cat owners.
What does a pet-friendly apartment mean in terms of payments and guarantees? Usually, a tenancy agreement for a pet-friendly place specifies a certain pet security deposit that will cover possible damage (around $150-$300) payable at the beginning of the rent period and a fixed monthly payment (around $50) in addition to the rent.
What if you can’t find a pet-friendly apartment?
Sometimes you just visit a place and fall in love with it. You see yourself having dinner at the kitchen table, watching a game in the living room and taking a relaxing bath in the spacious bathroom. This is the place for you – alas, it is unwilling to accept your pet. Then what?
There are certain ways to make your landlord reconsider. We are talking a single person landlord who owns a building or two, rather than a company bound with strict corporate policies. Here is what you can do to endear your pet to the property owner:
· Show that your pet is well-kept, disciplined and healthy
Compile a dossier of documents. Provide your pet’s photo and breed information, add veterinary records to show that it has received all necessary vaccinations and shots. Show that it was neutered or spayed as sterilized pets are usually calmer and less prone to mischief.
· Arrange a home visit
Invite your landlord to your current apartment. The lack of urine smell and a clean fluffy ball that will rub its back against your visitor’s feet will say more than any document. Call your current property owner and a neighbor to provide personal references.
· Appeal to money and lost opportunities
According to APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 65% of households in the US now own pets. The market for animal-friendly rent properties is huge. What’s even more important, pet owners tend to stay longer and are ready to pay more. This in turn reduces vacancy rates and increases profit.
Be persistent and determined – you need a place where both, you and your pet will feel welcome. Finding one might take longer than expected.
