Renting with pets can sometimes feel like a challenge, but with the right approach, you can find a comfortable and welcoming home for both you and your furry friend. In this blog post, we'll explore some helpful tips and strategies for navigating the rental market as a pet owner, finding a pet-friendly apartment, and some tips for maintaining an apartment you share with fluffy companions.
When looking for a rental property that allows pets, it's essential to begin your search well in advance to leave you enough time to discover all the different pet-friendly apartments for rent in your area. Many landlords and property managers have specific pet policies, for example, some buildings might only allow cats or small dogs, so starting early will give you more time to find a pet-friendly rental that meets your needs. In some cases, you may need to be flexible in your search criteria to find a suitable pet-friendly rental.
This could mean considering properties in different neighbourhoods or adjusting your budget slightly. Remember that finding the perfect home for you and your pet may require some compromise. While searching for a pet-friendly rental property, focus on listings that explicitly mention being pet-friendly.
If the building allows pets, this will often be listed in the property's, or individual suites' list of features. Looking for this can save you time and frustration during your search process. When contacting landlords or property managers, be upfront and honest about your pet. Provide accurate information about your pet's breed, size, and temperament. Transparency is key to building trust with potential landlords and increasing your chances of securing a pet-friendly rental.
Consider creating a "pet resume" for your furry companion. This document can include details such as your pet's age, breed, size, vaccination history, and any training or certifications they have completed. A pet resume can help showcase your pet in a positive light and reassure landlords of their suitability as tenants. It is very common that when moving into an apartment with pets you may be required to pay an additional pet deposit. This can be structured as a monthly fee, or an up-front deposit, to cover any potential damages or extra cleaning expenses associated with having a pet on the property.
