Although many apartments will say no pets, some landlords are willing to work with prospective tenants, so I’ve found it’s still worth asking if you already have an animal. If you can provide details about the age, breed, size and immunization record for your pet, as well as references from previous landlords, you just might be able to move in with your best friend in tow. Though it is not legal for an owner to require an additional pet deposit, I’ve found that proposing one can be helpful. A gracious offering would be along the lines of an additional ½ month’s rent. To be clear, this is not a pet fee, but a deposit, which you should expect to get back when you vacate, assuming that the apartment is in the same condition as when you took possession. It is also a good idea to consider getting renter’s insurance, since some policies will offer extra protection for pet damage. Property owners will generally appreciate this effort, since it indicates that you are willing to take full responsibility for your animal. If there are other animals in the building, it’s probably a good idea to introduce them to your pet before moving in, since the situation could become problematic if they don’t get along. I’d also suggest asking your landlord if any of the other tenants have pet allergies. When I moved in to my last two apartments, I introduced my dog to the neighbors immediately in order to make them comfortable and this proved to be an easy way to create some good will between tenants. (It doesn’t hurt that my dog’s adorable either!) When considering a suitable apartment for you and your pet, choose a residence without carpeting. The first floor is preferable, so that you won’t disturb tenants beneath you with the pitter pattering of paws, and the fewer units in the building, the better, since there will be less stimuli to induce barking. Although it’s not essential, it’s definitely better to live in an area with some green space, so that you can walk your pet or give it some fresh air and exercise. It might also be a good idea to put a fire department sticker in your window that indicates there is a pet inside...just to be safe.Getting Your Paw in the Door of a Quality Rental
- By Michael McCann
- Posted
Although many apartments will say no pets, some landlords are willing to work with prospective tenants, so I’ve found it’s still worth asking if you already have an animal. If you can provide details about the age, breed, size and immunization record for your pet, as well as references from previous landlords, you just might be able to move in with your best friend in tow. Though it is not legal for an owner to require an additional pet deposit, I’ve found that proposing one can be helpful. A gracious offering would be along the lines of an additional ½ month’s rent. To be clear, this is not a pet fee, but a deposit, which you should expect to get back when you vacate, assuming that the apartment is in the same condition as when you took possession. It is also a good idea to consider getting renter’s insurance, since some policies will offer extra protection for pet damage. Property owners will generally appreciate this effort, since it indicates that you are willing to take full responsibility for your animal. If there are other animals in the building, it’s probably a good idea to introduce them to your pet before moving in, since the situation could become problematic if they don’t get along. I’d also suggest asking your landlord if any of the other tenants have pet allergies. When I moved in to my last two apartments, I introduced my dog to the neighbors immediately in order to make them comfortable and this proved to be an easy way to create some good will between tenants. (It doesn’t hurt that my dog’s adorable either!) When considering a suitable apartment for you and your pet, choose a residence without carpeting. The first floor is preferable, so that you won’t disturb tenants beneath you with the pitter pattering of paws, and the fewer units in the building, the better, since there will be less stimuli to induce barking. Although it’s not essential, it’s definitely better to live in an area with some green space, so that you can walk your pet or give it some fresh air and exercise. It might also be a good idea to put a fire department sticker in your window that indicates there is a pet inside...just to be safe.
