An Apartment-Hunting Guide For Dog Owners
Posted on: 11 May 2021
Dog ownership is full of joys and challenges. Unfortunately, one big challenge can be trying to find a rental apartment when you have a pet. Many landlords are unwilling to take on tenants who own animals. These tips will help you find a pet-friendly apartment for yourself and your canine companion:
1. Look for apartments that advertise pet-friendliness.
Many pet-friendly apartments are keen to let dog owners know that they're welcome. While searching for a place to live, be on the lookout for apartments that specifically advertise themselves as pet-friendly. Rental companies know this is a major selling point, so they will likely list it on their advertisements and fliers.
2. Call the rental company to ask if they allow pets.
If you find an apartment that you really love, but their advertising material gives no indication that they allow pets, you can always call the rental company office to double-check. Even if the apartment complex doesn't have a blanket policy regarding animals, they may be amenable to you and your pet if you're polite and friendly over the phone. You should check the pet-friendliness of prospective apartments early in the apartment hunting process. This will prevent you from wasting time attending viewings for apartments that won't accept your furry friend.
3. Pay attention to weight limits and other restrictions.
Some apartments are pet-friendly with a few restrictions. For instance, it's common for some rental companies to not allow dogs over a certain size. Other companies don't allow tenants to own breeds that may be considered dangerous, like pit bulls. If you own a large breed dog or a commonly restricted breed, it's important that you check the fine print of your rental agreement to avoid unfortunate surprises. Some rental companies may be willing to make exceptions if you can prove that your large dog is well-trained.
4. Have some extra money on hand for a pet deposit.
Some pet-friendly apartments ask that pet owners pay an extra deposit upfront. Like your general rental deposit, a pet deposit is held by your landlord just in case your pet causes damage to the property. If your dog is well-behaved and housebroken, you have nothing to worry about. Your pet deposit will be returned to you when you move out. Not all pet-friendly apartments ask for this type of deposit, but it's a good idea to include it in your moving budget just in case.
Contact a rental community for more information regarding pet-friendly apartments for rent.
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