Pet Friendly Housing
Anyone who rents knows how difficult it can be to find a decent place to live. Those of us who have pets face a special challenge. If you know you’re going to be looking for a new home for you and your furry friends, allow plenty of time for your search.
What can I do to be more effective in my search?
You can start by gathering proof that you are a responsible person. A letter of recommendation from any or all of the following people can help a lot: your current landlord, your veterinarian, your trainer, your groomer, a neighbor or two, a pet sitter or dog walker. All of these people can contribute to the image of your dog or cat as a valued, well-behaved family member.
Next, start checking in your local newspaper and ask local realtors about pet-friendly housing. Here are several websites that might be helpful in your search:
www.petswelcome.com
www.peoplewithpets.com
www.petapartments.net
If someone has a no-pets policy, don't try to sneak in your pets, hoping that your landlord won't notice or your pet will charm the landlord into changing his policy. Instead, bring your references and offer to pay an extra security deposit. Some landlords are impressed by this level of planning and commitment. You can also offer to bring your pet to meet the landlord. To show how well you take care of your pet, bring his or her medical record.
What do I do after I've found a place?
Once you have secured a place, make sure that you have written permission to have a pet. A verbal agreement between you and the landlord is not enough. Some security deposits are non-refundable, so you should discuss deposits or any other pet fees in advance. Again, get all the details in writing. Ask the landlord if he or she has written house rules for pets. If so, make sure the rules are realistic for you and your pets. Ask for a copy of the rules. |
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