Tips for renting with pets

The life of a tenant comes with many caveats. Besides needing to find a place you like, you’ll also have to deal with the landlord or property management company. If you have a pet, finding a suitable rental property can be a bit more challenging. It goes without saying that not every landlord is going to be thrilled with the prospect that you’ll be bringing a pet with you. Thankfully, we will give you tips for renting with pets, which will make the whole process a lot easier.

Consult with the landlord
Obviously, the first thing you will need to do is consult with the landlord. Be direct and find out if the apartment you are interested in is pet-friendly. Some places with a “no pets allowed” policy may be open for discussion, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask. The worst thing that can happen is that you get declined, which will just bring you back to square one.

It is of utmost importance that you do not lie to the landlord or try to hide your pet. When they perform a property inspection, they are bound to find pet hair, chew toys, and pet food. Hiding your pet can just land you in trouble and get you kicked out of the apartment. Don’t even think you will be able to fool a seasoned landlord. They are always on the lookout for tenant scams, so you should steer away from any illegal or suspicious activity.

Choose a home with your pet in mind
A small, one-bedroom apartment isn’t the greatest environment for a dog. Try to find something more suitable for your pet, and have their needs in mind when browsing property listings. Depending on the type and size of your pet, you may want to rent something with a spare room, a balcony, or a yard.

​Also, consider what the neighborhood is like. Look for an area with a nearby park or perhaps good trails where you can go for walks together. Before moving, check to see if there is a local vet in the area and contact them to see if they can care for your pet.

Ask your old landlord to confirm that your pet is well behaved.

Get references from your previous landlordIf you have already rented a place with the same pet you have now, you can ask your old landlord for a reference. This is especially helpful if your pet is well behaved and left a good impression on them. The landlord-tenant relationship is something you need to nurture, and it can be mutually beneficial. When moving out of a rental property, make sure to repair any damage your pet may have caused even before the property manager asks you to do it. If your previous landlord can mention that both you and your pet behave responsibly, that can go a long way towards convincing the new property owner to give your pet a pass.

Gather documentation and introduce your pet
Besides all the regular paperwork you will need when renting a home, you should also create a dedicated pet-paperwork folder. Have all the vaccination and neutering information from your vet readily available. You can also include your vet's phone number, since they can also serve as a reference for your pet. Compose a short bio for your pet, where you can mention their breed, hygiene, and overall habits. Always include your pet's resume with your own when inquiring about an apartment. After all, you are going to be roommates together. If you are going to have an in-person meeting with the new landlord, make sure to bring your pet. This can be an excellent opportunity to show off that they are well behaved.

Tell your landlord that you will cover for repairs from scratch or bite marks of your pet.

Be willing to negotiate
When discussing the lease agreement, you can offer an addendum to the lease. It can state that you are ready to cover any potential expenses which can come from the damage your pet may cause. When renting with pets, it's not uncommon for landlords to require you to pay an additional security deposit. Obviously, the best way to get it back is for you and your pet to be on your best behavior. Always clean up after your pet, and fix anything they damage to get your security deposit back.

Moving with pets
You will find that moving to a new home is a bit more complicated when pets are in the picture. We will go through some tips for renting with pets that will make your relocation a breeze. Pets can sometimes get even more stressed out about a move than humans, and what's worse is that they don't have good ways to express themselves. Here is what you can do:

• Talk to your vet. They can give your pet a checkup and go over the paperwork you have collected. You can even ask them for a mild sedative to help your pet handle the day of the move.
• Update their information.
• Drive them in your car. Spend time with them and bring them to your new home yourself.
• Keep things similar to your old home. Pets may need help adjusting. Try to keep things the same wherever you can.

Do everything you can to help your pet adjust to the new environment.

If you don’t already have a pet
If you plan on getting a pet, don't just adopt one and assume that your landlord will be okay with you bringing them into the rental property. Talk to the landlord in advance and get their approval before bringing a pet into your home, and make sure you get it in writing. Adopting an animal without a formal okay will get you on the fast lane to getting evicted.

The bottom line
The main takeaway from our tips for renting with pets is that you should always be straightforward and direct. Inquiring about pets on the property should be one of the first talking points with the landlord. Of course, there are a few things you can do to set the odds in your favor. If you train your pet and make sure they are well behaved, renting with a pet shouldn't be a problem.