For many people, a pet is an important part of the family, a faithful companion through good and bad. But for renters, it’s a well-known fact that finding a pet-friendly rental can be tricky. Understandably, landlords are often wary of allowing animals into their properties, for fear of damage and complaints.
Fortunately, most tenants with pets are respectful and give landlords no reason to worry. So, if you’re a pet owner and you’re planning to rent a single-family home, rest assured it is possible to do so. You just need to be prepared to put your landlord’s mind at ease.
With that in mind, here are 9 things you should know about renting with pets.
1. It Can Often Take Longer to Find a Pet-Friendly Rental
Pet-friendly rentals can seem to be few and far between, so be sure to allow as much time as possible when it comes to finding your ideal rental. Nowadays, it’s easy enough to narrow your search down to pet-friendly properties when searching for single-family rentals online. Alternatively, if you work with a realtor, they can seek out listings that are animal-friendly.
Even so, it can take some time to find the right rental for your needs, so be sure to factor this in before you begin your search. The good news is that single-family homes for rent tend to be more pet-friendly than apartments and condos.
2. It’s Not Worth Sneaking Pets In
Struggling to find a rental that works for you and your pet? While it might seem like a good idea to pretend that you don’t have a pet and simply sign the tenancy for a no-pets-allowed rental, this will soon come back to bite you.
Once you’ve signed the lease agreement, it’s a legally binding contract. If it states that pets are not allowed and you’re found to have brought a pet into the property, the landlord has every right to evict you.
If there really are no pet-friendly listings coming up, don’t despair. It’s always worth contacting the landlord of a place you like and asking if they might reconsider their pet policy.
3. You’ll Often Need to Provide Details About Your Pets
When you do find a suitable pet-friendly property to rent, be aware that you’re not yet guaranteed the lease. You’ll normally be required to provide the following information:
- Number of pets,
- Pet breeds,
- Pet size,
- Important behavioral information.
Even pet-friendly rentals may not allow certain types of pets or breeds, such as large, typically aggressive dogs.
Be upfront about your pet from the get-go and try to show off its best qualities. You may consider creating a pet resume, complete with photos and information about your pet’s favorite activities, any certifications, medical history, and maybe even their adoption story. Reference letters from previous landlords are also invaluable.
4. Your Pet Might Need to Be Screened
Even after giving full details about your pet, it’s worth knowing that some landlords may wish to carry out a pet screening process as well. This essentially enables the landlord to assess the potential risks of allowing your pets into their property.
They’ll generally want to “interview” your pet and observe their behavior and responses to certain stimuli. You’ll also typically be asked various questions about your pet’s behavior and medical history.
5. Be Prepared to Pay Pet Fees
Once your pet is accepted for a rental, most of the hard work is over. However, it’s worth preparing to pay a little more than you might normally. Many pet-friendly rentals require pet fees in addition to the regular security deposit.
Pet fees are usually non-refundable and go towards additional services at the end of your tenancy, such as pet hair removal and scratch damage repairs.
6. Ensure Your Lease Agreement Includes a Pet Clause
If you’re happy with the terms and conditions of your new pet-friendly rental, you’re probably eager to sign on the dotted line. However, be sure to read the lease agreement thoroughly and ensure that it contains a specific pet clause. This should outline the following:
- What type of pets are allowed,
- How many pets are allowed,
- Any limitations.
Never sign a lease that says “no pets allowed”, even if the landlord has verbally agreed to let you have them. Everything must be written in the lease agreement to be legally binding.
7. Ensure the House You Choose Is Suitable for Your Pet
It’s easy to agree to the first place that will let you have a pet, but it’s always worth thinking a little more long-term before you sign on the dotted line. Ensure your pet will have all it needs, such as access to outdoor space and ample space indoors.
Choosing a home that isn’t suitable for your pet can lead to distress and bad behavior. Besides being upsetting for your pet, this could lead to you being evicted due to damage or complaints.
8. Be Mindful of Noise Complaints
Most landlords are wary of allowing pets due to the danger of receiving noise complaints from the neighbors. This is especially true for dog owners, so be mindful of noise complaints and do all you can to prevent them from happening.
No one wants to hear a dog barking late at night or throughout the day, so when moving into a rental, be sure your pet won’t have cause to bark unnecessarily. Don’t leave them outside alone at night without an adequate shelter and consider dog training to reduce excessive barking.
If your dog suffers separation anxiety, try to avoid leaving them alone for extended periods of time by arranging dog-day care while you’re at work, for example.
9. Pet Insurance Is Always a Good Idea
It’s always wise to invest in renter’s insurance when renting a new home. Not only does it provide peace of mind, but it covers you for a wide variety of potential issues. As a pet owner, look out for an insurance policy that offers some form of pet liability cover.
This will typically cover you for any damage to the property that your pet caused, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in repairs and being evicted.
