How to Find a Pet-Friendly Apartment

HOW TO FIND A PET-FRIENDLY APARTMENT

Finding a pet-friendly place to live can be difficult, no matter where you live. Catrin Cooper works in real estate and gives us tips on how she found her pet-friendly apartment…

How I Found My Pet-Friendly Apartment?

Several months ago, I was relocated for a new job in another city. Hence, I had to look for a new apartment. One of the problems I encountered was that I had a pet, Shiba Inu. Naturally, I needed an apartment that would accept pets. Not only that, it should have more amenities for me and my pet.

It took a while before I found that perfect place to live, not just for me, but also for my pet. It was a great challenge. But after weeks of finding a pet-friendly apartment, I discovered one that met my criteria.

What did I do? Here are the steps I took before I found that heavenly dwelling.

Use of an Online tool

One of the first steps I made was to use an Internet tool, which helped me narrow down my search. I used several options that aided me in eliminating listings that don’t allow pets.

I found a few pet-friendly apartments through those online tools. Then, I also looked for private landlords because they are easy to negotiate with.

Polish my pet’s resume

Looking for an apartment that allows pets is like looking and applying for a job. I didn’t just have to sell myself, but I also have to market my pet. And that was a great challenge.

The good thing was that my pet had already received an obedience training certificate. If your dog has not completed the training yet, you should send a proof that it is currently enrolled in one. This will help too.

Then, my former landlord sent a letter of recommendation to my prospective leasers.

I also requested a letter from my pet’s doctor stating that I’m keen on my pet’s medical care. I supplied documentation that my dog has been vaccinated against rabies and neutered.

I also wrote a pet resume for rental that detailed its related certificates, medical details, and various significant information. I also suggested to my prospective landlords to see my dog in person and evaluate it themselves.

How to write a pet resume

Pay a pet deposit

During the interview, I offered the landlords to pay a separate pay security deposit before moving in. I did this to show them that I was confident of my pet’s behavior.

But my search for the right abode for me and my pet didn’t stop there. After the interview and offering a pet deposit, I also made sure that the apartment wasn’t just the excellent location for me but also for my pet.

In my current apartment, the parks are just a walking distance. Then, a few blocks away, there’s a doggy daycare that I could just drop off my pet when I have to travel to another city for one to two days.

During my search before I found this perfect apartment that I’m currently living in, I found some pet-friendly buildings that also offered on-site grooming and training. Unfortunately, I could not afford the pay rate.

Make a contract

Once I found that perfect pet-friendly apartment, I asked the landlord to get it in writing of what we have agreed. Although he said that there’s no need for it, I insisted.

For me, verbal approval wasn’t enough. Thus, he obliged. In the rental agreement, it explicitly stated that I’m allowed to bring my pet and pay a pet deposit, which was non-refundable.

I understand that several landlords reject pets. 

FOR AUSSIE PET LOVERS...

Perhaps, they had bad encounters with impetuous pet owners who sneaked pets in or did not confine their pets. These are legitimate concerns. And I respect them. That’s why I had to sell myself as a responsible pet owner, and I nailed it.

About the author:
Catrin Cooper is a content manager at real estate startup Rentberry in San Francisco. She loves creating useful articles for tenants and landlords as well as writing about marketing and self-development. In a free time, Catrin enjoys travelling and yoga.

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