HealthyPets Blog

It’s challenging to find an apartment where you and your pet are welcome. The situation is entirely different when you own a house because you can just make changes to your home.

But when renting, you don’t have the same option as owning a house. That’s why, if you’re a renter, it’s vital that you select the best apartment, not just for you, but also for your pet.

Despite the popularity of adopting pets, some landlords are still adamant about not allowing pets on their rental property. Thankfully, there are effective tips when renting with pets that you can follow.

Choose an apartment with on-site amenities

It’s evident that when you choose the best apartment for you and your pet, you must look for a rental property that encourages pets.

However, you should look beyond the pet-friendly policies that allow pets on the property. Instead, look for other on-site amenities. Some apartments, although expensive, can provide dog walkers on staff, a walking trail, dog washing facilities, and others. They can even offer a private dog park.

But never assume things if a building has a pet policy. It’s especially true if the policy isn’t explicit. Before you even sign papers, talk to the landlord and ask about the pet-friendly clause in the agreement.

Make sure to know more about limitations on pet size and the number of pets. Furthermore, ask about any penalties if your pet violates one or some of the rules.

Consider the apartment’s location

Apart from pet-friendliness of the building, it’s also crucial to select an apartment that’s near your workplace. Contemplate on how easy it is for you to get home in a day. For example, if your dog got sick, can you quickly go to the property during your lunch hour to give your pet medicine? Is there someone you can ask in the building to look after your pet when you’re gone?

Another thing to consider is the amount of space that you need for your things and your pet. Don’t just think about now but also the future. If your dog is an energetic, playful type, then it requires a spacious living area. You should also opt for an apartment that’s near a dog park.

Now, if your dog is large and the apartment is on the fifth floor, it might have a problem going up. Worse, it might develop joint issues as it grows old. If that would happen, it could not manage to go down on its own. Thus, choose to live on the first or second floor.

Apart from the convenience, living on the first floor will help you save the hassle of taking your pet up and down when it needs to have a bathroom break. It’s also beneficial if your dog is heavy. Keep in mind that if your pet weighs more, it makes a lot of thudding sound around your apartment. If you live on the first floor, you don’t need to worry about the neighbors below you.

You must also avoid an apartment with carpeted floor. It’s not only to make it easier for you to clean the property but your landlord won’t ask a high amount of security deposit.

Look for single-family rentals

If you haven’t found that perfect apartment yet, try looking into a single-family rental. Most large flats have breed and size limitations on their pet policies.

However, individually-owned properties are typically flexible. They allow large dog breeds. Even though it’s on a case-by-case basis, they might still let you bring your pet.

Opt for a non-aggressive pet

Although you want to take care of a pit bull and other aggressive pets, it would be helpful if you own a pet that’s non-aggressive. Choose a dog or a cat that won’t pose a threat to the neighborhood. Most landlords don’t accept German shepherds, Great Danes, and Siberian Huskies. If you have a chowchow or a chihuahua, then your potential landlords might allow you to rent.

Live in a city to find pet-friendly apartments

If you’re relocating for your job, the best cities where you can easily find pet-friendly apartments would include Portland, Oregon, San Diego, and Chicago. Apart from quickly finding these apartments, there are also plenty of dog parks and hangout spots that are pet-friendly.

Another thing to consider is to train your dog or cat. It’s true that training can be expensive. However, it becomes cheaper considering the cost you need to pay when your pet destroys the door frame, furniture or carpet. Furthermore, having a trained pet will assure you that it won’t be a problem for the landlord.

Regardless of your apartment’s location, always communicate with your landlord about your pet to help improve the safety of your pet and the other tenants.

About the Author:

Catrin Cooper works at Rentberry, a platform that helps connect renters with landlords.