The statistics depict the number of pets by species in the United States in 2016/2016. In that year, a total of 77.8 million dogs lived in households in the United States as pets.

Thus, finding pet-friendly housing might be a bit difficult. Sure our pets are part of our families, but many landlords don’t feel the same.  Even if the landlord has a lovely dog or cat, he or she might have a bad experience with another tenant’s pet and so made up their mind not to let a pet in again. Imagine, 62% of all Americans own at least one pet. So, no matter what the reason is for not loving and/or willing to have a renter with pets, we should be ready to avoid the long and stressful search. Here are some tips and tricks to find pet-friendly housing in a short period of time and with good conditions.

1. The Power Of Internet

Well, before starting your search, take advantage of online tools. They make it easy to narrow your search and will give you the opportunity to find all pet-friendly houses in your area. Many online websites give options to search for only pet welcome homes so that you don’t have to waste your time and energy and visit homes where your furry friends are not allowed.

2. Be Ready To Pay a Little Bit Extra

Okay, now when you know the area and the homes that fit best, be prepared to pay a little extra. It may be some extra money every month or it may be a pet deposit. Some buildings allow pets only with this condition. If you’re confident in your pet and sure that the landlord won’t find any stains on the furniture, or there won’t be scratched floor, go for offering this option to your potential landlord. This will also help make them feel better about all possible damage. However, if you’re expecting your pet to cause damage to your place at any point, then maybe you should rethink and find another landlord. In this case, do not rent from an uptight landlord, just find someone else.

3. Promote Your Pet And Yourself

Promoting your pet and yourself is a great idea here. Not only should you sell yourself, when finding a new job, but you should sell your pet to get the best home for rent. Refresh your four-legged friend’s resume including its breed, size, age, medical information, and certifications, if there are such. Try to have a recommendation letter for your pet from your previous landlords to show to your prospective leaser. Invite the potential landlord to visit your pet and you at your current place or propose to arrange an interview for your pet. Show the landlords or managers how responsible you are, and that you know living with a furry companion is a privilege, not a right. Make sure to clearly show that you always keep your cat in and your dog under control and you know how important it is for health and safety benefits. Make it clear that you care about cleanliness a lot. Tell prospective landlord that you always clean up after your dog outdoors and dispose of pet’s waste. If it is not possible to arrange a meeting, provide the landlord, manager or condominium board a scrapbook with your pet’s photos. Scrapbooks and resumes are great to make a strong and positive impression.

4. Find Private Landlords

Some properties do not advertise themselves as pet-friendly, still, private landlords are usually easier to find. It’s better to try to negotiate with individual owners with tips and tricks mentioned above. But if the professionally-managed building is not open to pets, you’d better walk away and not spend time here.

5. Get It In Writing

As having a written rental contract is a must, having a separate document about your pet is a must, too. As soon as you get permission to have a pet, make sure to have it in writing. For such cases, a verbal agreement is never enough. So, to protect your pet, your property and yourself, you should have a comprehensive agreement. Check out, if the no-pets clause is removed from your contract before signing it. Also, don’t forget to check the landlord’s copy of the contract to be sure the clause is removed from it. Remember to have in writing all in details about pet deposit and monthly fees for your furry companion. In some cases, the depositor some part of it may not be refunded. See if you’re ok with these options or discuss them with the landlord before you sign the contract. Have every rule related to pets printed and be sure to understand and agree with all terms and conditions in it. Show that you’re willing to respect the community rules and the concerns of other residents. Know that people who don’t have pets may feel quite different about your dog or cat.

6. Location

Location really matters. If you’ve at last found the best location for you and it’s affordable, it’s nice, it’s close to your office, so make sure they allow pets. Great, you’ve done a good job! But don’t hurry. Make sure to do a little more research to see if your location is great for your pet as well. See if there are parks in your area, where you can walk your pet. Some communities now offer pet- friendly housing with good care, trainers, spots where you can leave your pet, while you’re away. There might also be events for pet owners. You should find a perfect place for your pets to keep them, as well as yourself, happy. Animal-friendly locations might be good for you only, and after a few weeks, you’ll realize that your pet is not happy there. If you can afford such buildings that offer pet-friendly services, go for them and know for sure, that your pet will be happy there.

7. Know Your Rights

In the end, let’s talk about the law. A landlord may never change his mind and tell you, that your pet is not allowed. If you have a written contract, you are protected legally. Know your rights as a tenant. Besides, if there is no specific mention about pets, you’re allowed to keep your pet to live with you as long as you live in that apartment. Size also matters. If you don’t have pets but are going to, know the pet maximum weight limit in your community. For many places, it’s around 20 to 50 pounds.

By: Hermine Aslanyan

Additional Valuable Resources:

Pet Resumes: Does My Pet Need One To Find a Rental? via Victory Property Management Wilmington NC Homes for Rent

Tampa Property Management Advice: Should Landlords Accept Pets?  from Andrew M. Dougill

How to Write a Killer Pet Resume via realtor.com

A Houston Property Management Company’s Take on Renting to Tenants with Pets via Empire Industries