Finding your Perfect Pet-Friendly Property: Tips and Tricks

The joys of owning a furry friend are immeasurable. They provide companionship, unconditional love, and a whole lot of entertainment. However, when it comes to finding a new property to rent, things can get a little tricky. The majority of landlords have a “no pets allowed” policy in place, which can eliminate a significant portion of available rental properties. So, what are your options? Fear not, as we have compiled a few tips and tricks to help you in your search for the perfect pet-friendly property.

Start with research:

If you have a furry friend as a member of your family, not all properties will welcome them with open arms. Hence your first step is to research properties that allow pets. Various online rental websites cater to pet-friendly properties and can help in your search. They usually have a search filter so you can quickly narrow down properties that suit your needs.

Browse through the contracts with attention to detail: Once you find a property that is ideal for you and your pet, be sure to go through the contract's fine print. Sometimes leases can have “hidden” clauses, such as restrictions on the type of pet, breed, or size. Also, check if any additional fees apply to pet ownership such as pet rent, pet deposits, etc. The pricier the tenant’s pet, the more expensive rent will sometimes be. However, don't feel pressured to jump into signing a contract if the fees and restrictions don’t fit your budget or needs.

Be truthful:

Some landlords have had clients who lied about having pets, leading to unpleasant confrontations or errors. Lying about the existence, breed, or size of your pet can harm future interests in renting properties as your records can be shared by various agents and landlords when you seek to rent next. If you’re searching for a pet-friendly property, be transparent from the get-go, and hope that the landlord may be flexible in negotiations.

You may need to prove that your pet is trainable and well-behaved. While negotiations may help at times, some landlords are apprehensive about allowing pets due to concerns about property damage, pet-related noise, and potential problems with neighbors. To make yourself a more desirable tenant, provide documentation verifying your pet's regular veterinary care and that he/she is well-behaved and trained. You could also consider providing referrals from your current landlord and neighbors who have witnessed excellent pet behavior before.

Offer to pay more money upfront:

In some cases, it may be helpful to offer up more money than the landlord wanted upfront. A higher security deposit, or the payment of the last month of rent, could help ease landlord concern over potential pet damage or a messy future move-out. However, this tactic is not always a guarantee since it may depend on the landlord's overall financial status and the other offers on the table.

Finding pet-friendly properties doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By accepting a more in-depth search process and honing problem-solving skills, you can be successful eventually with the practice. From carrying out your research to being truthful about your pet and offering to pay more upfront, following the tips mentioned in this article gives you a higher chance of securing a suitable and perfect pet-friendly property. Remember, patience, and being upfront and honest with property owners or real estate agents are always the way to go. 

Contact a local real estate agent to learn more about properties for rent.