Searching for a new home? Here are essential tips for your pet-friendly apartment search
Apartment hunting is challenging enough on its own—but when you throw a four-legged friend (or two) into the mix, it can make it all the more difficult. In addition to the plethora of requirements and policies landlords have in place, pet owners have many other factors to consider. Rules around where your pet can go, proximity to pet services like veterinarians and groomers, and access to pet relief areas are just a few things you need to think about to ensure that both you and your pet have a great experience.
Preparation is especially helpful when apartment hunting so that you have your ducks in a row and know what you’re looking for. With a pet, it's best to do your research ahead of time so that you can streamline the process without wasting time on places that off the bat won’t be a good fit.
Most, if not all, apartment complexes have pet policies and while some are more restrictive than others, it’s vital that you understand the guidelines that management has outlined. Many pet policies include breed and size restrictions, limits on the number of pets you can have, and required pet deposits and fees. Some get more granular and dive into topics like quiet hours, pet etiquette, and more.
It’s also important to make sure you have a budget set aside for costs associated with pet fees and deposits. Deposits are typically a one-time occurrence, but pet fees are often charged yearly, so be prepared for that when it’s time to renew your lease.
A solid pet resume will include a photo, breed and size information, spay/neuter status, vaccination history, and training certifications. Having one on hand can go a long way in earning the trust of a landlord or leasing office. It also allows them to determine quickly if your pet is a good fit for the community.
Not all pet-friendly apartments are created equal. Some simply allow pets while others genuinely cater to them. Depending on your needs, you can look for pet amenities like:
While you may not find something with all of these pet-friendly amenities, plenty of apartments offer at least some of them.
The hunt for an apartment is never perfect, and sometimes hiccups can happen. But you can do your part to help the process go more smoothly with some preparation beforehand.
Keeping your pet a secret from your leasing office is a big no-no and likely violates the terms of your lease while simultaneously breaking trust with your building management. On top of that, an unknown pet in an apartment complex can pose safety issues to other residents and may even subject you to financial and legal liabilities. Plus, your management could have grounds to terminate your lease or even take you to court.
Especially in competitive markets, prospective tenants may be tempted to sign a lease without seeing the apartment first—but this can be dangerous. Pictures from an online listing may not be accurate or show the entire space. If you can, visit in person to ensure it meets your expectations and isn’t potentially hazardous to your pet. Getting a firsthand visual of the unit you’d move into—along with the entire complex—will help eliminate any unknowns going in.
Outside of having pet-friendly amenities in your apartment complex, consider your building’s proximity to other important pet-related services and facilities. Is there an emergency vet nearby? Are there safe areas for dog walking and playing? Will you be able to easily access a veterinarian and groomer?
Reading the fine print might sound like a bore, but it can save you a lot of hassle down the road. In addition to outlining the pet policy, a lease typically includes information about tenant responsibilities, rent increases, lease duration and renewal, guest and subletting policies, legal protections, and much more. Make sure you’re clear on the terms and conditions of your tenancy and email your leasing office or have someone with legal understanding look over it if there’s anything you don’t understand.
Just because an apartment complex is pet-friendly does not mean all residents will be comfortable with pets. Being a responsible neighbor means keeping your pet at a safe distance when around other tenants and doing a refresher on basic training increases the chances that they’ll be well-behaved in common areas like elevators, lobbies, and hallways. The last thing you want is one of your new neighbors complaining to management about your pet.
No matter which apartment you choose, if you put in the necessary prep beforehand, you and your four-legged friend are sure to create a safe and fun environment in your new digs.
Depending on the language in your lease, they can ask you to remove the pet, and if you don’t, they may have grounds to evict you. Not only that, but you could potentially face legal consequences for breach of contract depending on your lease and local laws.
Some landlords might hesitate to welcome pets due to concerns around damages and liability issues. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t amazing places that will happily welcome you and your pet. You just have to keep looking!
You can’t. It’s important to respect the pet policy and lease, otherwise you could face consequences.
