Tips for apartment dwellers with pets

Animal lovers who want to welcome pets in their homes may be hesitant to do so while renting. Some might not want to pay additional fees on top of their normal security deposits, while others may fear that pets will cause damage to homes their owners don’t own, leading to potentially costly repairs down the road. Renters should know that it’s both possible and even common for people who rent to have pets.

While it might take a little extra work to find pet-friendly apartments, the lasting rewards of pet ownership could outweigh any brief hurdles renters may have to clear as they search for pet-friendly living arrangements.

Animal lovers who rent but want pets may need to move out of their current apartments before they can welcome pets into their families. As that process begins, renters can take steps to ensure they find a place both they and their future pets will find welcoming.

Start your apartment search earlier than you otherwise might. Many landlords do not accept pets, so expect the search for a pet-friendly apartment to be more involved than it would be if you did not intend to get a pet. As a result, start your search earlier than you have in the past, giving yourself as much time as possible to find a pet-friendly apartment that also meets your other needs. Local animal shelters may keep a list of pet-friendly properties, or you can contact local realtors who can help you find buildings that allow pets. The earlier you begin your search, the more time you will give yourself to find a place that has everything you need. If you delay your search, you may have to settle for a place that is pet-friendly but fails to meet your other criteria.

Get it in writing. Before signing a lease, read it carefully to make sure it clearly spells out that you are allowed to have a pet. Read any restrictions regarding the type of pet and the size of pet you’re allowed to have. For example, many landlords who allow dogs will only allow dogs up to a certain weight.

If you have your heart set on a Great Dane, then an apartment that only allows dogs that weight 25 lbs. or less won’t be a good fit. Read the terms regarding pets carefully so you know exactly what you can and cannot have and exactly how much you will have to pay to bring pets into your new home. If there are no terms regarding pets in the lease, ask that specific terms be added before you sign. Doing so will protect you down the road should the landlord discover any pet-related damage when you move out.

Do your homework. If you have never before owned a pet, then speak with a local veterinarian regarding your work schedule, your living arrangements and your expectations as a pet owner. The HSUS notes that problems with housing are the leading reason pets end up homeless. While no pet owner envisions taking their pets to a shelter and giving the animals up for adoption, such scenarios play out every day. By speaking with vets and local pet professionals, you can adopt the right pet for you and your apartment, greatly reducing the chances that you will be forced to give the pet up in the future.

Animal lovers who rent their homes can still welcome pets into their families.