Finding a rental home that accommodates your furry friend is a top priority for many pet owners. With the right approach, you can find a pet-friendly house that suits your lifestyle. In this post, we’ll provide helpful tips for locating a pet-friendly rental home and persuading landlords who may be hesitant to welcome pets.
Our tips include:
- Researching rental listings that allow pets.
- Preparing a pet resume.
- Providing references from previous landlords.
- Offering to pay a pet deposit.
By using these strategies, you’ll boost your chances of finding a pet-friendly rental home and provide your furry companion has a comfortable home.
How to Find a Pet-Friendly Rental Home
- Start your search early: Give yourself ample time to find the perfect place. The more time you have, the more options you’ll have. Focus your search on listings advertised as “pet-friendly,” or enlist the help of a listing agent, friend, or property manager. By starting your search early, you will have plenty of time to find the perfect place for you and your pet.
- Prepare for a pet fee or deposit: Most landlords who allow pets will require a pet deposit. This is usually a refundable deposit or non-refundable fee covering any damage your pet may cause to the property. Be ready to cover this cost in advance. Many property owners will also charge a slightly higher rent or a “pet rent” on top of the base rent. In most cases, the amount is relatively small and will help cover any additional wear and tear your pet may cause in the home.
- Introduce the landlord to your pet: Many landlords are more likely to rent to you if they meet your pet in person and see that they are well-behaved. This is also an excellent opportunity to show the landlord how responsible you are as a pet owner. If meeting your pet in person isn’t an option, create a “resume” highlighting your pet’s best qualities. Include photos and any documentation from training classes, vaccination status, etc.
- Offer to sign a longer lease: Landlords may be more willing to rent to pet owners if they’re assured of stability and sign a longer lease. This shows the landlord that you are committed to staying on the property over an extended timeframe. Many property owners prefer long-term tenants and they may be more likely to approve you and your pet if you request for a long lease.
- Provide references: Collect references from previous landlords or neighbors attesting to your pet’s good behavior if you can. These can be incredibly helpful when applying for any rental home, even one advertised as pet-friendly. When you meet your prospective landlord, bring your pet references with you. These references can go a long way in convincing a reluctant landlord to rent to you.
- Clean up after your pet: Finally, it’s imperative to always clean up after your pet and make sure they don’t cause any damage to the property. If possible, avoid leaving your pet unattended in the home or ensure they’re kept in a safe and secure Austin. This can help avoid issues with your landlord and increase the likelihood of keeping your pet deposit refundable.
The simplest way to discover pet-friendly rentals in Austin and nearby is to contact Real Property Management Lonestar. We offer a variety of high-quality rental homes, many of which are ideal for responsible pet owners like you. Call us today at 210-314-1039!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
