Renting with pets can be difficult, a quick glance at popular rental websites shows about half of the listings do not allow pets. Understandably, owners are nervous when renting to a pet owner. Horror stories of irresponsible pet owners that let their pets damage the property are dime and dozen in landlord circles. Here are some tips when renting with your furry friend.
Create a pet “resume”
Creating a “resume” for your pet is a great way to show the owner that you know what it takes to own a pet in their rental. Include a photo, any certifications, letter from the vet showing your pet is spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccines and even how you met. Including your pet in your reference letter from your previous landlord is definitely a plus.
Bring your pet to showing
If your pet is agreeable, a good way for you to convince the landlord or property manager to choose you and your pet is to bring them to the showing. Let them know you have your pet with you and if they would like to do an “interview” they are right there. However do not bring them into the house without the owner or manager’s consent. First impressions are everything!
Spay and neuter your pets
Pets that are spayed and neutered are more attractive for the owners when considering your application because they are generally more well behaved and spayed pets do not go into heat stopping many destructive behaviors like urinating and bleeding on the carpet and loud vocalizations during the period.
