Renting has many advantages, which include no long-term commitment. However, pet owners run into many problems when looking for apartments. Some property owners do not want tenants to bring pets into their property. Here are some tips for finding pet-friendly apartments:
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When searching for apartments on sites such as The Urban Avenue homepage, you should check whether they accept pets. During your search for pet-friendly apartments, you might not find a clear answer. Because of this, you might end up assuming that an apartment complex does not allow pets even when it does.Some landlords forget to mention pets in their advertisements. To avoid missing out on the ideal apartment, you should not be afraid to ask whether property owners accept pets. You might learn that the property owner does not have a problem with pets. Being a proactive tenant will afford you more success.
When you ask the right questions, you will be showing direct interest in an apartment. Property owners want this and your proactiveness might make them change their minds about accepting pets.
Offer a Better Deal
When you contact property owners, you might find that several of them are torn about allowing pets on their property. For instance, a landlord might understand your desire to provide a safe home for your pet but has had a bad experience with a previous tenant. In such a situation, you will find that money talks.The property owner might become more flexible when you offer more money. When using this tactic, you need to be careful to avoid offering too much money – your financial situation could change and you will not be able to hold up your end of the bargain. However, if you can afford to pay a couple hundred dollars more than the rent, your landlord might remain on your side.
Offer a Trial Period
Some property owners might refuse to budge even after you offer extra money and prove that your pet is well behaved. In such cases, you need to understand the landlord’s point of view – a single bad experience is enough to leave a sour taste in their mouths.To get past this reluctance, you should offer a trial period. You can offer to stay in the apartment for one month and be subject to review after it ends. With this offer, the landlord does not have to commit to a long-term agreement right away.
You should get this agreement in writing to cement it. During the trial period, you should do your best to keep the property in pristine condition. Your landlord might agree to offer a long-term tenancy if the pet behaves.
Start Searching Early
Most properties do not allow pets. Therefore, you need to start your search early to increase your chances of finding one that does. You should start hunting for an apartment at least three months before your current lease ends. If it ends before you find a pet friendly apartment, you might have to pay for a kennel for your pet.When you give yourself enough time to find an apartment, you will be able to choose one that meets your needs. You will not rush into the first apartment that accepts pets.
Get References
You should obtain documents that prove you are a suitable pet –owning tenant. With such papers, you can assure any landlord that you are a good pet owner. Letters of reference from your previous landlords are important. A prospective landlord will trust you more if you can provide a letter of reference from your previous landlord.If you have training certificates for your pet, they will also come in handy. They prove that your pet has no bad habits that might cause damage. Is your pet neutered or spayed? You should provide the necessary documentation.
Sterilized pets are much calmer than those that are not. Therefore, proving that your pet is sterilized will quell any fears that your property owner might have about your pet becoming a nuisance.
Conclusion
Finding an apartment that is pet friendly is not easy. Unruly pets can cause a lot of damage, which is why most landlords are wary when it comes to accepting pets.
