How to Get a Pet Friendly Apartment
Did you know that America’s pet population outweighs its human one? It’s no wonder that 62% of the population has a pet of some kind, considering all the benefits there are to owning one (or more). Studies have shown that having a pet can lower your blood pressure, stress, and cholesterol, amongst many other things.
Yet, many Americans can’t have pets because their apartment buildings don’t allow them. Thankfully for pet owners there are pet friendly apartments all over the place. The trouble is finding these downtown apartments for rent. Here are a few tips to help you find such living spaces!
Check For Leads Everywhere.
The first place you want to check for pet friendly apartments is with your local area’s animal care and control agency or humane society. Real estate agents can expedite your search process, as well. It also doesn’t hurt to check in the classifieds, both print and online.
Prove You’re Responsible.
Once you have a few potential pet friendly apartments, you need to have evidence proving that you’re responsible, conscientious pet owner. The more evidence you have, the better. Letters of reference from your previous landlords, training certificates your pet has earned, and a letter from your vet stating that you’ve done your due diligence in the pet’s vaccinations and upkeep are all great ways to show that you’re a good owner.
Speak With Your New Potential Landlord.
Once you have such evidence, you need to make your request to the pet friendly apartments’ authorities. Let the landlord or property manager or whichever authority you speak to know that you’re serious about cleanliness and that you share their concerns as well. Make sure they know that your pet is either litter-box trained or house trained, and that you never fail to clean up after it when it goes outdoors.
Seal the Deal.
Chances are you’re going to have to pay a little bit more for pet friendly apartments. Paying a bigger security deposit will show the landlord that you’re ready to cover any damages your pet may do in the course of your living there, though it’s unlikely any such damages will happen. Be sure to get your deal in writing as well. Verbal approval simply isn’t enough and you don’t want the pet friendly apartments to renege. You’ve got to be sure to cover your bases, and get absolutely everything down on paper.
So long as you follow these tips, you’ll find pet friendly apartments in no time. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. For more about this, go here.
