Renting With Pets

For a pet owner, renting a home can be hard work. Many landlords are reluctant to rent to tenants who have pets. Finding a rental can be even tougher for tenants with multiple pets or exotic animals — and it can be nearly impossible for certain breeds of large dogs.

Even landlords who are willing to allow you to keep a dog or cat may draw the line at more exotic animals such as lizards and snakes. And many insurance companies refuse to insure landlords who allow certain breeds of large dogs, such as pit bulls and rottweilers.

Plus, most landlords who do allow pets will be reluctant to allow puppies and kittens — and you should too because they are most likely of all pets to damage the property, since they are too young to know any better. If you can convince your new landlord to let you keep a puppy or kitten, begin training your new pet right away, and set aside some extra money for the damage that is likely to occur.

Most landlords who are willing to allow pets will require you to pay either an additional pet deposit, a non-refundable pet fee,  additional monthly rent, or some combination of the three.

In addition, you will be held responsible for any actual damage caused by your pet, and your landlord could sue you if this damage exceeds your security deposit.

Keeping a pet in the property — even temporarily — without your landlord's permission could be a breach of your lease and could allow your landlord to terminate your lease and sue you for damages.

What is the best way to convince a potential landlord to rent to you?

First, be sure to provide exceptional references from your current landlord. A landlord is much more likely to rent to a tenant who has a history of paying on time and who has shown that he or she can responsibly care for a property.

Second, prepare a pet resume to show your future landlord that you are a responsible pet owner.  More information on this is provided in the links below.

Third, be more open-minded about the type of property that you are renting. A landlord will likely be more willing to allow a pet in a property with older carpet that will need to be replaced in a few years anyway, whereas he or she may have greater concern about allowing a pet in a property that has new carpet.

Fourth, be willing to pay a little extra. Whether, it means paying a larger deposit or paying a slightly higher rent price, give the landlord an incentive to say "yes" and show that you have faith in your pet's good behavior.