Finding Pet-Friendly Housing: A Guide for Tenants
Finding a rental property that allows pets can be daunting. As a pet owner, you want to provide the best for your furry companion. This guide aims to aid you throughout the process of locating a dwelling with a pet-friendly policy.
This article will discuss all aspects, including pet fees and deposits and practices that promote responsible pet ownership. Continue to read below as we provide strategies for negotiating pet policies with landlords so that you and your furry friend can enjoy a comfortable living arrangement.
Common Practices Regarding Pet Fees and Deposits
The important thing to remember when looking for a pet-friendly apartment is to recognize all the possible expenses associated with having a pet. Let’s break down the most common fees and deposits:
Pet Fees vs. Pet Deposits vs. Pet Rent:
- Pet Fees: These are generally one-time fees, which, once paid, cannot be recovered. They include permission for pet ownership in the rental. For example, you might be charged $200 for a pet deposit when signing the lease agreement.
- Pet Deposits: These are also one-time charges, but are refundable provided your pet has not damaged anything by the time your lease is up. A $300 pet deposit for instance is quite reasonable and is often seen as a safety net for the landlord.
- Pet Rent: This is a fixed amount that is paid in addition to rent each month similar to paying for utilities. It is just a fixed fee for taking in a pet in the house you rent. For instance, pet rent may be an additional $25 monthly.
It is also important to note that Pet fees and deposits differ considerably from one area to another. As for pet fees, it is worth noting that it varies from $100 up to $300 a month on average. If there’s a pet deposit, it will be in the $200-$500 range.
Also, some places still have pet rent that usually falls between $10 and $50 per month. Therefore, it is always wise to consult your landlord to confirm specifics for your area.
Legal Considerations
What if you have a service animal or emotional support animal (ESA)? Well, in this case, the law is different. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) offers protection for people with service animals and ESAs and prevents landlords from refusing these animals or charging a fee to accommodate them.
So, to take advantage of this benefit, you have to provide proper documentation, like a letter from a licensed mental health professional, to prove you need that support animal. At the same time, consider learning about the local laws in your state, especially how they can protect your right to a service animal.
If you know your legal right as a tenant with emotional support animals, you can make better lease negotiations and avoid unnecessary fees.
Emphasizing Responsible Pet Ownership
Several circumstances can make having a pet useful. However, it is critical to be a responsible pet owner so that your neighbors and your landlord will not have a problem with the animal. Here are some of the key practices that are recommended for pet owners:
Training
Pets can be like children and they need to be well-behaved to not have issues with the neighbors. In this case, basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “quiet,” can help keep their hyperactivity at bay. If done properly, this well-behaved cat will cause fewer problems and reduce the chance of eviction.
Cleaning
As much as you may adore animals, it is crucial to understand that every pet emits a particular odor and deposits. Numerous cleaning agents can assist in decreasing the smell; however, investing in a good vacuum cleaner, a pet hair deodorizer, and other sanitation supplies can be quite helpful.
Minimizing Noise
Moving to a new place can make your pet anxious, from a change of scenery and noise from moving things, and also including barking dogs around the neighborhood. To fix this, consider getting them plenty of exercises and mental stimulation from toys, puzzle feeders, and playtime together.
You can also try improving your DIY skills to create an entertainment center for your pet, or you can go the easier route and use a fan or soft music to minimize sounds that often trigger their barking.
These tips are necessary because a well-trained and cared-for pet is less likely to make a mess and spoil your relationship with your landlord and neighbors.
How to Negotiate Pet Policies with Landlords
Discovering a pet-friendly place is only half the battle. You still need to discuss and work with your landlord to come to smooth living terms before signing a lease.
To begin, you may collect references that demonstrate the positive behavior of your pet, like previous landlords’ letters, your pet’s vet, or neighbors. A certificate of obedience training can be of great use, too.
When talking to your landlord, always approach the conversation with a positive outlook and let your landlord know you have a pet. Explain how you try to prevent problems with your pet, by talking about any training or routines you follow.
Image Alt Text: Afro-American Man and Caucasian Woman Talking with Property Manager
Negotiation Tips
What are some ways to make your landlord more open to accepting your furry friend? Here are negotiation tips we can recommend for you:
- Make a Pet Resume: Start the resume with a photo of the pet and a brief description of its behavior and personality. Also, include any behavioral training the pet undergoes, along with references from your previous landlord or neighbors.
- Suggest a Trial Period: If the landlord is skeptical about your pet, you can suggest a trial period to prove that they won’t cause any problems.
- Discuss Financial Arrangements: You can also suggest pet deposits or rent to compensate the landlord for financially accommodating your pet. As time goes on, the fee may drop or even be removed entirely.
- Agree to Specific Conditions: Show you are also willing to meet specific requirements such as regular cleaning and ensuring your pet is vaccinated or insured as some landlords require these.
It is essential to be aware of your rights as a renter with a pet, as these can help you secure the most favorable agreement. As mentioned above, tenants with service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs) are protected under the Fair Housing Act.
This means the landlord cannot deny the animal entry or impose additional fees. Before you take advantage of such policies, ensure you have the appropriate documentation that proves your need for the animal.
Conclusion
Finding a pet-friendly home is already an existing challenge for renters. It’s important to understand your potential landlord’s requirements such as compliance with pet fees, pet deposits, and your rights when negotiating with your landlord to consider accommodating your pet. To ensure a smooth transaction, we recommend you ask a local rental manager in Atlanta if you have any questions about common pet policies before signing a lease.
