The Ultimate Guide to Renting With Pets: 7 Proven Steps for Finding Pet-Friendly Housing

Renting with pets can present unique challenges, but it’s far from impossible. Many landlords have concerns about damage, noise, and potential disturbances when it comes to renting to pet owners. However, with a few easy tips pet owners can successfully find a rental home that accommodates both their needs and their furry friends. So, let’s take a look at all the steps you should consider to rent responsibly as a pet owner.

Understanding the Landlord’s Perspective

Before beginning your search, it’s essential to understand why landlords may hesitate to rent to pet owners. Pets, especially young or untrained ones, can cause significant damage to a rental unit. While a pet deposit can help cover the cost of repairs, in some cases landlords may simply prefer to avoid the possibility entirely.

Noise complaints can also be a common issue with dogs, which can disturb other tenants and create more tenant turnover. Some landlords worry about lingering pet odors or allergens affecting future tenants. Lastly, some insurance policies have restrictions on renting with pets, especially if they own certain breeds or exotic animals.

Understanding these concerns allows you to proactively address them during the rental process.

1. Prepare Your Pet’s Resume

One of the best ways to reassure a landlord is by creating a pet resume. This document should include:

• Pet’s age, breed, and size: Landlords will want to know the basics about your pet to assess potential issues like noise or property damage.
• Vaccination and health records: Show that your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and flea treatments, proving they’re healthy and well-cared for.
• Training certificates or behavioral notes: If your pet has completed obedience training or shows good behavior, highlighting this can set them apart.
• Personal references: If you’ve rented with your pet before, ask your previous landlords for a reference attesting to your pet’s behavior and cleanliness.
• A pet introduction letter: A personal letter explaining why your pet is a good fit for the rental property, how you take care of them, and how you’ll mitigate potential issues can also make a positive impression.

2. Searching for Pet-Friendly Properties

Finding pet-friendly rental properties is perhaps the most significant challenge for renting with pets. Platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, and local rental websites often have filters to help you search specifically for pet-friendly properties. In some cases, individual landlords can offer greater flexibility than large companies, but property management companies will often have consistent policies across multiple rentals, which can potentially expand your options. You can also use local community boards, Facebook groups, or pet-owner networks to discover landlords that may be open to renting to tenants with pets.

3. Be Honest About Your Pet

Transparency is critical when renting with pets. Even if the property doesn’t explicitly mention pets in the listing, always be upfront about your situation. Hiding a pet from your landlord may be grounds for eviction or loss of your security deposit if discovered.

Some landlords may restrict certain types of pets, sizes, or breeds. While it may be tempting to downplay your pet’s characteristics, being forthright ensures a smoother relationship with your landlord and reduces the risk of future conflict.

4. Offer a Pet Deposit or Pet Rent

Many landlords charge additional fees for tenants with pets to cover potential damage. While this might seem like an extra cost, offering a pet deposit or paying pet rent is a reasonable way to assure the landlord you are willing to take responsibility for any possible issues. There are a few common options:

• Pet deposit: This is a one-time refundable deposit that the landlord may use to cover damages specifically caused by the pet.
• Pet rent: A non-refundable monthly fee (usually between $25–$50) to cover the risk of pet-related wear and tear.
• Pet fee: A non-refundable one-time fee that covers pet-related risks, separate from a standard security deposit.

Offering to pay one of these fees upfront can demonstrate your seriousness about being a responsible pet owner.

5. Invest in Pet Insurance

Pet liability insurance, sometimes included in renters’ insurance policies, can protect you in the event of accidents caused by your pet. For example, if your dog bites someone, your insurance would cover medical costs or legal fees. Even though it’s an additional cost, having pet insurance can also be a reassuring point for landlords and shows your commitment to being a responsible pet owner.

6. Negotiate Pet Clauses in the Lease

When you’ve found a property, carefully review the lease for pet-related clauses. Some leases limit the number, size, or breed of pets; others will often require a pet deposit, pet rent, or other fees. Apartments or condos may have additional requirements for where you can take your pets on the property, such as designated walking areas or restrictions on pets in common areas. Leases may also include rules regarding pet behavior, such as excessive barking or aggression.

If the lease does not include a pet clause, ask to have one added. This ensures that both you and the landlord are on the same page about expectations.

7. Communicate with Your Landlord

Maintaining open communication with your landlord is essential throughout your tenancy. If there are any issues, such as noise complaints from neighbors or accidental damage caused by your pet, address them promptly and offer to fix them. Proactive communication can prevent misunderstandings and help maintain a positive relationship with your landlord.

Your Guide to Successfully Renting With a Pet

Renting with pets requires extra effort, but it’s entirely possible to find a home that accommodates both you and your furry friend. Being a responsible pet owner goes beyond caring for your pet — it extends to being a respectful tenant who values the property and the community. So, if you’ve prepared your pet resume and are ready to start looking for the best fit, Rent Portland Homes Darla Andrew’s Office can help you find the right rental for your (and your pet’s) needs. From a larger property with a yard for a dog to a downtown apartment with a view, we have a number of exciting properties for you to explore with your furry friend. Give us a call at (503) 515-3170 or contact us through our website to see what we have to offer.