Pets in Rental Housing

Finding a Rental Property that Accepts You and Your Pets

Be Prepared...

• Go to your local Humane Society or look online for a list of pet friendly rental properties
  
  
• Prepare a file about your pet. Include proof of spay/neuter, vaccination records, vet visits & obedience certificates
  
  
• Provide written references from former landlords, neighbors, trainers and your veterinarian
  
  
• Introduce the potential landlord to your pet
  
  

What You Can Do to Get Prepared...

1. Promote your pet. Offer to bring your pet to meet the owner or property manager, or invite the landlord to visit you and your pet in your current home. A freshly groomed, well-behaved pet will speak volumes. Emphasize that the same pride you take in caring for your pet extends to taking care of your home. Many landlords are concerned about fleas, so be sure to let your prospective landlord know that you maintain an active flea-control program for your pet and home.

Make it clear to the landlord, manager, or condominium board that you keep your cat inside and your dog under control at all times and that you understand the health and safety benefits of doing so. If you can’t arrange for a meeting, consider making a short scrapbook with photos of your pampered pet in his or her current home, and/or draw up a “résumé” for your pet. Scrapbooks and résumés are unique ideas that are guaranteed to make a strong, yet positive, impression.

2. Gather proof that you’re responsible. The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord. Compile the following documents:

• A letter of reference from your current landlord or condominium association verifying that you are a responsible pet owner.
  
  
• Written proof that your adult dog has completed a training class, or that your puppy is enrolled in one.
  
  
• A letter from your veterinarian stating that you have been diligent in your pet’s medical care. Supply documentation that your pet has been spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies.
  
  

3. Recognize that it may be futile to try to sell yourself and your pet to a large rental community with a no-pets policy. You’re more likely to be successful if you focus on places that allow most pets, allow certain pets (for example, cats or dogs weighing less than 20 pounds), or that don’t say, “Sorry, no pets”. Individual home and condominium owners may be easiest to persuade.

Ideally, look for a community with appropriate pet-keeping guidelines that specify resident obligations. That kind of place is best for pet owners because you’ll know that other pet caregivers there are also committed to being responsible residents.

Being a Responsible Tenant with your Pet

• Always clean up after your pet — this includes litter pans
  
  
• Have your pet spayed or neutered
  
  
• Train your cat to use a scratching post to avoid property damage
  
  
• Trim your pet’s nails
  
  
• Provide proper exercise and attention for your pet
  
  
• Don’t let your pet roam loose without being on a leash
  
  
• Keep your pet well groomed
  
  
• Always keep your pet vaccinated & treated for fleas
  
  
• Invite your landlord into your home to see that all is well
  
  
• Be sure you have someone available who can care for your pet in an emergency
  
  

What to Expect From your Landlord

• Careful screening. The landlord should check your references to assure that you are a responsible pet- owning tenant.
  
  
• Written agreement. There should be an outline of your pet agreement signed by both you and your landlord. This should identify rules, limits and procedures.
  
  
• Deposit. Offer to pay an additional deposit. This is good faith money to assure that you will cover any potential damage cause by your pet.
  
  

Download a list of Pet Policies At Various Whatcom County Apartment Complexes (valid as of March 2009)