- Be upfront about your pets.
Your landlord will not be happy to find out about a secret or hidden pet and it could even result in eviction or serious financial penalties. If you have a pet, search for pet-friendly rentals and be upfront when making inquiries. Rental companies and property managers are much more willing to work with individuals who are honest about their pets.
- Keep a file for your pets that includes medical information and any references or certifications.
Keep your pet up to date with vaccines and keep the medical records from your veterinarian. If your dog has passed any training or behavior courses, keep a copy of those certifications as well.
- Consider the layout and finishes of your apartment.
If you have a puppy learning potty training, an apartment with new white carpets may not be the best option. Likewise, an apartment tight on square footage may not be comfortable for a larger dog. Think about the space and details of your potential apartment in terms of your pet. You want your pet to feel comfortable while minimizing risks of damage to the rental property. If there’s too much to pet-proof, it may not be the best home for you and your pet.
- Be aware that having pets often means that you’ll be subject to additional deposits or rent.
In the rental world, pets=money. Most apartments have a pet fee, and this fee is usually around $300.00 per pet. Be mindful that you may have to pay a pet fee, deposit, or additional pet rent.
- Find ways to keep them entertained while you’re at work.
Schedule a dog walker, or if you work close enough to home, visit your pet during your lunch break. You can also create some entertaining games and toys! We like these DIY toys for a dog or a cat.
- Always clean up after your pet, indoors and out!
Be courteous to your neighbors by picking up after your pet outside. Some leases may even require you to do so! If your pet has an accident inside, be sure to clean it up quickly to avoid stains.
- Apologize to your neighbors when you need to.
If your pet creates an issue with a neighbor, be sure to apologize and work on a solution. Most neighbors understand that accidents happen and that dogs bark, but apologizing for bad behavior and opening a dialogue with your neighbors never hurts!