5 Tips for Finding a Pet-Friendly Rental

As more individuals see their pets as members of the family, demand for pet-friendly rentals has expanded. Unfortunately, not all rental properties are pet-friendly; negotiating landlord expectations, pet fees, and property limitations can be difficult.

Whether you're looking for an apartment in the city or a cottage rental in Ontario, following these five suggestions will help you select a suitable home for you and your pet.

1. Start Your Search Early and Prioritize Pet-Friendly Features

Looking for a property that allows pets depends on time is of the essence. Starting your search as soon as possible can help you have more options and more time to find the ideal fit since pet-friendly rentals frequently demand more.

Find rental homes that proudly display their pet-friendly policies first. Whether it's close to parks, has plenty of open space, or has a fenced yard where your dogs may run free, these are all critical considerations—looking for a cottage rental in Ontario that allows pets? Ensure they have access to an outside area to run and play securely.

Some other aspects to consider:

2. Budget for Pet Deposits, Fees, and Pet Rent

Depending on the property, landlords often impose additional costs on tenants with dogs. There will be fewer unpleasant shocks when you know all the financial commitments upfront.

You may incur the following three kinds of pet-related expenses:

Pet Deposit

A sum that landlords often request as a security deposit to compensate them if their tenants' pets cause damage. This value can range from $200 to $500. You will get your deposit back at the end of your stay, provided your pet did not cause any damage.

Pet Fee

The pet fee is not a deposit but a one-time, non-refundable charge to cover the inevitable wear and tear that pets might inflict. No matter the extent of damage, the landlord retains this cost, which often falls between $200 and $500.

Pet Rent

Some landlords may charge additional monthly fees, usually between $25 and $100, as pet rent. The landlord receives this fee to cover the extra maintenance necessary for rentals that allow pets.

Ensure that these fees are stated explicitly in the leasing agreement so that you are entirely informed about the financial obligation.

3. Understand Your Pet’s Impact on the Lease Terms

Finding a rental that permits pets is one thing, but ensuring the lease terms are pet-friendly is another. Even if a landlord does allow pets, they may be very picky about them. Be sure to read the lease thoroughly for any provisions that pertain to pets before signing it.

Some standard provisions to be aware of are:

Limitations on size or breed: Landlords may restrict the types of dogs they allow or even weight limits. Find out if your pet is exempt from these rules.

Limit on number of pets:Specific properties have strict policies against having more than one pet per home, while others may be more lenient. Find out how many pets are permitted on the property.

Guidelines for shared spaces: Apartment complexes or communal places may have regulations regarding pet ownership. You should check the property's rules carefully to see whether pets are allowed in communal areas such as the pools or the clubhouse.

Please verify that the landlord has conveyed their intentions verbally and that the pet provisions in the lease are as explicit. Only move forward if the landlord has stated explicitly in writing that pets are not permitted in the lease. If disagreements emerge later, a verbal agreement will not be valid.

4. Showcase Your Pet’s Best Qualities

One strategy for winning over a landlord and obtaining a pet-friendly apartment is proving you can be a responsible pet owner. Offering proof of your pet's health, behavior, and training will help you to stand out.

Use these guidelines to present your pet in its best possible light:

Create a pet's résumé together: A résumé-style document can help you highlight your pet's finest features. It should contain your pet's breed, age, temperament, and any pertinent certifications (like obedience training).

Provide accessible medical history: Send documentation proving your pet has lately visited the veterinarian, been spayed or neutered, and is generally healthy.

Testimonials from past tenants: If you have ever lived in past rental homes with your pet, ask your old landlord for a reference attesting that your pet was well-adjusted and had not caused any damage.

This proactive approach shows that your pet won't be a liability to the property and gives your landlord confidence, so he or she can relax.

5. Negotiate Pet Policies and Amenities Where Possible

If you find a place to rent that you like but has restrictions, contact the landlord and try to find a better pet policy. If you show that you are responsible for your pet, your landlord may be willing to be more accommodating.

If a property only allows one pet, you can apply by providing further references or a larger pet deposit and explaining that your two dogs are well-behaved. Landlords may be more accommodating to tenants who put in a solid application.

Furthermore, the property does not have any outdoor space or amenities that are suitable for pets. In that case, consider erecting a temporary fence or offering to help maintain a shared area in return for the freedom to let your pet play outside.

Last but not least, try to iron out these details before signing the lease and ensure everything is in writing to ensure clarity down the road.

Conclusion

Finding a house that lets pets is not rocket science. With open contact lines with property managers, the required documentation, and a little ahead-of-time planning, you and your pet can find the perfect renting. These five tips can help you search for a rental property—an Ontario cottage or an urban apartment allowing pets—more quickly and effectively. Being proactive and proving your responsibility for your pet will help you locate a pet-friendly apartment to rent.

Visit Bungalow Finder now for expert help in locating pet-friendly rentals that meet your and your beloved friend's requirements.

​