{"id":17442,"date":"2019-10-16T09:00:33","date_gmt":"2019-10-16T14:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abodo.com\/blog\/?p=17442"},"modified":"2020-01-08T11:22:58","modified_gmt":"2020-01-08T17:22:58","slug":"apartment-pet-policies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentable.co\/blog\/apartment-pet-policies\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Ask Your Landlord About Changing Pet Policies"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re a pet owner \u2014 or aspire to be one \u2014 you probably don\u2019t want to wait for homeownership. Our pets bring us joy, and we want to give them the best lives possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, many landlords fail to see the upside. Many apartment complexes ban pets outright, and this creates problems for pet owners who rent<\/a>. According to one study, the top reasons for animal relinquishment <\/span>include moving and renting<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re an apartment hunter with a pet, you’ve likely come up against a brick wall. Many refuse to rent to pet people, and the ones who do sometimes require a substantial deposit.<\/span><\/p>\n

What’s a pet parent on a budget to do? The solution \u2014 talk it out. With a bit of persuasion, it might just be possible to convince a landlord to update their policies and <\/span>let you move in with your pet<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understand the Landlord\u2019s Point of View<\/b><\/h2>\n

Before you rush into your argument, it’s essential to understand the other person’s point of view. Why do most landlords refuse to rent to pet owners? The answer is bad past experiences. <\/span><\/p>\n

A poorly trained pet can be destructive, costing apartment owners thousands of dollars in repairs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cats can scratch at carpeting and walls, while dogs can chew on doorways and furniture. Both can ruin flooring if not properly trained. <\/span><\/p>\n

While you might be a stellar pet owner, many people aren’t. Your job is to convince landlords that you and your pet are prepared for the responsibilities of rental life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Show Off Your Pet’s Credentials<\/b><\/h2>\n

Say you have great credit and an excellent rental history. You’ve already proven yourself, so it will be easier to suggest an introduction between your pet and your landlord. <\/span><\/p>\n

If they need assurance that you\u2019re a responsible pet owner, sometimes a meeting is all it takes to get a \u201cyes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Want to go above and beyond? The next step is to show off your well-behaved pet with a resume. Include a photo, health history and training certifications. <\/span><\/p>\n

Cathy Klein, a professional pet resume designer, claims she’s received requests for <\/span>more than just cats and dogs<\/span><\/a> \u2014 she’s also done CVs for snakes. This type of document will show a landlord you’re a responsible pet owner who is serious about renting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sign a Pet Owner Agreement<\/b><\/h2>\n

A resume is just one step in showcasing your commitment. If your lease doesn\u2019t include pets at all, your landlord may be nervous about things getting out of hand. <\/span><\/p>\n

To combat this, you can ask to sign a pet owner agreement, a separate document from the lease. Tenancy is contingent on your following the rules.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Outline <\/span>guidelines for pet care<\/span><\/a> you agree to follow while you live in the apartment, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n