Do you own a dog or cat? If you’re searching for a new place to live, finding a pet-friendly rental can feel like an uphill battle. While your furry friend might feel like family, not every property owner will feel the same way.
Fortunately, there are ways to zero in on pet-friendly houses for rent. Read on to learn the top tips and tricks!
Choose the Right Search Terms
Sometimes locating a Memphis rental for you and your pet can boil down to the search terms you use online. When you’re visiting different rental platforms, be specific with your queries. Consider using search terms like:
- Pet-friendly
- Dog-friendly
- Rentals that allow pets
You can create filters on popular rental websites to narrow your search focus. If you have reliable transportation or the ability to work remotely, you may want to expand your geographic scope, as well. Living a little further from the heart of the city, for instance, could add a few more pet-friendly options to the mix.
Create a Pet Resume
Did you know that humans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a polished resume? If you’re hoping to land an apartment or rental house, you’ll need to validate your pet’s best qualities on paper. Typically, a pet resume includes:
- Your pet’s breed and age
- Health information about your pet
- Training or obedience class history
- Details about your pet ownership history
- Reference letters from past property managers or veterinarians
In short, a pet resume can help future property managers feel confident that you’ll be a responsible owner. You can create a favorable impression of your pet, too, that might just give you an edge.
In a market that favors renters, the latest landlord financial management reports could force property owners to consider applicants with pets. After all, it’s always better to have responsible individuals renting a property than it is to let that property sit vacant!
Reach Out to Local Rescues
Are you hitting dead ends in your Memphis rental property search? Then turn to individuals who might have extra insights, such as:
- Local animal shelters
- Breeders in the area
- Local pet groups on social media
Individuals in pet-focused organizations may have gone through the same process of trying to find pet-friendly rentals. As a result, they could be better equipped to give you some leads.
Local real estate agents may have insider knowledge, too, since they know the rental landscape. Similarly, breeders and animal boarders could have connections to help you land a rental where your furry friend is welcome. Check online groups, as well, for an even wider pool of people to weigh in.
Consider Alternative Options
While you might think renting means living in a high-rise apartment, that doesn’t always have to be the case. And some bigger rental communities may be more likely to refuse pets.
Consequently, expanding your search to include more pet-friendly options can mean looking beyond traditional spaces. Keep in mind that you may need to:
- Consider places with private landlords
- Attempt to negotiate with property managers or boards
- Prove that you’re a conscientious pet owner
Some privately owned spaces can be friendlier toward pets. These spaces may not have the marketing machine that larger complexes have, however. And they can be harder to track down.
If you’re looking at a rental option with a board, be prepared to advocate for yourself. Understand that some property managers are hesitant to allow pets based on previous experiences. For instance, a pet may have chewed through the carpet or barked through the night.
Sometimes you can use the power of persuasion to be the exception to the rule. But you’ll have better odds of doing this when you’re trying to negotiate with an individual property manager and not a group of people.
Factor in Location
As you search for the right place, don’t neglect to consider location and its impact on your pet’s health and happiness. Look for rental properties that boast the following pet-friendly perks:
- Close proximity to dog parks or other pet-friendly spaces
- Easy access to pet stores and animal clinics
- Spacious and fenced outdoor areas that some breeds may need
Whenever possible, visit potential apartments and houses in person. You’ll be able to gauge size and layout more accurately, which will help you envision how your pet will do in the space.
Ultimately, you want to choose a rental property with lots of upside. It never hurts to review a property financial analysis to see if the property and area are in demand. If they are, you can feel more confident that the property manager will work hard to maintain the property and respond to maintenance requests.
Review Pet Policies
When you sign a rental lease agreement, don’t forget to read the fine print. Many Memphis property managers will have specific language related to your pet. For example, the agreement may state that pet owners must:
- Ensure their pets are updated with vaccinations
- Secure an ID tag for all pets
- Pay for any damage caused by pets
- Have appropriate renter’s insurance to cover pet issues
You’ll want to be clear on expectations and verify that your type of pet is allowed on the property. Some larger dog breeds, for example, may not be allowed in smaller apartments. Some rental communities may have weight limits, too.
Understand how stiff the penalties are if your dog tears the carpet or gnaws on cabinetry. Be prepared to secure renter’s insurance that provides protection in case your pet causes problems. And know that you might pay more for a security deposit when you’re bringing a pet.
Find Pet-Friendly Houses for Rent
Finding pet-friendly houses for rent can be challenging, but taking a focused approach can help. Reach out to local animal organizations and use pet-friendly search terms when you look online. Polish your pet’s resume and learn the art of negotiation so you can advocate for your pet’s presence.
At Reedy & Company, we bring over two decades of property management experience to the Memphis area. Trust us to help you with everything from real estate accounting to rental income calculation so you gain the most from your investment. Contact us today to learn more!
