Most people like pets. And the majority of those that don’t have pets don’t mind residing in a pet-friendly apartment complex. Regardless, renting with pets can sometimes be tricky.
Chances are, you’ll invest more time in searching for the right apartment. You’ll sometimes pay more to relocate. The good thing is that you can still discover an excellent apartment, even if you have a big, furry friend.
Establish a strong credit rating
Credit rating shows your background of paying bills on schedule. A rating of 700 or over typically is considered good.
You can obtain a cost-free duplicate of your credit reports yearly. The most prominent credit reporting firms, like Equifax, TransUnion and Experian provide their records online.
It can take time to develop an excellent credit score, especially if you’re a current college graduate or have not utilized a credit card in your own name.
Depending on where you live and how costly your potential new place is to lease each month, the landlord might require a guarantor to protect the lease. The guarantor will cover your rent in case you can’t pay the rent for some reason.
It’s a smart idea to find someone who lives nearby and is willing to join as a guarantor in case the landlord requires it in your lease agreement.
Make Sure You Have Renter’s Insurance
It’s essential that you have renter’s insurance. Your landlord may require it. Many occupants don’t recognize that their landlord’s insurance coverage does not safeguard their personal property. Unfortunately, only 41 percent of renters insured their possessions.
This insurance may also cover the damage your pets caused to the property. But make sure to check your coverage first.
Check the charges
When you rent with pets, it implies you’ll pay even more at lease signing. You may even pay more in total than other tenants who don’t have a pet.
Nearly 80 percent of renters said that they paid a pet deposit in advance. Many renters are asked to pay pet rental fee for as long as they live at the property.
To ensure you’re getting a bargain, inquire about an animal deposit or charges before signing the lease. Likewise, compare other landlord’s costs to make certain you’re not paying too much.
Provide a better deal
In contacting different landlords, you might find that some of them are actually on the fence regarding pets. The landlord might recognize your desire to keep your pet, but had a disappointment with a previous pet owner under his belt.
As crude as it may be, you’ll frequently find that money talks in such scenarios. If you can provide a higher rental fee compared to what the property owner asks, plus your occupant’s insurance, you’ll usually find that they end up being more flexible when it comes to your pet.
Naturally, you need to keep an eye out for yourself with this strategy. Paying excessive rent could put you in dangerous situations, especially if your financial situation changes.
However, offering a couple of hundred extra a month often works. Besides, that added rent can cover damages that the pet creates to the apartment.
Obtain referrals
Any documentation that verifies your that you are a responsible pet owners will aid you in your search.
A letter of referral from your current or previous landlord is a good start. Other property owners will feel more confident in your abilities as a pet owner if they have verification from other property owners that your pet has not cost them money.
You can also present any training certifications your pet has received. They can prove that you have proper control over your pet.
Lastly, make sure that your pet is spayed or neutered and provide veterinary documentation of sterilization. Sterilized pets are generally calmer than their unsterilized friends. It’ll relieve any fears that your potential landlord has about your pet coming to be an annoyance to other renters.
