Renters Rate Pet Friendly Apartments

Is your apartment community pet friendly? If so, is that something prospective renters are looking for? And how do your current residents feel about it? This month, MHN and Kingsley associates ask renters how they feel about pets in their community.

“Although animals are allowed, they have never bothered me. They are quieter than some of the renters. I will live here as long as they will let me!” —Arlington, Va.

“There were animal droppings in the hallway during my visit.” —Washington, D.C.

“Overall it’s pretty quiet and a great place for animal lovers. I was worried about my dog transitioning from a house and yard, but she’s much happier here.” —Jacksonville, Fla.

“I know there are lots of pets in the building, but it is sometimes hard to not notice the animal smell in the halls.” —Dallas

“If you’re going to be a pet-friendly community, you need to regularly treat for fleas and require all animals have flea treatment/proof of flea treatment.” —Riverview, Fla.

“I have nothing against animals, but the odor of animal urine circulates the building. When it rains, the odor only gets worse. There should be an area for animals only.” —North Chesterfield, Va.

“My neighbor came over one evening to apologize for her dog barking late at night, and I told her that I have never heard her dog back at all, which indicates to me that the walls are well-insulated and that is a good thing.” —Friendswood, Texas

“The ongoing barking dog is killing my experience here and almost makes me want to move. It’s my one gripe with this place.” —Chino Hills, Calif.

“I would really like it if there were doggy bags in the dog park. Sometimes people forget to grab one or they are out and they don’t pick up their dog’s poop because they don’t want to walk too far to get a bag.” —Everett, Wash.

“We love living here. There are lots of pathways to walk the dog around the buildings and access to a dog park next door.” —San Mateo, Calif.

“A lot of residents let their dogs off leash in the back, including myself. It would be nice if we could set up a large fenced area in the back for dogs to run.” —Silver Spring, Md.

“Since the nearest location to get a doggy bag is the dog park, a lot of owners are not bothering cleaning up after their dog.” —Houston

“I would like to see the pet policy change. Large-sized dogs can make a considerable amount of noise when moving around. This is disruptive to neighbors living below the dogs.” —Tempe, Ariz.

“I understand having a pet deposit, but a monthly rent fee for a pet is over the top.” —Portland, Ore.

“I think a strict guideline forcing residents to leash their pets outside is necessary.” —Los Angeles

“I wish they would replace carpeting before a tenant moves into the apartment, especially if there’s been a pet in the apartment by the previous renter.” —Agoura Hills, Calif.