Renter’s Perspective: Finding a Pet-Friendly Apartment and Renting With Pets

Many of your prospective residents have a furry friend and are looking for a friendly community that welcomes them and their pets. Two thirds of U.S. households had a pet as of 2020. Having to spend hours on finding that perfect apartment only to discover that it doesn’t accept pets can be quite disappointing. Much like finding out that there are breed restrictions and additional fees that they might not be aware of.

Our colleagues at RentCafe.com compiled a resourceful guide to renting with pets to help pet parents navigate apartment hunting and living. Check out what prospective renters with pets need to know:

Where do they search for a pet-friendly apartment for rent?

First things first, the best way to search for a pet-friendly apartment is by using secure and reliable apartment search websites that give them the option to filter their search by this feature and discover pet-friendly communities in their area. On RentCafe.com, 86 percent of apartments welcome pets and only 28 percent of these have breed restrictions. Fun fact, renting pet-friendly apartments in Seattle would be as easy as saying “puppy” since 98 percent of all listings here allow pets.

What should they look for when apartment hunting?

To understand their needs when looking for a suitable apartment for their four-legged friends, these are the aspects they typically consider: location, space and pet amenities. They look for neighborhoods with dog parks, green spaces for walks, and businesses that allow pets inside. You will certainly win over pet parents with community amenities like a dog park, a pet spa, grooming services or a pet services app.

What do pet rent, pet fee & pet deposit mean?

It’s important to help your prospective renters understand the costs associated with renting with pets before they sign a lease. You might need to clarify what the pet rent, pet fee and pet deposit mean and when are they paid. However, it’s important to know that service animals are not considered pets under the Fair Housing Act, so fees may not apply in these cases.

Should you encourage pet insurance?

Pets require medical attention too and having an insurance that covers the costs of vaccines, check-ups and medicine could help save money. To get a general idea, the cost of medical coverage for cats is somewhere between $150 and $400 per year, while for dogs it’s between $200 and $1,000, depending on breed.

If your future residents are planning to get renter’s insurance, they should be aware that while some may partially cover damages done by pets, there are many that don’t, so it’s best to do a thorough research first and maybe opt for a broader policy.

What should you discuss with your potential renter before signing the lease?

Before signing the lease, cover all the aspects that concern their pet—from pet costs to breed restrictions— and be sure to get everything in writing. If you are unsure about allowing a pet in, you can always ask for references, or a pet CV, for proof that the pet is well-behaved.

As pet ownership is on the increase, the demand for pet-welcoming apartments will likely continue to grow. Pets help residents socialize and exercise more and build tighter and healthier communities. Being informed about what’s important to renters with pets will help you better cater to their needs. Feel free to share RentCafe’s Renting with Pets Guide on your property website as a valuable resource for your prospective and current residents.