If you're a pet owner, you know the challenge of finding a housing arrangement that's welcoming and suitable for you and your animal friends. However, you can streamline your search by taking a targeted approach. Here are some valuable tips to help you find a pet-friendly home.
Start early
Launch your search for pet-friendly housing well before your planned move to give yourself a better chance at finding a place that checks all your boxes. At least two to three months is a good rule of thumb to give you ample time to research and visit potential properties.
Leverage online resources
Look for websites explicitly intended for pet-friendly housing options in your desired location. Don’t limit yourself to traditional rental listings; explore social media groups and local community forums. Seek word-of-mouth referrals for potential leads on pet-friendly rentals.
Be open
When contacting landlords or property managers, be upfront about your pet ownership from the outset to avoid wasting time on properties that aren’t pet-friendly. You can assure landlords of your reliability by offering to pay a pet fee to cover any potential damages or extra cleaning costs.
Get everything in writing
Once you’ve found a pet-friendly rental, ensure that pet-related agreements and policies are clearly outlined in the lease agreement to avoid any misunderstandings later.
Speak with a local real estate agent to increase your chances of finding the perfect pet-friendly housing to meet your needs.