If you’re a pet parent on the lookout for a Waco single-family rental home, it’s important to find one that is pet-friendly. Numerous landlords don’t allow pets on their properties, so chancing upon a place that will accept your furry friend can be difficult. In this blog post, we will provide some tips for finding a pet-friendly rental house and how to encourage a reluctant landlord to rent to you.
Start your search early.
Give yourself plenty of time to locate the perfect place. The more time you have, the more options you’ll have. Concentrate your search on listings advertised as “pet-friendly,” or solicit the assistance of a listing agent, friend, or Waco property manager. You’re going to have plenty of time to locate the ideal place for you and your pet by starting your search early.
Be prepared to pay a pet fee or deposit.
Most landlords who allow pets will necessitate a pet deposit. This is normally a refundable deposit or non-refundable fee that covers any damage your pet may bring about to the property. Be prepared to pay this amount upfront. Many property owners will also cost a slightly higher rent or a “pet rent” instead of the base rent. In most instances, the amount is relatively small and will help cover any additional wear and tear your pet may cause in the home.
Meet with your landlord and introduce them to your pet.
Many landlords are more likely to rent to you if they meet your pet in person and see that they are well-behaved. This is also a good chance to show the landlord how responsible you are as a pet owner. If meeting your pet in person isn’t an option, create a pet “resume” highlighting your pet’s best qualities. Put in lots of photos and any documentation from training classes, vaccination status, etc.
Offer to sign a longer lease.
Landlords are often more likely to rent to pet owners if they offer to sign a longer lease. This shows the landlord that you are committed to staying on the property for a longer period of time. Numerous property owners prefer long-term tenants and are more likely to accept you and your pet if you ask for a long lease.
Bring references from previous landlords or neighbors.
Gather some references from previous landlords or neighbors showcasing your pet’s good behavior. These can be incredibly helpful when applying for any rental home, even one that is advertised as pet-friendly. When you meet your prospective landlord, bring your pet references with you. These references can go a long way in convincing a reluctant landlord to rent to you.
Clean up after your pet.
It’s important to always clean up after your pet and make sure they don’t cause any damage to the property. If possible, avoid leaving your pet unattended in the home or leave them in a secure location if you do. This will help you prevent any problems with your landlord and keep your pet deposit refundable.
By following these tips, you can radically increase your chances of finding a great pet-friendly rental home. But the easiest way to find the right rental home for you and your pet is to browse our listings. We have quality rental homes in your area that are ideal for pet parents like you.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
