Housing Resources

One of the number one reasons we see pet’s surrendered to the Potter League is because of housing issues. If you’re struggling to keep your pet due to housing challenges, we have compiled a list of helpful resources.

The internet has made it easier to find a pet friendly apartment.

Below are some helpful guidelines to help you in your search for an apartment that allows pets:

• Give yourself enough time! Start your search as soon as you know you need to move.
• Don’t answer ads that say “No pets.”
• Find a realtor who will search for pet friendly apartments for you.
• Check all newspapers – local neighborhood shops as well as the big daily papers and our list below.
• Stay away from larger rental communities with no pet policies – it is harder for them to make exceptions – try individual home and condominium owners.

Finding an apartment that will accept your pet often depends on your ability to market yourself as a responsible pet owner. Here are some suggestions on how to put your and your pet’s best paw forward.

• Write a pet resume. Include information about the age of your pet, whether you spayed or neutered, personal hygiene and behavioral (training background, character traits) description of your pet and about you as a pet owner. Be sure to include your veterinarian’s name and phone number along with other personal references.
• Ask for a letter of recommendation from your veterinarian, former landlords, and neighbors to document that you are a responsible pet owner.
• If your dog has attended training classes – class certifications or proof of attendance may be beneficial.
• Documentation that your pet is spayed/neutered, vaccinated against rabies, and up to date on veterinary care.
• Offer to let your prospective landlord meet your pet and see your current apartment.
• Offer to pay a reasonable pet-damage deposit or secure liability insurance to cover the cost of any pet-related damage.
• Offer to accept a short-term lease where your landlord can see if you and your pet are acceptable as long-term tenants. Make sure you get in writing the terms of the short-term lease and advance notification time requirements.
• Offer to negotiate an addendum to the lease that indicates what the landlord expects of you and your animal.
• Market yourself – pet owners are more likely to stay put since pet friendly housing is difficult to find. Let prospective landlords know that you understand their concerns and agree that living with a pet is not a right but a privilege that you take very seriously.

Our friends at The Humane Society of the United States have compiled helpful information for every pet owner who rent including resolving landlord issues and finding pet-friendly housing. Click here to learn more.