Moving to a new apartment can be stressful for anyone–especially if you have pets to move with you. After all, most pets like habits and routines, so a change in environment can cause major anxiety. However, there are some steps you can take to make your pet feel comfortable while moving. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you’re renting with pets.
Advice for Renting With Pets
Most pet owners consider their furry friends as family. In fact, many pet owners won’t even consider rentals that don’t allow pets. That said, there are some recommended steps that pet owners should take to successfully and respectfully live in a rental property with pets.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to disclose that you have a pet while moving to a new rental. Not every landlord allows pets in their rentals, so being transparent about your pet is the way to go. Here are some tips for renting with pets that will put you and your landlord at ease.
- Be Honest With Your Landlord
- Gather References
- Introduce Your Pet
- Propose a Trial Period
- Put It In Writing
- Be Responsible
Be Honest With Your Landlord
Honest is the best policy. Your landlord will find out if you have a secret pet or if you have more pets than you originally disclosed. As such, it’s best to eliminate the need for confrontation and be honest with your landlord and property managers. After all, if you fail to disclose a pet (or multiple), you could face fines or even eviction.
Plus, if you lie about having a pet, you may have to put your furry friend in uncomfortable situations to hide them during a maintenance procedure or inspection. To ensure things are fair for all parties, it’s best to be straightforward with your landlord.
Gather References
If you’ve rented with a pet before, ask your previous landlords to write a reference letter. If a previous landlord indicates that you’re a responsible renter and your pet didn’t cause any disturbances, a new landlord will be more likely to allow your pet to live in their rental. However, if you don’t have any references for your pet, it could be harder to convince a landlord to allow your pet.
However, there are more steps you can take to ensure they feel comfortable with the situation. For instance, you can create a pet resume that includes the pet’s name, breed, weight, height, age, etc. You can also include some of your pet’s behavioral traits and training background.
Introduce Your Pet
The best way to make your landlord feel more comfortable with a pet living in your apartment is by introducing them immediately. If your landlord sees your pet as respectful and well-trained, they’ll be more likely to rent to you.
Also, landlords are generally more inclined to rent to owners who can prove their pet is spayed or neutered, is house-trained, and exercised well enough to live in an apartment. If your pet doesn’t meet these criteria, it could be harder to negotiate with your landlord.
Propose a Trial Period
If your landlord is hesitant about allowing your pet in their apartment, propose a trial period for you and your pet. You can offer to accept a short-term rental period where your landlord can observe and decide whether you and your pet will be acceptable long-term tenants.
Then, if your landlord agrees that you and your pet would make good tenants, make sure to put it in writing. The last thing you want is your landlord to change their mind and leave you and your pet in a challenging situation.
Put It In Writing
If your landlord allows you to live with your pet, make sure to put it in writing. Negotiate a lease addendum that states your and your landlord’s expectations while renting with a pet. In addition, you can negotiate a pet fee or an additional security deposit to cover any potential pet damages.
No matter how you negotiate to live with your pet to your landlord, make sure it’s in writing. That way, neither end has confusion or unnecessary extra fees.
Be Responsible
If your landlord accepts your animal, it’s up to you to be responsible and treat the apartment with respect. Don’t allow your pet to cause damage to the rental property in any way. It’s best to try and keep your dog from barking and your cat from roaming outside or around other apartments.
If your pet causes damage, tell your landlord or Philadelphia property manager immediately. Then, take action steps to pay for the damage or repair it as soon as possible.
Tips for Moving to a New Apartment With Pets
Moving to a new apartment with pets can be an adventure. Whether you have a dog, cat, fish, or reptile, it’s essential to take care of their needs and ensure they’re comfortable with the move. Here are some things you can do to ensure a smooth move-in process with your pet.
- Keep a Routine
- Pack a Pet Essentials Bag
- Plan Where Your Pet’s Belongings Will Go
Keep a Routine
Many pets thrive on routine. So although it can be difficult to continue your routine while moving out of one place and into another, it’s important to keep things as normal as possible for your pet’s sake.
For instance, if your pet eats at the same time and goes outside at the same time each day, keep up the routine. Even if you must stop in the middle of a task to accommodate your pet’s routine, it’s worth ensuring your pet is comfortable.
Pack a Pet Essentials Bag
Just as you’d pack a bag of essentials that are easily accessible when you move, you can do the same for your pet. Pack a bag of their food, favorite toys, treats, and anything else pet-specific that will make them feel more at ease. You and your pet will feel better knowing these items are close by.
Plan Where Your Pet’s Belongings Will Go
Before you get to your new apartment with all of your belongings, plan where you will put your pet’s things. If you have a pet that lives in a cage, plan out an area where it will go. If you have a dog or cat, make a dedicated space for their items right away. Then, as you’re moving your things into your new apartment, your pet can relax with their comforting smells and become more familiar with the space.
Tips for Making Your Pet Feel at Home
When moving to a new apartment with pets, it’s your responsibility to ensure they are comfortable. Here are some tips to ensure your pets get the comfort they deserve.
- Give Your Pet the Attention They Need- Your pet will likely need more attention and care than usual when you move to a new place. Make sure you’re putting your pet’s needs first and making sure they’re getting enough attention.
- Stay Home When Possible- Leaving your pet in an unfamiliar environment without you there to comfort them can increase anxiety. Stay with them as much as possible to ensure they feel safe and comfortable.
- Be Patient- It’ll take time for your pet to adjust to moving to a new apartment. So be patient with your pet to help them become more familiar with your new home.
Manage Your Rentals With Ease
Deciding whether or not to allow pets in your rental can be a tough decision. However, if you decide to accept pets, talk with your tenants and work out a pet agreement. Work with your tenants to find a mutual solution, whether it’s a pet deposit or a monthly pet fee. If you’re worried about pet damages or maintenance concerns, property management has you covered.
Bay Property Management Group offers comprehensive rental management services, including move-in and move-out reports, so you know exactly how each tenant treats your properties.
If any maintenance concerns pop up, our management experts can handle that too. No matter what services you need, BMG has got your back. Contact us today if you’re looking for rental management services in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, or Washington DC.
