Renters and Dog Ownership
Do you own (or wish to own) dogs but rent? Yes, it can be very difficult
to find a place to live that accepts your pets here in southern
California. However, there are a number of resources available to help
you find a pet-friendly rental.
SCLRR gets many calls from people giving up their pets because they are
moving and/or cannot find a place to live with their dog. In the hopes
of making it easier to find such a place, we've listed tips and
resources below. Even though the pet-friendly rental market is pretty
tight in this area, they are definitely out there.
This is also why we require a copy of the written agreement to allow
pets from those applying to adopt from us who rent.
Some tips (from an article published in the LA Times, July 8 2001,
page K1; which in turn derived them from similar HSUS publications):
- Plan ahead. Make sure you have plenty of time to find rental housing.
- Check resources, which include: the local humane society, local
animal control authorities, local real estate brokers, and online
resources listing pet friendly apartments.
- Show that you're a responsible owner: Assemble a "resume" for your
pet that includes a letter from your vet, a spay/neuter certificate,
vaccination record, flea control, a letter of referral from a previous
landlord, certificates or letters showing any obedience classes taken.
- Let the landlord know that you are also concerned about cleanliness:
emphasize that your pet is housetrained, and that you pick up all of
the waste outside.
- Point out that because it's so difficult to find a place that accepts
pets, you're more likely to be a stable, long term renter.
- Offer to bring your pet over to meet the property manager to show
how clean and well behaved your pet is.
- Be willing to pay a little more in the way of a pet security deposit.
- Get any agreement in writing. Sign a pet addendum to your rental
agreement. Note any pet security deposit, which may or may not be
refundable. Request a copy of any house rules pertaining to pets.
Some resources:
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