Tips & Guides / Pets

How to Find a Pet-Friendly Apartment

By Bri Hand | May 16, 2021
Dog sleeps on a blanket in a pet-friendly apartment.

Finding a new apartment and moving can be incredibly stressful, but when you’re bringing your furry friend along for the ride, things can get downright chaotic, fast. Renters with pets have to take extra steps to find the perfect apartment for all members of your family to move into. 

Many apartment complexes have strict rules about dogs or cats living there, as it can be an additional expense or risk for the landlord and their property. As you’re searching for a new apartment, you’ll have to ask the right questions and be sure your future apartment welcomes both you and your pet. 

While you’ll typically be able to ask questions about your pet as an applicant and discuss the terms before you sign a lease, your first step is finding an apartment that has pet-friendly lease terms. Here are just a few tips to help find that perfect place. 

Be open and honest with the leasing company

Honesty is key when it comes to renting a pet-friendly apartment. The last thing you want is to sign on the dotted line only to find out later that your pet isn’t welcome. As an applicant, it’s your responsibility to ask questions and share information about your pet’s breed, size, and requirements, then ask about the apartment’s stance on pets. You might also be able to ask around to other locals to see which complexes allow pets or not. 

Research what your pet needs

 When looking for a new apartment, you’ll have your own apartment rental checklist, such as a nice kitchen, big bedroom, and updated appliances. But you also need to factor in what your pet will need. 

For example, a cramped space may not be great for an animal that needs to roam or run around. It can also be unhealthy for dogs to live somewhere without a lot of green space to exercise outside and relieve themselves. Cats or reptiles need a lot of sunshine, so you’ll want a place with big windows.

Consult your vet, or do some research on your pet’s needs before moving into an apartment. 

Be prepared to pay a little extra—or do some digging

Owning a pet comes with extra expenses, and pet-friendly apartment rentals are no exception. You should be prepared to pay a little extra to cover pet fees and security deposits apartment complexes may charge in order to protect their appliances and furnishings. 

However, some apartments—like Landing—do not require additional fees for pet-friendly apartments, so be sure to do your research, as these fees can very quickly add up!

Look for pet-friendly amenities

Beyond looking for a place that will just allow your pet, you should also research actual pet-friendly communities that go out of your way to welcome you and your four-legged friend. Look for amenities such as a dog park or nice walking trails throughout the complex. Some apartments even offer dog-washing stations that can come in handy when your dog happens upon some mud on one of your adventures.

Ask whether the apartment offers any community events for the animals to get together and play. There’s a huge difference between an apartment complex that tolerates animals and ones that encourage them, and that’s the place you want to be. 

If you’re looking to move into a pet-friendly apartment, Landing has plenty of furnished, pet-friendly apartments to choose from, many of which go that extra mile so you and your pet feel at home. And, as a bonus, Landing members are eligible for 30% off an Annual Premium Membership for Wag!, which will make walking your dog even easier once you move. 

Browse our available homes here, or contact us to learn more about how Landing works.

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Bri Hand

Bri Hand is Landing's Content Marketing Manager. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts, with her partner and dog, Arlo, but relishes any opportunity she can to travel so she can try new foods, see gorgeous sights, and daydream about living somewhere new after visiting there for less than 24 hours.