Pet-Friendly Housing -- A Landlord Gives Tips on Scoring a Great Home

If you've ever had trouble finding a perfect pad for you and your dog or cat, you aren't alone. The classified are filled with ads for rentals that sound pretty great until you get to that final line: No Pets Allowed. So what's a responsible pet owner to do in the face of this pre-emptive animal rejection? Get a little intelligence from the other side to find out what landlords are thinking about when they say no to your pet.

I'm a landlord who lives with one dog and three cats, so I sympathize (in theory) with pet owners seeking rental homes where the welcome is all-inclusive. That said, I don't automatically accept pet owners with open arms. Prospective renters must convince me on a case-by-case basis that they are both honest and responsible. If you're looking to rent a new apartment or house, and you plan on bringing a pet or pets with you, here are some tips to help you grease the wheels:

1. Be honest about your animals. Tell me the truth about the number of pets you have and their sizes because believe me, neighbors will report back to owners on this. Dishonesty can lead me to break a lease.

2. Be prepared with extra cash. You may need to put down a larger security deposit or add a premium on each month's rent. If this comes up, feel free to negotiate with the landlord as these charges are extra.

3. Get ready for show and tell. Invite your new landlord to your present home. Even if you do some last-minute tidying, the landlord will get a good idea of the existence or absence of stains, smells and scratches.

4. Know how to deal with stains, smells and scratches. Landlords like to know that someone is aware of the best cleaning products on the market.

5. Offer to sign a long-term lease. You will seem more attractive if we know we won't have to repaint or re-rent your apartment anytime soon.

6. Be realistic. If you see a brand new apartment with never been walked-on carpets, it is a long shot that they will want to rent to you. Instead, look for pet-friendly finishes and materials in properties, like laminate or tile flooring, and granite or hard-surface countertops. Explain to the landlord how these surfaces will be easier to keep clean and undamaged, because the landlord may not have considered this point. (Or offer to replace the carpet when you leave.)

7. Don't expect special treatment. If you want the yard fenced in, offer to install it when you move in and remove it when you leave.

8. Be ready to explain why you are a good risk. Do you work from home? Do you have a dog walker? Bored and lonely animals misbehave so we need to know that you would be on top of that.

And finally, the most important thing, let your pet be your best advocate. If your pooch is well-behaved, well trained and clean and friendly, you have a good shot. How you care for and train your pet is a strong indication of how you will take care of my property as well. Good luck and good house hunting!

Tags: apartments, landlords, pet-friendly apartments, pet-friendly homes, Pet-friendlyApartments, Pet-friendlyHomes, rental homes, RentalHomes