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With the demand for rentals at an all-time high, landlords can command not only a premium price for their unit but can also enact restrictions to weed out certain tenants. One of the most common restrictions is a no pet policy. Concerned that a tenant’s dog or cat may damage their unit – think carpet, floors, walls, blinds, etc. – some landlords will not, under any circumstances, allow pets on their property. Others, however, are on the fence.
So how can you convince these landlords that your pet won’t be a problem? Read through the following tips from Sean Martin for The Seattle Times:
- If you’re a pet-owning tenant with good credit, a long-term employment record, and a positive history, don’t hesitate to point out these attributes to the landlord.
- If your pet has had obedience training and is up-to-date on their vaccinations, this could strengthen your case. Additionally, a pet that has been spayed or neutered is much less likely to bite or mark the property which could help put the landlord’s mind at ease.
- Be willing to offset financial risks for the landlord by paying a pet deposit or fees or by offering to have the carpets cleaned before moving out.
- Set clear rules and stipulations for the animal in the lease, including any penalties or extra fees charged to the tenant.
- If you have a service dog, be sure to provide a signed verification of disability from a medical professional. Fair-housing laws state tenants cannot be charged an added fee for having a service pet.
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Nothing is harder on a move then having to leave your friend behind :-/