Essential tips on pet friendly rentals

Rental homes and pets are two things that aren't known for going well together. So often, landlords state in the opening sentence of their property adverts, "no pets", and if you are caught breaking these rules, you can be evicted and dealt a hefty fine.

So, how do you find pet friendly rental properties? Do you just pray and hope your landlord doesn't find out, or do you spend hours, days or even weeks trawling through ads until you find houses to rent that allow pets?

In this article, we'll be looking at how to find a property to rent with pets and how you can find pet-friendly rentals without breaking any rules.

Plan Ahead

This goes without saying, but if you know it might take a bit longer to find somewhere that accepts pets, it's a good idea to start looking early. The last thing you want to have to deal with is being without somewhere to live while trying to look after your pet.

We suggest spending at least 6-8 weeks looking for a place before your current lease is up, as you don't want to have to move into a bottom of the barrel property just because it'll accept pets. Remember, it's about finding a place that's right for you and your pet, not just the most readily available.

Make Sure Your Pet Is House Trained

Even if your landlord is happy to take pets, you must ensure that your pet is fully house trained and won't cause any damages during your stay. Not only will it cause you to have to pay for damages, but you'll also likely lose your deposit, but you might also struggle to find somewhere else to move to after your lease is up.

Introduce Your Pet To Your Landlord

This might seem strange, but often, if a landlord meets a pet and sees how well behaved it is, they might be more inclined to let it live in the property. Granted, you might have a tough time with a Tarantula or an Anaconda, but if you've got a dog or a cat, they might be happy to let them live with you so long as you stick to the rules.

Don't Try To Sneak A Pet In

Although you might be tempted to bring in a pet without asking - don't. Not only is it illegal, but it could also leave you homeless. Landlords have a right to evict you for a serious breach of contract, and if you recall our first point, finding a rental home that accepts pets can be incredibly difficult, even if you have time to spare to find one.

We have found that honesty is the key throughout our long history of providing houses to rent in Sittingbourne for both pet owners and non-pet owners.

So, don't take chances and be upfront with any landlord you are looking to rent from.

If you'd like to know more about finding your next rental property that will allow pets, speak to one of our experts today and book a free consultation.