On my recent visit to the Los Angeles City East Valley Animal Shelter I learned quite a bit from their meeting on Pets in Rental Housing. Furry friends in a rental can be an area of tension between tenants and landlords, but it doesn’t have to be! Landlords can quickly fill vacancies and gain a little extra income from pet fees, while the responsible pet owners get to live happily with their companions. It’s a win-win situation. Here's how you can land your dream apartment, and bring your dog or cat along!


  1. Provide your prospective landlord with a resume for your pet (see example below). Write a nice cover letter, and tag on a letter of recommendation from your neighbors or previous landlords as well.

  2. Training your pet, keeping them well groomed, and up to date on all medical records shows you are a caring and responsible pet owner. And a responsible pet owner means a responsible tenant!

  3. Pay a premium to your furry friend live with you. Putting down a pet deposit or paying a monthly pet fee is a goo incentive for both parties to hold up their end of the bargain.

  4. Get Renters Insurance! It's worth it!! Make sure your buy a policy that covers your cat or dog, your prospective landlords know when you apply.

  5. Alongside signing your lease, write up an agreement with your landlord allowing them access to your apartment for routine check ups on cleanliness, pet behavior, or other concerns. This will help build a trustworth relationship between the two of you and your pets!

 
So congratulations you've wowed the landlord and you're in! Now what?

For more information about pets, adoptions, and care visit the Los Angeles Animal Services here.

Know your rights as a tenant. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet, visit the Housing Rights Center here.

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*Pet Resume Example courtesy of Realtor.com

 

Posted by Ben Nicolas on

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