Pets and apartment hunting. There are important questions you should ask each apartment if you have pets. You're on the apartment hunt, looking for the best place for your money. On top of that, you also...
You're on the apartment hunt, looking for the best place for your money. On top of that, you also own a pet, so you have to figure in a pet deposit. Our apartment locating expert, Jerry Yelvington, real estate agent for Avery Windsor Properties, says if you have a pet, there are many questions you need to ask when apartment hunting.
"You need to ask how much the pet refund is. You also need to ask if the security deposit is refundable. Also inquire whether they charge an administration fee that's not refundable. That is pretty irregular in some of the newer places," Yelvington says.
When searching for an apartment, you might find that many places are asking for a large pet deposit. If the pet deposit equals the amount of monthly rent, this is probably a red flag that the apartment complex doesn't welcome hairy creatures.
"Generally, the higher the pet deposit, the more likely that the apartment is not pet friendly. They are giving you the message that they don't want pets," Yelvingon says.
Many times duplexes or rental homes are better properties than apartments for pets. There is usually a yard and fence enclosing your housing area. Of course, if you live in a place like New York City, this is not an option for you. A good suggestion is calling an apartment, duplex, or rental home owner sales agent before going out to the property. Ask them if they are pet friendly. Be upfront and honest. Tell them what kind of dog you have and how much it weighs. This will help you eliminate certain places right off the bat.
Yelvington says, many times apartment locators have a list of complexes and their pet status. They can go through a list with you, and you can mark off which apartments might be good locations to check out. Another way of handling the housing situation and pet deposits is renting from someone you know that is pet friendly.
If you have a pet, be prepared to disclose that information and inquire about the pet policy in the beginning, so that there are no last-minute surprises on you. Having a pet in a complex that does not allow pets could end up with you being evicted. Some apartment managers have also charged closet pet owners with back pet rent payments and pet security deposits. Complexes that allow pets usually charge an average of $350 in nonrefundable pet security deposits and $25 in additional monthly rental fees.
Another thing to remember is that many complexes that welcome pets will want you to provide them with documentation from a veterinarian that your animal is up to date on its shots, licensed and neutered or spayed. Some apartment managers ask for photos of your pet for their files. Sometimes you may be required to bring the animal in so that apartment managers are assured that your pet does not exceed their weight requirements. With the demand for apartment rentals far exceeding supply, it is not expected that property owners with no-pet policies will make exceptions to their rules. However, if you find the place of your dreams, but little Fido is not allowed, take a chance and inquire anyway. Some managers say they do bend the rules sometimes, something that they do not want to advertise for fear of attracting pet owners in large numbers
