How to Find a Pet Friendly Rental
Friends and Neighbors,
Bustling Chicago has so many wonderful neighborhoods to offer you and your pets. With increasing population and inflating rent prices, it can be difficult to find the perfect spot for you and your furry friends. Here are some tips on how to find a pet-friendly rental with notes from The Wildest.
Start Your Search Early
It’s crucial to start your search as early as possible. If you’ve never moved with a pet before, plan for double the time and patience. Renting here in Chicago is already a bit tricky, adding a pet into the mix can extend timelines!
Create a Pet Resume
Include details like your pet's name, age, training achievements, daily routine, and how you’ll prevent destructive behavior (crate or litter-box training, exercise routines, cleanliness). Also, add a health report listing vaccinations and spay/neuter status. Providing a bit of background about your pet(s) is helpful for your potential landlord to agree.
Put Together References
Nothing works better than a previous landlord vouching for you and your pet. Ask them if they can provide a contact number or write a letter of recommendation. Also, obtain your pet's medical records and a recommendation from your vet. Friends, pet sitters, dog walkers, trainers, and groomers can all provide valuable testimonials about your pet.
Get Renter’s Insurance
One major hurdle for pet owners, especially those with breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, or Shepherds, is the conflict between property owners and their insurance policies. While some insurers (like State Farm) don’t discriminate against breeds, renter’s insurance sometimes does.
Offer a Meet and Greet
Suggest meeting your landlord along with your dog in a pet-friendly environment where your dog will be relaxed and well-behaved. This can help the landlord see that your pet will be a positive addition to the building.
Broaden Your Search
If pet-friendly listings are scarce, reach out to landlords who have stated “no pets” in their ads. Be polite and ready to respond to their concerns with potential solutions, but respect their decision if they are firm.
Finding pet-friendly housing can be challenging, especially if you need to stay in a specific area, be near public transportation, or are on a tight budget. You can also look into organizations like My Pit Bull Is Family, which has a database of pet-inclusive rentals across the U.S.
By following these steps, you can improve your chances of securing a pet-friendly rental that meets both your needs and those of your furry friend.
We hope you find these tips useful and that they help keep your pets happy and healthy. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. We’re always here for you and your pets!
Sincerely,
The BLVD Team