First Person: The Reality of Renting With Pets

Renting with pets isn't easy. You're presented with a whole different set of challenges than renters typically face, like higher move-in costs and less rental options. While finding and leasing a rental property with a four-legged companion in tow can get complicated, things will go smoother if you know what to expect.

Finding a Rental

In most states, the Landlord and Tenant laws allow the landlord to decide whether he'll allow pets, what type and size of pets he'll allow, and the number of pets you can have in one rental property. Generally, the landlord lists her pet policy in the rental ad, but some landlords do not.

Your rental search will go smoother if you call ahead and verify the landlord's pet policy before you set up an appointment to view the property. When calling about the pet policy, be sure to ask what type of pets the landlord allows and if she has any restrictions on breed or weight. For example, many rentals only allow small dogs up to a certain weight.

Signing the Lease

When you have a pet, you need a pet rider attached to your lease agreement. This pet rider lists your number and type of pets, and should also include any pet deposits or pet rent that you agreed to pay. Having a pet rider protects you legally should any problems arise with your landlord while you live at the property.

Not all lease agreements include a pet rider by default and not having your pets listed in the lease could come back to haunt you. For example, even if your landlord verbally agreed to allow pets, that agreement will be difficult to prove in court if the landlord later decides to evict you or ask you to remove the pet.

Paying Pet Deposits

Most landlords charge a pet deposit, which may or may not be refundable depending on the landlord's specific policies. The amount of pet deposit also varies from landlord to landlord. Before you agree to pay (especially a nonrefundable pet deposit) read your state's landlord and tenant laws. Some states put a cap on how much a landlord can charge for deposits.

Pet Rent

Some landlords may charge an additional monthly fee, often called "pet rent." You will have to pay this fee every month with your rent, and it is not refundable. However, the landlord must include the amount of the fee and the due date in your lease agreement. The landlord cannot start charging you "pet rent" suddenly during your lease.