Pet-friendly Apartments in Tempe

Pets are family. When you move, you don’t leave members of your family behind. So when you rent, your pets come too.

Renting with pets can be tricky, though, because landlords often have rules if they allow pets. Some completely forbid pets altogether. Bringing your pet when you move to a new place doesn’t have to be troublesome, though. Finding pet friendly apartments in Tempe is easier than ever with our search tools, but sometimes a landlord can still be uneasy about you bringing a pet into the apartment.

There are a few things you can do to make your landlord feel more comfortable with your pet.

Find references for your pet

Get references from your previous landlord stating that your pet didn’t harm anything in the rental property and that you paid your pet fees. Just like your rental history, your pet’s history is important. If a landlord knows that your pet can behave in a rental unit, they are more likely to allow the pet. If your pet completed a training course, be sure to show that certificate to your landlord as well.

Negotiate Terms

Negotiation is key when signing a lease with pets. Be sure that your pet is on the lease and you have the terms in writing. If your landlord is uncomfortable with allowing your pet, suggest that you pay a pet deposit to cover any possible damages.

All leases are negotiable. The most important thing to remember is that a lease can be changed, especially if you give the landlord a reason to want to change it. For example, if the apartment typically has a policy that dogs over a certain weight are not allowed, you can always offer to pay a larger deposit or even pay a monthly fee for your pet to live there.
Breeds that are typically less aggressive are also more likely to be accepted. Your Golden Retriever might be accepted as an exception to the lease while protective breeds like Rottweilers may be turned down.

Arizona recently passed a law forbidding Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) so pitbulls and other breeds are all allowed in the state. Keep this in mind if a landlord tries to tell you that your pets are forbidden, however a landlord can always restrict pets based on weight or preference because the apartment unit is their property.

Plan in Advance

Thinking about bringing your pet when you move is probably something that doesn’t immediately cross your mind with all of the other worries that go into moving. But, it is one of the most important thoughts to have. Be sure you choose an apartment that is listed as pet friendly, like the ones in the search tool above.

If you are interested in moving to one of these apartments, be sure to give the leasing office a call and ask what all you need to do for your pet to be accepted. By asking in advance, you are prepared for what you will be told when you tour the unit. Prepare all of the information that your landlord may need at the time of renting. This includes shot records, pet references, certifications, and registration (if you pet is purebred).

Be Honest

One of the best ways to ensure that your pet is approved is to be honest with the landlord. If you have a 60 pound dog, don’t agree to a 30-pound limit. Your landlord may see your pet or your pet may cause damage that you will end up paying for.

Violating the terms of the lease can be cause for eviction. The best policy is honesty. If you have a gentle, older dog that doesn’t fit the requirements for the apartment that you want to rent, be sure to communicate this with your landlord. They might change the lease terms for your pet.

Know What to Expect

Renting with pets can be easy, you just need to be prepared for the process. Landlords have gotten creative; they know that pets are important to people and this allows them to gain the edge when renting. These lease terms are common with pet rentals:

• Monthly pet fee. This is essentially the rent your pet pays. It is added onto the monthly fee that you already pay to live in the unit, but it strictly covers pet damages. If your landlord requires a monthly fee, then your deposit should be lower. This is important to remember because some landlords will still charge you a large deposit as well as a rental fee.
• Security deposit. As mentioned above, a security deposit just for your pet may be applied as well. This is more common than a monthly fee. If a deposit is required, be sure to include the price you are already paying for your original security deposit. Generally, $200 or less is applied as a pet deposit. Some units will require upwards to $300 for a pet fee, especially if the unit is nicer. Keep in mind that a deposit will come back to you if you follow the terms of the lease, but don’t pay more than you feel necessary. If the apartment requires you to pay more than you feel necessary don’t hesitate to tell them that your fee sounds high or that you had been quoted less at other apartments.

To sum it up, the process is worth it to have your pet as a continued part of your family. Try to negotiate a lease to accommodate your pet, and be honest with your landlord, who most likely will appreciate that and help you with the rental process.