If you’re a pet parent in the market for a Brainerd single-family rental home, it’s crucial to find one that is pet-friendly. Many landlords don’t allow pets on their properties, so finding a place that will accept your furry friend can be problematic. In this blog post, we will provide some guidelines for finding a pet-friendly rental house and how to influence an unenthusiastic landlord to rent to you.
Start your search early.
Give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect place. The more time you have, the more options you’ll have. Focus your search on listings advertised as “pet-friendly,” or seek the assistance of a listing agent, friend, or Brainerd property manager. You will have plenty of time to find the ideal place for you and your pet by starting your search early.
Be prepared to pay a pet fee or deposit.
Most landlords who allow pets will involve a pet deposit. This is typically a refundable deposit or non-refundable fee that covers any damage your pet may cause to the property. Be ready to pay this amount upfront. Many property owners will also charge a slightly higher rent or a “pet rent” as opposed to the base rent. Most of the time, the amount is relatively small and will help cover any additional wear and tear your pet may cause in the home.
Meet with your landlord and introduce them to your pet.
Many landlords are more likely to rent to you if they meet your pet in person and see that they are well-behaved. This is likewise a good opportunity to show the landlord how responsible you are as a pet owner. If meeting your pet in person isn’t an option, produce a pet “resume” highlighting your pet’s best qualities. Include lots of photos and any documentation from training classes, vaccination status, etc.
Offer to sign a longer lease.
Landlords are often more likely to rent to pet owners if they offer to sign a longer lease. This shows the landlord that you are committed to staying on the property for a longer period of time. Many property owners prefer long-term tenants and may be more likely to accept you and your pet if you request a long lease.
Bring references from previous landlords or neighbors.
Gather some references from previous landlords or neighbors demonstrating your pet’s good behavior. These can be extremely helpful when applying for any rental home, even one that is advertised as pet-friendly. When you meet your prospective landlord, bring your pet references with you. These references can go a long way in convincing a reluctant landlord to rent to you.
Clean up after your pet.
It’s crucial to always clean up after your pet and make sure they don’t cause any destruction to the property. If possible, avoid leaving your pet unattended in the home or leave them in a secure location if you do. This will help you avoid any issues with your landlord and keep your pet deposit refundable.
By following these tips, you can significantly increase your chances of finding a great pet-friendly rental home. But the easiest way to find the right rental home for you and your pet is to browse our listings. We have quality rental homes in your area that are perfect for pet parents like you.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
