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We have to move. Those words often lead to deep anxiety, especially when we have pets. Finding an affordable rental can be tough even in the best of times, but add a lack of affordable housing in Pennsylvania, and we know we’re in for a challenge. While it might take some legwork and time, you can overcome that challenge and find a home that’s right for you and your pets.
Before you start the search for your new home, identify the specific neighborhoods or towns in which you want to live and determine your monthly budget. Keep in mind that many pet-friendly rentals require a pet deposit or pet fee, in addition to your normal security deposit, and pet rent.
7 Tips for Finding Pet-Friendly Rentals in Pennsylvania
Finding a new home obviously comes with its stressors, but it’s possible to alleviate some of that stress by having a plan. Here are some tips for finding pet-friendly housing in Pennsylvania.
1. Begin your search early.
With the rental market so tight in Pennsylvania and the extra challenge of finding pet-friendly housing, start looking as soon as you know you’re going to move, even if it’s several months away. That gives you plenty of time to see what’s out there, to ask to be added to waiting lists if necessary, and to prepare.
2. Ask for pet-friendly housing recommendations.
Family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors can all be a great resource for finding your next home. Ask if they can recommend a pet-friendly apartment building or know of a landlord who rents to individuals with pets. Referrals can be an effective way to find leads.
3. Use social media.
Social media, like Reddit or Nextdoor, can provide leads too. Ask those in your target town or neighborhood if they can offer suggestions. Most people are more than willing to share their experiences. Social media is also a good resource for discovering those property management companies or landlords you may want to avoid.
4. Check online rental listings.
Perhaps the easiest way to see what type of rentals are available to you and your pets is to check online listings on popular sites like Apartments.com, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Rent.com. You might even find some leads on Craigslist.
You can also do an online search on your favorite search engine, like Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo, and look for “pet-friendly apartments near me,” “dog-friendly apartments near me,” and, if you have a large dog, “apartments that allow large dogs near me.”
5. Contact properties.
Once you’ve found prospective rentals, contact the properties to confirm that they are, indeed, pet-friendly and to go over their pet policy.
6. Always be honest.
Let the property manager or landlord know you have pets and how many. Sneaking a pet into a pet-free apartment complex or home can very easily become a huge problem. If the property owner finds out, you could face eviction and the steep cost of finding a new place to live. If a rental doesn’t allow pets, mark it off your list of prospects and move on to the next one.
7. Provide a pet resume.
Pet resumes are becoming increasingly popular with renters looking for pet-friendly accommodation. A pet resume introduces prospective property managers to your pet and includes such valuable information as whether your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations, and if they’re spayed or neutered.
Create a Pet Resume
Consider a pet resume your opportunity to show off who your pet is and their best qualities, a way to provide reassurance that they, like you, will be a good tenant. A pet resume allows you to shine the spotlight on all of the amazing things about your pet. While there are no hard and fast rules for what you should include on a pet resume, here are a few suggestions:
1. Use a photo(s).
If you were going to rent to a tenant with a pet, you’d want to know what they look like, right? Photos offer property managers the chance to see your pet and feel comfortable with their prospective new tenant. Consider adding a few photos – one of your pet relaxing, on a walk if you have a dog, or even eating. Think of what you would like to see if you’re deciding whether to rent to a tenant with a pet.
2. Add contact information.
Start just as you would with your resume – the basics. Add your names (yours and your pets) and your contact information, including current address, email address, and phone number.
3. Include important health information.
Add information that will help give prospective property managers an overview of your pet’s health and wellbeing, including breed, age, and weight. Make sure you mention whether your pet is spayed or neutered, if they’re up-to-date on all shots, and the name of their current veterinarian. You may have to provide proof, so get copies of the vaccines.
Don’t forget to mention temperament. Is your pet typically laidback or anxious? If you have an anxious pet, how do you deal with that anxiety?
4. License and tag
If you have dogs, do they have a dog license and tags, as required by Pennsylvania law? You might also mention whether your pet is microchipped.
5. Training
Training is particularly relevant if you have a dog. Has your dog completed obedience training? Perhaps one of your pets is a therapy pet who goes to hospitals or senior citizen homes to visit with patients or residents; mention that, too.
6. What is your pet’s typical routine?
A lot of pets – cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and birds – tend to stay at home when their families go to work, school, and head out and about. However, if you have a dog, they might spend their days in doggie daycare, or a dog walker might stop by once or several times a day to provide your pup with socialization and exercise. If your dog goes to daycare or has a dog walker, add that information.
Here are some questions you might want to answer with your pet’s resume:
- How often and how do you exercise your pet?
- How do you keep your pets entertained? Do you provide a cat tower and scratcher for your kitty? Chew toys for your bunnies and birds? A wheel for your hamster? Because bored animals often become destructive, show that your pets have plenty to do so they don’t cause damage to the rental property.
- How often do you groom or bathe your pet (if applicable)?
- If you have a cat, a rabbit, or another pet who uses a litterbox, how often do you change the litter?
Offering a glimpse of your pet’s typical routine illustrates to landlords you’re on top of things and your pet, and home, are well taken care of.
7. Provide references.
While property managers may not ask for or require references, adding them helps strengthen your pet’s resume. If you’re not sure who to ask to be a reference, consider:
- Former property managers or landlords who can vouch that your pets were well-behaved, and there were no concerning issues during your tenancy.
- Friends, family, and neighbors who have firsthand experience with your pets.
- Staff at doggy daycare, a dog walker, or your pet sitter, if you have one.
- Your pets’ vet.
Always ask each person if they mind being a reference, especially since they may be contacted by the property manager.
8. Craft a compelling “About” section.
What do you want a property manager to know about your pet and your relationship with them? Use the “About” section to talk more about both. While there are no set rules on what to include, consider answering some of the following questions:
- How long have you had your pet? Did you adopt them?
- What are your pet’s favorite activities?
- Where is their favorite place to nap?
- What are their favorite foods? How about their must-have snacks?
All of that sounds like a lot of information and it is, but don’t let the idea of a pet resume overwhelm you. Pet resumes typically aren’t more than a page or two long. The goal is to provide a detailed but concise overview of who your pet is so the property manager will feel confident renting to you.
Creating a pet resume is easy, whether you download a free template, prepare one yourself, or hire someone to create one for you.
7 Important Questions to Ask
Now that you have a list of prospective rentals and a pet resume, you’re ready to start looking at properties. There’s one more step that will help you when you contact or tour the property. While you should expect the property manager to ask you questions about your pet, the interview should go both ways. Compile a list of questions you have, so you can make an informed decision about whether to sign a lease.
1. How many pets do you allow?
Ask if the maximum number of pets includes small animals, such as hamsters, gerbils, fish, and birds.
2. Are there breed restrictions?
Every property management company and landlord has their own set of rules. Some may only allow dogs of certain breeds while others may permit cats and small animals but not dogs. If you have a dog, find out if all breeds are permitted and, if not, which are not allowed. Unlike some states, Pennsylvania does not ban breeds, although property owners can restrict which breeds they allow in their rental units.
3. Are there any other restrictions?
Is there a weight limit for dogs? How about cats? Ask about any restrictions of which you should be aware.
4. Is there a pet deposit or pet fee?
Some pet-friendly rentals require a pet deposit as a way to pay for any damages your pet may cause. The Pennsylvania Tenant-Landlord Act restricts the amount of a security deposit to a maximum of two months’ rent for your first year renting. Every year after, the security deposit can be no more than one month’s rent.
Other properties may charge a one-time non-refundable pet fee instead of a pet deposit. Make sure you know which you will pay and it is included in the lease.
5. Do you charge pet rent?
If the answer is yes, find out if the pet rent covers all pets or is per pet.
6. Are there any areas that are off limits to pets?
Let’s say you’re moving into a property that has shared laundry facilities or a park for the kiddos. Are pets allowed in those areas? Find out what areas do not allow pets before you sign on the dotted line.
7. Are there any pet-friendly amenities?
Some properties offer such pet-friendly amenities as dog parks or dog runs, waste stations, and even a pet concierge.
Sometimes a landlord or property manager will allow a pet with permission. Never rely on verbal permission. Make sure you get it in writing so, if the property is sold or someone claims you aren’t allowed to have your pet, you have your proof in writing.
Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals
The Fair Housing Act does not recognize service animals and emotional support animals as pets. As a result, landlords and property managers with a no-pets policy must provide reasonable accommodation for those with service animals and emotional support animals. You cannot be charged a pet deposit, pet fee, or pet rent if you have a service animal or an emotional support animal.
Finding a pet-friendly rental has its challenges, but it’s possible, with a little legwork, to find the perfect home for you and your pets. If you have questions about a property or its policies, ask, and don’t sign a lease until you are confident and comfortable with the answers.
