House hunting often raises questions about floor plans, schools, and nearby amenities, but for families with pets during a military relocation, there's one more box to check: finding pet-friendly rentals.
The good news? It's not as tough as it sounds, but there are some key points to keep in mind for military families renting a house.
1. Use the filters to narrow your search for pet-friendly military rentals.
The easiest way to narrow your search for pet-friendly rentals isn't by looking at yards to see if they're large enough to accommodate your furry friends or ensuring that they're fenced; it's by using search filters.
The best way to search for rental homes on MilitaryByOwner is by searching on the homepage or by the specific base information page where you'll be moving.
Once the results populate, click "Refine Search" on the top results page.
Next, select "Pet Policy."
From there, request that all rentals listed are "Pets Allowed" or "Upon Approval."
This is an easy way to filter for properties that will be suitable for your pet.
2. Broaden your search and scroll without the pet policy filter.
Using a filter helps narrow your search to suitable properties, but you can still find a home without it. While most property managers and landlords advertise their pet policy, others might not.
Searching without the filter may allow you to come across other military rentals that are open to having pets, but don't advertise it. If you find an attractive rental and the description doesn't state "no pets allowed," consider messaging those landlords and expressing your interest in their property.
If they're not fully disapproving of pets in their ad description, there's a chance they'll work with you.
3. Don't waste time on listings that state "no pets."
If you come across a rental listing that explicitly says, "no pets allowed," don't appeal it. It's not for you to negotiate that pets aren't a risk to their rental investment. They have their policy for a reason.
While your pet might be calm, house-trained, and snuggly, it's best to respect their privacy and continue your search elsewhere.
4. Ask about pet fees, pet deposits, and pet rent.
Many homeowners protect their rental investments by requiring additional fees from tenants with pets to cover any potential damage.
Types of pet-related fees
- Pet Fee: A onetime fee designed to cover wear and tear to the rental caused by the pet. It's not refundable.
- Pet Deposit: A potentially refundable fee that covers damage caused by the pet.
- Pet Rent: A monthly fee to cover both wear and tear, plus any damage caused by the pet.
Consider the pet deposit when renting a house, since some fees are refunded at the end of the lease, provided there is no pet-related damage, while others aren't. Ensure that you know which type you're paying for before signing the lease.
These expenses add up. While respecting the landlord's position, it's okay to ask for room to negotiate as long as you approach these conversations with respect and understanding.
For example, you might request that a non-refundable pet deposit be made refundable or that the pet fee be replaced with a refundable pet deposit. If you know that the landlord wants to cover deodorizing treatments or carpet cleaning, you might ask if they'll allow you to cover those costs yourself at the end of your lease instead of paying a deposit upfront. However, if they're willing to negotiate, make sure they update the rental agreement before you sign anything.
Finding the best way to search for rental homes takes time and consideration, especially when you’re trying to check every box, including pet-friendly options But with the right approach, it becomes much more manageable. The right home is out there, and with some patience, your next duty station can feel like home for every member of your family, pets included.
Download our quick list for finding pet-friendly rentals below:
