House hunting often raises questions about floor plans, schools, and nearby amenities.
For families with pets during a military relocation, there's one more box to check: finding a pet-friendly rental. The good news? It's not as tough as it sounds, but there are some key points to keep in mind for military families starting the search.
1. Use the filters to narrow your search for a pet-friendly rental.
The easiest way to narrow your search for pet-friendly rentals isn't looking at yards to see if they're large enough to accommodate your furry friends or ensuring that they're fenced; it's using search filters.
When searching for homes for rent on MilitaryByOwner, find rentals in the desired area from either the homepage or the base information page.
Once the results populate, click "Refine Search" at 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.
While using a filter immediately narrows your search to suitable properties, you can still find a home without it. While many property managers and landlords advertise their pet policy, others might not.
Searching without the filter may allow you to come across other rental properties 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 the property, 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.
And while your pet is calm, potty-trained, and snuggly, accept that no amount of cute photos of your four-legged friend is going to change their mind. 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 investment by requiring additional fees for tenants with pets to cover any potential damages.
Types of pet-related fees:
- Pet Fee: A one-time 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.
It's important to pay attention to the pet deposit 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 can 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, it's okay to ask that a non-refundable pet deposit be made refundable or that the pet fee be replaced with a refundable pet deposit. Or, 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 up front. However, if they're willing to negotiate, make sure the rental agreement is updated before you sign anything.
It may seem challenging to find a pet-friendly rental during a military relocation, but it's achievable with the right method. With a little patience and persistence, you can make your next duty station feel like home for every member of your family, including your pets.
Download our quick list for finding a pet-friendly rental below!
