Finding a Utah Apartment or Rental Home when you have PETS

Apartment complexes generally have rigid rules allowing/disallowing pets. The people in the front office usually aren't the ones making the rules, either, so it'd be difficult to get them to budge. Some apartments, however, are willing to allow a small pet or two for a set fee (i.e. $25 per month, per pet). The apartment complex reasons that a supposed increase in wear on the carpet or other parts of the apartment will result in that much in depreciation in the apartment. So trying to negotiate with an apartment wouldn't make much sense. Those that do accept pets, however, even with a fee, are likely to advertise it. Since so many don't, it's a great way to increase their occupency. What's the benefit of a barbecuer in the courtyard, vs. being one of the few apartments that accepts pets? So check the free apartment guides at the grocery stores to see which ones advertise pets.

Outside of apartment complexes, there is often some room for negotiation. An individual landlord with a single family home or duplex is often times the person you'll be calling on the phone. Unless an ad specifically says "No pets!" there's surely room to negotiate. Rather than ask a yes or no question "Can I bring our family pet?" right up front, ask some questions and show some interest. Once you've asked a few questions about the property, ask in a friendly way "And it wouldn't be a problem to have our long time family pet will it?" or "As long as we keep the carpets very clean, it won't be any problem to bring Sparky will it?" When you ask a simple yes or no question, it can be easier to say no, than to say, "I can bring him, RIGHT?" in a friendly way. Most people want to take the path of least resistance, and isn't it so easy to say, "Sure."?

Remember, not only are some landlords first timers, but others are replacing a tenant which has been there for a year, two or more. It may have been a while since they've had to consider whether they'd allow pets. As long as you allay their concerns about damage to the carpet or property, few will have a significant issue with having a pet around. Just sense if they have hesitation, and ask "What concerns would you have about me bringing my pet?" and sincerely listen to and respond to the home owner/ landlord's concerns.

If you will be in an apartment situation for a short period of time, for a work assignment, while building or purchasing a home, or for another reason, consider hiring a "pet sitter" you know from work, or from around the neighborhood. If your acquaintance has the right personality, is good with pets (has a compatible pet of their own), consider asking them to watch your dog, and in return do something nice. $50 a month would be nice, but what about babysitting their kids? Helping them move? If they have a loved pet of their own, they may be understanding of your situation and be willing to help.

Having a pet can limit your options, but by knowing the right questions to ask, and the right answers to give when landlords have concerns, you'll be able to find the right apartment! Good luck to you.

by Austin Long