Make Landlords Love You

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by Ruth Mantell
Friday, April 13, 2007

Got pets, eviction record? Tips to get into that rental

Terry gets free meals and maid service, but the year-old pit bull mix spends his days in a concrete-floor pen.

He was dropped off at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria in Virginia because his owners were moving -- a top reason that pets are left at shelters. A recent renter survey by Apartments.com found that more than 84% of respondents own a pet, and that more than one-third of survey respondents found it very difficult to find an apartment that allowed pets.

But even if your baggage includes animals, or other concerns such as financial problems or a prior eviction, there are ways to convince landlords to rent to you.

Behavior counts for a lot, experts say.

\"Your best way to move with animals is to make sure that the animals are well behaved,\" said Tara Blot, executive director of the Alexandria facility.

Breeds perceived as dangerous may not be covered by insurance, and tenants with three parakeets, two turtles and four dogs are going to have problems finding an apartment or a house.

Owners of cats and small dogs -- 20 pounds or less as defined by the American Kennel Club -- will have an easier time finding a rental. Yet it is possible to get your big dog into an apartment

Years ago when Blot was trying to find a place that would take her two great Pyrenees dogs, which weighed in at a total of about 200 pounds, she invited the landlord to meet the dogs \"and see that they were calm, low-key, well-behaved dogs,\" she said. Many properly trained and socialized large dogs are more sedate than their toy counterparts and can pose less risk of property damage.

To show that you are a responsible owner, bring a copy of the vet's last bill and records of your pet's registration and health history, including shots. The AKC offers a canine good citizen program certifying dogs that have good manners at home and in the community.

\"The landlord's going to be concerned about the damage that your pet is going to do,\" Blot said. \"If you have a well-behaved pet you are less likely to have damage.\"

Pet owners can also get a recommendation letter from their vet or a prior landlord.

\"If you've lived somewhere with this pet before, why not ask for references from where you lived before,\" Blot said.

Show them the money

Paying an extra month's deposit up front can \"go a long way toward easing concern\" about a pet, Blot said.

For prospective tenants with financial problems or even an eviction history, it's important to re-establish your credibility, experts say.

Provide proof that you can pay the rent with paperwork such as pay stubs and bank statements. Show your history of paying bills on time for services such as utilities.

\"Most [landlords] are human beings,\" said Ronald Childs Jr., deputy director for Lydia's House, a nonprofit housing counseling agency in Washington. \"They weren't all born rich. They understand what it takes to get ahead.\"

Childs also recommends dealing directly with a landlord or property manager, rather than going through an agent or a large apartment community so that tenants can supply a clear and direct explanation of their situation.

Make a good first impression

Even if you have bad credit, or a pet that makes you less attractive to a landlord, you can still make a good impression.

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