82% of pet owners are willing to pay extra to keep them; half of renters put off getting a pet because of the challenges of keeping a pet.
Rental scarves: Having pets and renting a home are both challenges. Landlords are often reluctant to allow them – barking, chipped cushions, scratched furniture are some of the reasons. The situation is tough enough for renters, landlords always have the upper hand, so it seems a shame that pets are often not welcome in rented properties.A survey of 3,000 pet owners FacebookAgentAdvice.com website reveals how much they are prepared to pay to live with their pets.
The survey found that 82 percent of pet owners are willing to pay a premium to have their furry friends live with them in a rental home. The average New York pet-owning renter is willing to pay up to $6,223 per year to live with their pets!
However, the study also revealed that a large proportion of people want the best of both worlds – that is – continue to live with their pets but not have to pay any premiums for it. FacebookAgentAdvice.com website found in New York, 14% of renters with pets admitted not disclosing this to their landlord (equivalent to 456,703 illegal pets) – That’s a lot of barking trying to cough, or scratching table legs trying to cover up. The most culpable pet owners are in Vermont, where the percentage of households hiding illegal pets reaches 50 percent, or 36,791 furry friends. The most law-abiding pet owners live in Indiana, at just 4 percent, or 32,400 pets.
Infographic with research results (Click Embed to host the map on your website)
The research also revealed that two-thirds believe it is fair for landlords to ask tenants to leave if they discover they have pets that are not allowed. Unfortunately, 58% of renters are reluctant to have pets, so it can be difficult to find rental properties that allow pets.
“Caring for pets is a responsibility that requires commitment and dedication, but the current rental market often makes it difficult for pet owners to find suitable and affordable accommodation.Discriminatory pet policies and limited pet-friendly options not only place an undue burden on renters, but also deprive them of the joy and companionship that pets bring in their livessays Chris Heller of AgentAdvice.com.
FacebookAgentAdvice.com website Here are 4 tips for convincing your landlord to allow you to have pets in your rental:
1. Talk to the landlord
Getting permission to keep pets as a tenant can be difficult, as landlords may put a “no pets” clause into their leases to control the number of pets on their property. However, if you have a good relationship with your landlord and are a responsible tenant, you may be able to convince them to allow you to have a pet. Providing documentation about your prospective pet’s health history and training program can strengthen your case. Many landlords make exceptions for good tenants who make a positive contribution to the rental community.
2. Flexible
Being flexible about your pet options is important to convincing your landlord to allow you to rent your pet. Many landlords have restrictions on the type or size of pets allowed due to noise or potential damage. If your landlord approves pets with certain restrictions, consider being more selective in your pet selection. However, if you have a good relationship with the landlord, they may make an exception for responsible and reliable tenants. So don’t be afraid to talk about the possibility of bringing in a larger pet.
3. Provide documents
If you are a pet owner looking to move into a new rental, providing additional documentation can help show your landlord that you are a responsible pet owner. This may include a letter from your current landlord, veterinary records, training records and neutering records. By demonstrating that your pet is well-behaved and does not disturb others, you can allay landlord concerns about potential property damage or disturbance to other tenants.
4. Willingness to pay more
To convince your landlord to allow you to have a pet, offering to pay extra in the form of a deposit or monthly fee can show your commitment to being a responsible pet owner. While some pet-friendly rentals have upfront policies regarding deposit or rent surcharges, it may be possible to convince some pet-free landlords to make an exception if you’re willing to pay the extra fee. However, pet deposits can be expensive, so be sure to have the necessary budget in place before making an offer.
