If you’re on the lookout for a rental apartment with a fur baby, chances are you’re finding this to be a struggle. This is especially true in the city, where rentals not only come at a premium but also sometimes lack the amenities needed to accommodate your pet. Finding the right apartment in such cases requires time, patience and diligence.
That being said, rental apartments have recognised the need for pet-friendly accommodations, which have seen a growing demand in recent years. As a result, many London apartments are now open to pet owners, offer spacious layouts and are near quiet outdoor spaces. This makes it convenient for you and your furry companion to have a manageable daily routine without compromising on your pet’s needs.
So, how do you go about finding these pet-friendly apartments? Because they’re always in such high demand, it’s best to start your apartment search early. This boosts your chances of finding the right apartment.
In this article, we discuss practical tips to help you find the perfect pet-friendly apartment.
Get Your Documents Ready
Being a pet owner is a highly rewarding experience as you have a companion for life. However, moving in with a pet to a rental apartment might be a different story. This is because while a pet-friendly apartment is the ultimate goal here, you need to provide the necessary documents related to your pet. While these may not always be stringent legal requirements, it’s best to provide these details to your potential landlord for a hassle-free rental contract.
These pet documents may include vet records, its neutered status, breed, personality, vaccination history, and even its grooming routine. Under the Tenancy Fees Act of 2019, some landlords may also require you to furnish proof of pet insurance. Providing these documents demonstrates that you’re a responsible pet owner and take your pet duties seriously.
Understanding Pet-Friendly Apartments
It’s important to be on the same page as your landlord when it comes to understanding what pet-friendly apartments are and what amenities they include. This is because the term ‘pet-friendly’ can be a blanket umbrella marketing term for a lot of different things. These may not always align with what you’re looking for.
For example, pet-friendly apartments are always located near outdoor environments that make it easy to manage your pet’s daily routine, like taking it for a walk. These may also include vinyl flooring for easy cleaning, extra space for a pet bed, a pet grooming centre close by, etc. Be sure to verify ‘pet-friendly’ claims before signing on the dotted line.
Use Online Search
With online searches, today, you have rental apartments at your fingertips. But you have to be smart about how you navigate rental listings to find the right apartment for you and your furry companion. While many listings explicitly state their pet-friendly policies, not all do. Using ‘pet-friendly’ features as filters can help spot the rental gems you’d otherwise miss.
Consider using terms like ‘outdoor spaces’, ‘pets allowed’, ‘private garden access’, ‘unfurnished property’, etc, to filter your search results. If you’re still struggling, try using ‘advanced search’ to narrow your results. When you do find a potential, suitable choice, consider reaching out to the landlord or block property manager directly to confirm and ascertain the pet accommodations listed.
Look for a Healthy Environment
It can be easy to be acutely focused on finding the right apartment and miss out on other aspects of your surroundings. This is a crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked as a pet owner, as a healthy outdoor environment is as important as the rental apartment itself. Look for green spaces closer to your apartment location, the proximity of grooming facilities, a vet clinic, or even walking routes.
Keeping these factors in mind can help you choose an apartment that is conducive to your pet’s well-being. This would also make caring for your pet easier and more convenient, as all pet-related facilities will be within a stone’s throw from your apartment. While this is ideal, consider your priority depending on your pet’s needs to find the right rental apartment.
Read Lease Terms Carefully
With the Renter’s Reform Bill still in progress, you’d have better chances of finding pet-friendly accommodations, as it’s looking to allow pets as the default. Unless there’s a valid reason from your landlord’s end, you have the right to keep your pet in a rental apartment. However, you’d still need to make a formal request for the same to comply with existing laws and contractual terms and conditions.
Be sure to read this and do your due diligence. It’d help to read online reviews, where possible, to get a better idea of what you’re signing up for. Also, consider staying updated on tenant laws to see where changes are being made. For example, landlords cannot charge extra pet deposit fees under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
To Sum Up
The ultimate rental apartment for a pet owner is a blend of modern amenities, spacious indoor and outdoor living spaces and pet facilities nearby. And this may be well within your reach if you start your search early and use the tips we’ve discussed in this article. We hope this article has been informative and helpful.