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Finding the Right Cheap Apartments in Houston for You and Your Pets
Make Use of Available Resources, Such as a Houston Apartment Review
Contact a Renters Resource apartment locator in Houston, Texas to get specialized Houston apartment listings that will allow both you and your pets.
You can even do your own search online for a Houston apartment review, using our Web site if you want. Keep in mind, if you have special needs, such as large or multiple pets, one of our experienced apartment locators might be able to serve you best.
Give Yourself Enough Time to Find New Cheap Apartments in Houston
Nobody likes the hassles involved with moving, much less finding Houston apartment listings or rental housing that accepts pets. If you are renting an apartment now, contact your Renters Resource apartment locator at least six weeks before your lease expires.
Understand why many rental properties reject pets.
Put yourself in the shoes of a rental property owner or apartment manager, rental property owner, apartment manager, or condominium association board member for a moment: They may have had bad experiences with irresponsible pet owners who didn't safely confine their animals or pick up their .deposits., sneaked pets in to their apartment, or left ruined carpets and drapes when they moved out. They may be worried about complaints from neighbors in other apartments about barking dogs and wonder how they are going to deal effectively with pet owners if problems arise. All these concerns are legitimate.
That's why people looking for an apartment in Houston, must be able to sell themselves as responsible pet owners, who are committed to providing responsible pet care and being responsible neighbors.
Recognize that it may be futile to try to sell yourself and your pet to an apartment complex with a no-pets policy.
You're more likely to be successful if you focus on places that allow most pets, allow certain pets (for example, cats or dogs weighing less than 20 pounds), or that don't say, "Sorry, no pets."
Ideally, look for an apartment complex with appropriate pet-keeping guidelines that specify resident obligations. That's the kind of place that's ideal for pet owners because you'll know that other pet caregivers living in your same apartment complex also are committed to being responsible residents.
Gather proof that you're responsible.
The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord or apartment manager. Compile the following documents:
- A letter of reference from your current landlord or apartment manager verifying that you are a responsible pet owner.
- Written proof that your adult dog has completed a training class, or that your puppy is enrolled in one.
- A letter from your veterinarian stating that you have been diligent in your pet's medical care.
- Supply documentation that your pet has been spayed or neutered. (Sterilized pets are healthier, calmer, and far less likely to be a nuisance to neighbors.) Most veterinarians routinely fulfill such requests for their clients.
Make your request to property owner or apartment MANAGER, who is the individual with the ultimate authority to grant your request.
The property owner or apartment manager may, however, delegate the decision to a leasing agent.
If you encounter a no-pets policy at the apartment complex, ask if it is the result of a negative experience with a previous resident.
Addressing your property owner or apartment manager’s prior experience may show you how to present your own request most effectively.
Let the property owner or apartment manager know that you share any concerns about cleanliness.
Point out that your pet is housetrained or litter-box trained. Emphasize that you always clean up after your dog outdoors and that you always properly dispose of your pet's waste on the property.
Promote yourself.
Responsible pet owners make excellent residents. Because they must search harder for an apartment, pet caregivers are more likely to stay put. Lower vacancy rates mean lower costs and fewer headaches for property owners or apartment managers. Let prospective property owners or apartment managers know that you understand that living with a companion animal is a privilege, not a right.
Promote your pet.
Offer to bring your pet to meet the property owner or apartment manager, or invite the apartment manager to visit you and your pet in your current apartment. A freshly groomed, well-behaved pet will speak volumes. Emphasize that the same pride you take in caring for your pet extends to taking care of your apartment. Many property owners or apartment managers are concerned about fleas, so be sure to let your prospective property owner or apartment manager now that you maintain an active flea-control program for your pet and home. Provide written proof that your pet is spayed or neutered and is, therefore, healthier, calmer, and less likely to be a nuisance.
Make it clear to the property owner or apartment manager that you keep your cat inside and your dog under control at all times and that you understand the health and safety benefits of doing so.
If you can't arrange for a meeting, consider making a short scrapbook with photos of your pampered pet in his or her current apartment and/or draw up a résumé for your pet. Scrapbooks and résumés are unique ideas that are guaranteed to make a strong, yet positive, impression.
Be willing to pay a little extra.
Tell your prospective property owner or apartment manager that you are willing to pay an extra security deposit to cover any damages your pet might make to the rental property.
Get it in writing.
Once you have been given permission by a property owner or apartment manager to have a pet, be sure to get it in writing. Sign a pet addendum to your rental lease agreement. Comprehensive lease agreements protect people, rental property, and the pets themselves. If your rental lease agreement has a no-pets clause, verbal approval won't be enough. The no-pets clause should be removed from the lease agreement (or crossed out and initialed) before you sign it. Be sure it has been removed from or crossed out on your property owner or apartment manager’s copy, too.
You may be required to pay a pet deposit, some or all of which may be nonrefundable. Be sure to discuss security deposits and monthly pet-related fees in advance. And have these fees put into writing, too. Request a copy of any apartment rules pertaining to pets. Let the property owner or apartment manager know that you will abide by the rules set for the broader community and respect the concerns of residents at the same apartment complex who do not own pets.
Be honest.
Don't try to sneak your pet in to your new apartment. With the inevitable maintenance issues, someone is going to find out that you are keeping a pet in your apartment. On top of that, keeping an animal in violation of a no-pets rule contributes to the general inclination of property owners or apartment managers not to allow pets. You also may be subject to possible eviction or other legal action.
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