Landlords loosen pet policies during recession

Apartment owners are animal lovers these days.

Apartments.com reported more landlords have loosened their pet policies over the past 18 months. The online apartment listing firm says landlords are responding to the spike in demand from renters searching for pet-friendly digs.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some renters are homeowners displaced by foreclosures who have taken their pets with them, while others are longtime renters with pets looking to upgrade during a soft market.

"There are more people who inquire [about renting] who have pets," said Camille Stuteville, a property manager at Crown Hill Apartments in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood.

She has noticed an uptick in applicants with pets.

"I think it's market-driven," Stuteville added.

Job losses and pay cuts have also forced more renters to double up and roommates to share space with a four-legged roommate.

"This can pose additional challenges for pet owners who are renting," said Peggy Abkemeier, Rent.com's general manager.

Renters should read pet policies closely and be ready to pony up more money for Fido or Whiskers. And if roommates are in the picture, renters should be ready to smooth over any pet introductions.

Here are some tips to keep your landlord and roommate happy with your pet.

For landlords

• Get permission: If you already have a lease but want to add a furry companion, pass it by your landlord first. Some properties have strict "no pets allowed" policies. If you sneak one in, you risk the landlord finding out and having to choose between getting rid of your pet or breaking your lease, which could be costly.

If the landlord wavers on whether to allow an animal, Seattle Humane CEO Brenda Barnette suggests owners write a pet résumé, highlighting positive traits such as "good with people" or "very quiet." Including a letter of recommendation from a veterinarian or obedience-school instructor can boost the pet's chances.

"If possible, even take the pet to meet the landlord and let them do an interview," Barnette said. "That way, you're making a statement: 'I'm serious. I've done all this. I've taken my dog to training classes. This dog would be a great ambassador to our complex.' "

But even if the property accepts pets, the property will likely require a deposit for your animal friend.

• Do a targeted search: If you're looking for a new place with your pet, narrow your search using online apartment search sites. Typically, you can check off which kind of place you're looking for on the search form: cat-friendly only, cats and small dogs only, or all pets allowed. Read descriptions carefully for caveats.

• Read the lease fine print: Understand the pet policy. Some pet deposits will cover damages, others won't. Also, some leases will list your pet as a "tenant" with a clause preventing you from getting another pet. Include pre-existing damage to your apartment in your lease, so you and your pet aren't blamed for it when you vacate, Peggy Abkemeier, Rent.com's general manager, suggests.

• Open your wallet: Apartment.com estimates that more than half of renters pay more than $500 for a pet deposit. But that widely varies by area, apartment and type of pet.

• Be a good neighbor: Remember that pet-friendly apartments are typically louder, and neighbors may not always be happy about animal sounds. If you can't muzzle your dog while you're at work, try obedience school and tame its barking, Abkemeier recommends.

Also, don't let your cats or dogs wander in the hallways or other public areas. Most apartments have rules against that. In any case, it's disrespectful to your neighbors and could be dangerous to your pet.

Last, pick up after your dog.

For roommates:

• Full disclosure: If you're looking for a roommate, make sure to mention your furry friend in the posting. Some people are allergic to pets or don't like them.

"I think everybody who lives in the apartment needs to agree that you're going to bring a pet in," Barnette said. "You can't just show up with a dog or cat."

And be honest: Does your dog play hide-and-seek with shoes or does your cat refuse to relinquish the right side of the couch? This may be cute to you, but annoying to someone else.

• Meet and greet: Before your potential roommate moves in, introduce animal to human. Some people might not realize they are allergic to certain types of animals.

• 1+1 = 2: Does your roommate have a pet, too? Don't expect the two to hit it off right away.

Introducing one pet to another takes time, patience and maybe a little bribery with pet treats. And some pets prefer to be loners. Make sure you have a contingency plan if that happens.

• Be responsible: Don't expect your roommate to feed, clean or look after your pet. It's possible he or she may happily volunteer to take on responsibilities, but those automatically fall to you. If your dog or cat makes a mess, clean it up immediately. And vacuum, dust and sweep regularly. No one likes pet hair.

Blythe Lawrence contributed to this report.