Guide For Residents

Pit Friendly Rentals | Renter Guidelines | Landlord Guidelines | Pet Resume | Submit A Property

 

Finding pet friendly rental can be challenging in many locations, especially with a pet that weighs more than 20 pounds. But finding a rental is even more difficult when your pet is a pit bull. With every negative press report comes a backlash of public paranoia and landlord evictions. Your dog may be subject to breed specific laws and negative reactions. Don’t panic! It is possible for individuals with pit bulls to find rentals that work for both them and their dogs. You may need to do more legwork and have more patience than the average individual in looking for a place to rent, but the result of your effort is well worth your time.


Guidlenes to help in finding a Pit Bull Friendly Rental
from The New Hope Pit Bull Rescue Pit Friendly Rentals Program


If you currently own a Pit Bull and are in the process of trying to relocate, there are several things you can do stack the cards in your favor:

  • Take your dog to training classes and test for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. Although these things won't open doors automatically, they help insure that your pit bull is well-behaved when meeting potential landlords and that you have proof that your dog has passed tests on behavior. Landlords are concerned about liability so you must show that your dog won't pose additional risks.
  • Research the town or area you are moving to and make sure there are no breed specific laws on the books.
  • Start your search for a rental home early. Waiting until the last minute will only make the search harder and increases the potential that you won't find a place that accepts your pit bull. Sneaking your dog into a home where it's not allowed can get you evicted and land your dog in a shelter, which isn't a situation you want your animal to be in.
  • Be resourceful! Start by looking at craigslist.org housing ads. It can take weeks or months to find a rental that will allow your pet, but patience will pay off. If you’re homeless because of your dog, consider boarding him to keep him safe while you shop for a dog-friendly rental. (If you know of a Pit Friendly landlord please tell them about our program! We offer listings to help both property owners fill their rentals with responsible residents as well as to help pit bull owners find Pit Friendly Rentals.)
  • Avoid complexes which tend to have more stringent, "in-writing" pet rules.
  • Seek out private buildings.
  • Do not mention off the bat that you have a pit bull, as this will scare most landlords away immediately. Show up to view the property clean, neat and looking professional. Have a cover-letter typed up ( this should be an introduction to who you are, and mention you have a dog), references, as well as any pertinent financial information (like bank/savings account info and employment info; if you can prove upfront that you have the security deposit and first month’s rent, you’ll be a step ahead of the game). Your goal is to make a good impression and come across as responsible and professional.
  • Prepare a pet resume. List all of the training courses you've taken with your dog, health records and places your dog has lived with you. You'll also want recommendations on your pit bull from your veterinarian, trainers, former landlords, neighbors and other parties that can attest to your dog being well-behaved.
  • Present the above information to your landlord in a matter of fact way, do not "ask" if you can have a pit bull. Let the landlord draw his own conclusions from the packet you provide.
  • Have potential landlords meet with you and your pit bull. Because of the negative views that many people have on pit bulls, you'll want to show the landlord that your dog doesn't pose more of a liability. While references are good, many people need to see with their own eyes that a dog is well-behaved and this is especially true with pit bulls.
  • Be ready to answer questions on your dog and the breed without getting defensive or angry. Many people have misconceptions about the breed so you may face negative or ignorant questions about your pit bull. Take along information on the breed from reliable sources so that landlords can read more about the breed and responsible owners.
  • Buy renter’s insurance that will cover your dog. This is a small price to pay to help your landlord feel good about renting to you. Also, consider offering a pet deposit to cover any damages or cleaning the apartment or home may need when you move out.
  • When you find a landlord that agrees to accept you and your pit bull, make sure your lease states that your dog is allowed and preferably it should mention breed. The point here is to dot all your i's and cross all your t's. A landlord may later claim he never ok'd your dog and try to evict you. Having things in writing puts the law on your side.
  • Once you move in, always, always, always be responsible. Keep your dog quiet and well-exercised. Clean up after your dog. Respect the rights and fears of other residents around you. Do not let your dog cause damage to the apartment or home, and if damage IS caused by your dog, be sure to take money out of your own pocket to repair it. Be a good renter! Leaving a good impression will make it easier for the next pit bull-owning renter that comes along. Bad dog-owning renters make it harder for all of us to rent.