Apartment Hunting With a Pet: Printable Checklist
A printable checklist to compare buildings fairly and avoid surprises when apartment hunting with a pet. Confirm every answer in writing before you sign.
Use this checklist to compare buildings fairly and avoid surprises when apartment hunting with a pet. Confirm every answer in writing before you sign.
Pet policy
- Are my pet's species and breed allowed?
- Is there a weight limit?
- Is there a breed restriction?
- How many pets are allowed?
- Is the building pet-friendly or truly pet-inclusive (no weight or breed limits)?
Costs
- Pet deposit (refundable?) amount
- Monthly pet rent per pet
- One-time pet fee
- Total pet cost added up over the full lease
Daily life
- Distance to grass and a walking route
- On-site dog park or washing station?
- Ground-floor unit or quick elevator access?
- Nearby vet, pet store, and green space
- Flooring and noise between units
Before signing
- Get the pet policy and fees in writing (lease or addendum)
- Ask how assistance animals are handled
- Prepare a pet resume and vaccination records
- Visit and walk the daily route if you can
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FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Your pet's name, breed, age, weight, vaccination and spay or neuter records, a temperament note, a photo, and references from a previous landlord or veterinarian.
The pet deposit (refundable), monthly pet rent per pet, and any one-time pet fee. Add twelve months of pet rent plus the one-time fee to get the true annual cost.
Pet-friendly buildings allow pets but often cap weight, breed, or number. Pet-inclusive buildings remove those limits and add amenities like dog parks and washing stations.
Assistance animals are not pets under the federal Fair Housing Act, so different rules apply to fees and restrictions. Confirm how your building handles them separately.
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