apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

The SF SPCA has rental listings, specifically geared to people with pets, though it should be said that many SPCA's are now offering this kind of rental connection:

http://www.sfspca.org/opendoor/index.shtml

The law of attraction works everytime so I firmly believe that, if you expect to find negativity, that's what you'll find. On the flip side, expect to find the perfect rental for you and your pet(s), and it happens. It worked for me, time and time again, and twice I moved on short notice with 3 indoor/outdoor cats in my household.

As a tenant, who could never get a dog, due to this seemingly pervasive dislike of pets by property owners/managers, I made sure when I became a landlord, we allowed pets. One profitable and unintended consequence of this policy is that our tenants stay for a while and we constantly have people calling for open units.

I can also recommend the listings on the SPCA's website as an excellent additional resource for pet owners.

wow! great resource! Thanks so much guys. We did the apartment hunt a year ago and finally found a very cool spot in Oakland (http://www.offrampstudios.net) that allows dogs. you'd think it would be less difficult, because we're within the weight requirement most landlords have for canines -- in other words, we have a pug -- but most of the explicit "we allow dogs" places on craigslist are absolutely run-down, and we didn't have the time to do an exhaustive hit-or-miss "do you take dogs? how about this dog?" with the listings we were looking at.

we might be looking for another place in SF this fall, and i'm already not looking forward to it. obviously, like most dog owners, we'd sooner go homeless than even think about finding another place for our dog to stay.

i will actually say that at the height of the dot com boom i found an apartment that was rented to me *because* i had a dog. i will always be eternally grateful that the landlord (or i should say the landlord's wife) made that decision. it's like finding a needle in a haystack, but they are out there.

the spca used to have some information about creating a pet resume. i'm not sure if they still have that or not, but i found it to be useful to have it when trying to find places.

what bothered me was always the small dogs only policy that a lot of landlords have. then again, i found a landlord that had a big dogs only policy.

all i know is i would have rather lived on the streets with my dog than surrender him to a shelter, and somehow we always found a place to live but understand not everyone is so fortunate.

I looked 6 months ago and could believe the rents and how little you got in quality and personality. A potential landlord actually didn't think it was a problem that you had to turn the kitchen sink hot water on with a wrench!

I feel your pain.
A long story but, I was recently bought out of an illegal inlaw studio after 1 year by my crazy landlady for $7000.I also got to stay for 2 months rent free.
I had it made right? well I thought so until I starting looking for a new place. I agree the prices are on definitly on the rise and the days of crowded open houses are back again. I was seeing f'ugly studios with electric stoves/paper thin walls and ugly carpet in the outer richmond w/no parking for $1400!
I have great credit, a somewhat high-paying stable federal job and excellent rental history but was losing out all the nice places to downtown types who wore ties to the open houses with checkbooks in hand. Sound familiar?? ..remember those dot com days of seeing people lined up outside aprtments with apps filled out in hand.
Well I kept at it and finally scored a beautiful top floor 1 bedroom with parking! right next to the Valencia corridor for $1300. It took hardwork and staying on top of craigs postings and then following up with many phone calls while doing my best to be available to see the places at the landords convinience. It wont be easy but you will find your place!

Leslie,

Your post touched me because of your obvious love for your little blind pup. Poor girl, I feel bad hearing about how she went completely blind overnight. I ofter wonder what a dog thinks when this happens, I mean, did you notice a change in behavior, like depression, lack of appetite, sleeping more often?

One of my childhood dogs had cataracts that became more of a problem as she aged. I remember her bumping into things, barking at objects that weren't really there or at plants and other things she thought was our cat or the other dog, having a hard time finding door entrances and needing some guidance, it was sad. But, I noticed this amazing "can do" attitude she had. It was like, she was determined, a fighter, and she was not letting it get her down. She would bump into something and get really ticked off by it and start yapping and then, she'd twirl around and start speed walking in the opposite direction like, "I am not going out like this, screw it, I'll find a new place to go!" No matter how her vision deteriorated, her brain was sharp and she soon memorized the layout of our home, stopped barking at invisible objects, and found her spot at the end of the bed without any issues.

You know, I think it's mean when landlords demand you ditch your pet to take their apartment. Sure, I can see asking for a pet deposit, but never extra rent. If a person comes with excellent credit, job, references from previous landlords proving your pet was well-behaved and you were clean, and is willing to pay maybe an extra $500 damage deposit, then why not? Maybe if there is carpeting, I can see that they'd be slightly concerned over 'accidents' or whatver, but I think people are far more dirty than animals sometimes and landlords don't seem to care about that as long as the rent is paid.

Sorry you went through so much with your dog, but I respect that you stood by your loyal friend and considered her as a family member that you weren't willing to ditch just because you couldn't find a home. You know the true meaning of home: filling it with what you love. Without your dog, no apartment would be a home and you would have slept in a beautiful rental knowing your dog was sleeping alone on a nearby kennel floor awaiting death row. Tragic.

Holly

First, let me say, I personally don't believe it's necessary to surrender your pet to a shelter because you have a hard time finding an apartment... expand your search area, look for alternative living situations, but above all be positive about finding a place and you'll find it. Talk to shelters, talk to vets, talk to groomers, they often know of pet-friendly housing (our vet, who I drive all the way out to the coast to see, even postd pet-friendly rentals in their office).

Second, though again I don't believe it's necessary to surrender your pet to a shelter, I really don't want people to feel hopeless about the situation... so if you ever do and live in San Francisco the SF SPCA has THE model no-kill shelter in the country (seriously, it was the first in the U.S.). There are also other no-kill groups who find new homes you just need to Google with the words "animal sanctuary ":

http://www.sfspca.org/home.shtml

http://www.hopalong.org/home.html

http://www.secondchancerescue.com/

And should you become ill, and be unable to care for your pet, those same groups help but there are also specialty groups set-up for helping people with illnesses care for their animals - in their homes - because they are terrific companions if you're ill (the one for AIDS patients is perhaps the best known). Also, the cats I inherited from my late mother are enrolled in the SPCA's program specifically for finding them a new home should anything happen to me, so now I'm not worried about them being put into a shelter and/or euthanized (check out the program, it sure puts your mind at ease).

Don't give up, be persistent, for me having my pets is a lifelong commitment so I fully understand the 'I'd rather sleep on the street than give them up' perspective. Even friends (with or without animals) will often work with you, to board your pet, while you find new housing (if it gets that tight).

Above all, BE POSITIVE about finding a place (imagine it in your mind's eye, attitude really does matter), and good luck!

Oops, I forget that bracketed information doesn't post, so that should be: Google for the words animal sanctuary AND the name of your county or city.

BTW, I've never been shy about taking a place that's in less than ideal condition (as long as it was livable), so long as they allowed my pets and the landlord was willing to let me fix it up (without raising my rent). I even had landlords willing to deduct the price of paint from my rent, loan me their brushes and rollers, or pitch in and help out. I've even installed new kitchen cabinets for discounted rent (discounted over 6 months and the landlord didn't know I'd only paid $100 for the misordered cabinets... and she paid for, and installed, new countertops) and hardwood floor refinishing (again, for discounted rent, and a written promise not to increase my rent for a specific period). Instead of being critical, which it's easy to do if a place isn't in great condition, if you approach it from wanting to make it better (and it ultimately benefitting them) I've found a lot of flexibility. Besides that gave me the experience I needed, and the confidence, to take on home improvement once I became a homeowner.

If you think renting an apartment with a dog is hard, try renting one if you have a kid.

Few landlords are stupid enough to admit they do not want to rent to families. That would be illegal. But they choose the childless prospective tenants 9 times out of 10.

no dog for me yet (landlords say no on that), but just finding a place that would take a *cat* was so hard! The number of places that advertise 'pets ok' but then tell you in person they'd rather rent to someone with no pets... it makes me want to kick them in the teeth. the thing that gets me the most steaming is these landlords who live in big houses with their own pets, charging ridiculous rents for places they wouldn't live in themselves because they are too gross, and then won't let you even have an animal.. when they have animals themselves!

i am quite lucky to have a great apartment (other than the no dogs rule) and great landlords who live upstairs... with their dog, of course :)

I'm in the process of planning a move to Portland, and I have to say that I'm shocked--absolutely shocked--at the number of "no pets" listings. In Ontario (Canada), where I live now, it's illegal to discriminate against pet owners, and any lease agreement that includes a no-pets clause is voided Some landlords are ignorant of the clause, but our tenant protection act is very straightforward--and very explicit. I'm rather troubled at the lack of clear tenant protection in the States--at least, from what I've seen so far--and a little bit nervous at the prospect of finding an apartment that will welcome me and my dog.

I live in Portland, OR and I pretty much never tell my landlords about my pets (though I only have a cat). Even in places I've lived that allowed pets, I didn't want to pay the extra deposit, so I kept my mouth shut. I have been caught a couple times and so far no landlord has even said anything about it when they've accidentally seen my cat, though I was never sure if that was because they forgot that I didn't mention having a cat, or if they were willing to let it slide because I'm an excellent tenant, always pay my rent on time, and never cause problems.

Just recently I moved from North Portland over to NW Portland, and I've noticed that there seem to be more buildings that accept pets over here. MANY people have small dogs in this neighborhood. My new building allows ALL pets! It's just an extra $100 deposit. L in Toronto, I can hook you up with my landlord's info if you want. Obviously I have no idea what you're looking for in an apartment, but my building is great and there are often apartments available. I have a 400sf studio for $595 but there are larger studios, and one bedrooms, that I think are around $700+. We're even allowed to paint the walls however we want. I put a link to my Flickr photoset of my apartment/building; if you want to check it out click on my name.

I feel for the original poster, in trying to care for your blind dog.

But what I don't understand is why everyone thinks it's such a great idea to limit a dog to a confined space?
I would never have a dog in an apartment... only in a yard. but I realize city living doesn't accomodate that.

I'll just never understand.

I once moved into a tiny apartment where the woman before me had two dogs. How a human and two dogs lived there is beyond me!

It was also the first apt I moved into in which the owner didn't paint in between tenants.
When I moved it, I realized the heavy plaster walls had dog hair stuck in every nook and cranny... disgusting. I spent two days vaccuming the walls - cause I'm allergic to dogs.
Eeeww.

I live in the Washington, DC, metro area, where rents aren't quite at the San Francisco rates but are still pretty darn high. I have three cats and one 60-lb dog (from my days as an animal rescuer), so I was sure that I would never find a place that would take all my animals when I moved here 6 months ago.

My previous landlord was nice enough to supply a letter of reference for my pets. When I did my apt. search, I found 2 landlords that had no problem with the number of pets as long as I paid pet deposits, and the reference letter made a big difference, too.

Of course, having pets severely limits where you can live (apartment complexes run by national chains aren't an option). I'm now moving again, and while several places were completely against me having pets, even asking could I get rid of a few of them (um, no), I did find a very nice townhome with a landlord who's very accommodating and allows all my pets for a nominal fee.

I think part of having pets accepted has to do with how you present yourself. I am always very courteous and up front about my pets, and even when landlords won't allow pets, they respond positively to my attitude -- some have even made suggestions as to places that might be more open to taking in pets. Of course, attitude alone won't change someone's mind about their pet policy, but it can make a difference.

Or the ever popular: are you a musician? One landlord even wanted to turn me down because I played acoustic guitar, she was fine with my 3 cats, but not music! I really do think we need some renter's rights in the U.S. for those with pets (and we might just see fewer animals in shelters and at sanctuaries if every renter who wanted to could have pets!). If anyone has a link to how Canada's renter rights is phrased, I searched but couldn't find anything, would you post the link here? I'm happy to introduce the topic here, with our local/state/fed government, as I've already got their ear on other issues (neither property nor pet related, but no matter because I figure once you've got their ear, keep bending it!).

Having lived next to someone who played instruments in their apartment all day long, I can understand a landlord asking if you're a musician. I almost moved out because of my musical neighbor. Even acoustic guitars can be really loud and annoying if the walls are thin.

I have moved nine times in the past twenty years, rented both apartments and houses, and was lucky enough to find landlords whom would accept my cat. Some of them said they didn't accept pets, but because my references from past landlords were A+, they caved and let me have the rental. You may want to offer them an additional amount to your security deposit to sway them. In a few cases I offered, but they declined to take the additional funds, and still rented to me anyway. In one instance, I had to bring my cat to the interview so they could meet her. Good luck!

click chick... how unfair to say that only wealthy people who can afford homes should have dogs. there are a lot of people who have dogs in apartments who take much better care of their dogs than people in big houses who assume the dog can just take care of itself because its in the yard. people in apartments (the ones that i know) have regular schedules to excersize and play, and spent a LOT more time interacting with their pets than the people i know who live in big suburban houses. when i lived in the burbs there were dogs in the neighborhood barking all the time; here in the city I am surrounded by dogs but never hear barking. Time and attention go a lot farther than "room" in making you a good pet parent.

Anna-

I would love more info about your building. I'm looking for something with a more vintage feel rather than a brand-new building, and yours seems to fit the bill--love the hardwood. Are there any two-bedrooms?

My email address is linked in my name. Thanks very much!

Anna, I get it now, I didn't understand why that would be such a concern until I'd moved in and heard how much even the tiniest sound echoed because of the hardwood floors and plaster walls. I was even prepared to move, because of the neighbor's noise, but the landlord was determined to keep her tenants and asked we go to mediation (to discuss, I kid you not, the neighbors having sex in their living room and hitting - even kicking - the walls so everyone would know they were 'busy'). I am so grateful for the privacy I have now, despite the occasional crazy or rude neighbor, it's at least nice not having a common wall. Good luck to you renters in search of the perfect place, be positive, be persistent, it'll happen!

I came across a great website www.doghouseproperties.com. Pet friendly properties go fast once they are listed & landlords do de-activate their listing if it is rented...just thought I would pass it on...good luck!

Finding a nice place to rent in Portland, OR from out of state can be a bit of a problem when you're trying to do it more then a month in advance unless you rent one of the many rowhouse type places all over town that are run by the same or similar companies. I was told this before I moved here and didn't believe it (who waits until the month they have to move out?) but it's true. I've always lived with felines and haven't found it to be too terrible to find a place in Chicago or Portland, but SF really sucked and I lived there from 90-94 so it wasn't even that bad yet.

If you can't find a nice older apartment I suggest getting a 6 month rental or sublett for that time so that you can peruse craigslist and be able to snap up your perfect place in a neighborhood you like.

regards,
trillium

Keep telling yourselves that SF is the greatest, best place on earth to live and that the ridiculous rent is worth the pathetic standard of living that you get in return. Talk to your smug, arrogrant neighbors and they'll surely tell you that SF is better than LA, NY, and all over the other SF-wannabe places.

Sorry folks, keep your over-priced, urine-infested, pan-handled-to-death, no washing machine, no pets, no anything open after 10pm cess pool to yourselves.

Good luck finding a place.