There are very few rental properties that allow pets, so it can be very difficult to find one.
In addition, properties that allow pets tend to have higher initial costs, such as an additional month's deposit being required.
In this article, we will introduce tips for finding your ideal room, things to look out for when viewing a property, and things to be aware of for those who want to live with pets or who want to welcome a pet into their home.
Please use this article as a reference to help you live comfortably with your pet.
Why there are so few rental properties that allow pets
There is high demand for rental properties that allow pets, but there are only a few available.
Pet-friendly properties require expensive equipment and there are many complaints from nearby residents about pets, so landlords are unable to allow pets.
First, let's look at three reasons why there are so few properties that allow pets.
- Costs for restoration to original condition
- There are many complaints about noise and urine from pets
- It's not easy to go back to not allowing pets
Costs for restoration to original condition
If you live in a rental property with pets, you will have to pay restoration costs to deal with things like pet urine and feces odors and scratches on the wallpaper.
Furthermore, depending on the condition of the room, renovation work may be necessary.
For landlords, even if they receive rental income, they are unable to allow pets because the equipment costs reduce profitability.
There are many complaints about noise and urine from pets
The sounds of pets barking can be a pain for people who dislike animals.
The noise from dogs and cats is particularly loud, causing problems for the neighbors.
Additionally, some people do not follow proper etiquette, such as not cleaning up after their dog when walking it or letting their pets walk in shared areas.
For this reason, it is said that even if a property allows pets, there are many complaints and problems from neighboring residents.
It's not easy to go back to not allowing pets
One of the reasons there are so few pet-friendly properties is that once a property is designated as pet-friendly, it is difficult to change it back to a non-pet friendly property.
Landlords would generally want to avoid changing the terms of a property because it has a high chance of causing trouble with tenants already living there.
In addition, changing a pet-friendly property to one that does not allow pets requires time and effort from the landlord, as they must obtain consent from all existing tenants.
Even though there is demand for properties that allow pets, many landlords do not allow pets because it is a burden for them to manage the property.
Tips for finding rental properties that allow pets
To help you find your next ideal property, here are some tips for finding pet-friendly properties.
Because there are only a few properties available, it is important to make it easier to find one by keeping your information up to date and relaxing your desired conditions.
Here are four tips to help you find a property that allows pets:
- Keep up to date with the latest news
- Expand your search area
- Consider a house, not just an apartment or condo
- Choose a real estate agent who specializes in pet-friendly properties
Keep up to date with the latest news
There are only a few rental properties available that allow pets, so make sure to get as up-to-date property information as possible.
Nowadays, there are many rental search apps that have notification functions and services that send property information by email, so we recommend making use of them.
Expand your search area
If you are looking for a property that allows pets, we recommend broadening your search area.
If you search in a limited area with a small number of properties available, it will be difficult to find your ideal property.
Try to expand your search area as much as possible.
Consider a house, not just an apartment or condo
Apartment complexes aren't the only places that allow pets. Rented houses (detached houses) are also recommended.
A detached house is too large for a single person to use, but you don't have to worry about noise as much as you would in an apartment building.
And for dogs and cats, having ample space to move around freely helps them to avoid stress.
There are some detached houses where you can do DIY, so consider this as an option.
Choose a real estate agent who specializes in pet-friendly properties
Recently, there are real estate agents who specialize in properties that allow dogs and cats.
There is a limited number of properties that allow pets, so it is recommended that you consult with a company that specializes in such properties.
Also, some real estate agents have staff who are knowledgeable about keeping animals, so they can give you advice on pet-friendly properties.
Points to consider when viewing rental properties that allow pets
When viewing a rental property that allows pets, we always recommend viewing the property in person.
It is important to consider not only the owner's comfort but also how to avoid causing stress to your pet.
When viewing a property, be sure to check the following four points:
- Surrounding Area
- Room flooring
- Soundproofing
- Room facilities and layout
Surrounding Area
When looking for a property that allows pets, you need to check not only the property itself but also the surrounding area.
If you have a dog, you'll especially need to take it for walks, so make sure there is a lot of vehicle traffic and whether there are any parks or playgrounds nearby that allow pets.
It is also important to check the location of a veterinary clinic in case your pet becomes ill.
Cats prefer quiet places, so we recommend a secluded location.
Noises such as car noises can be stressful for cats, so try to choose a place that will not cause stress to your cat as much as possible.
Room flooring
If the floor is hard, dogs and cats will develop weak legs and hips later in life.
Therefore, it is best to choose a property with flooring that is as soft as possible.
Additionally, carpets can become soiled with pet urine and feces.
You will need to prepare the floor by installing cushioned flooring yourself or by providing your own carpet tiles.
Soundproofing
Pets can be quite loud, so you should also check the soundproofing when viewing the property.
If you knock on a wall and it makes a light sound, try to avoid it as the sound will easily echo.
If you are concerned about soundproofing, you can take measures such as installing sound-absorbing material or soundproofing mats yourself.
For more information on soundproofing for rental properties, please see the following article:
Room facilities and layout
The type of pet you have will affect how you choose your property.
In order to live comfortably with your pet, it is important to find a property that is suitable for animals.
Here are some tips for rooms with different pets.
For dogs
Since dogs are very active and bark a lot, we recommend a room with a spacious layout and good soundproofing.
There is a possibility of escape from a living room, so make sure the property has a front door.
Furthermore, since hardwood floors can easily strain your legs and back, it's a good idea to check whether it's easy to lay carpet on them.
Recently, there are rooms with cages at the entrance and properties that have pet doors.
Also, in the case of an apartment building, dogs are prohibited from walking in the corridors of the common areas. When viewing the property, be sure to check whether the rules of the common areas are comfortable for dogs.
In cats
Cats are very popular, but they are also delicate and free-spirited.
Therefore, there are many things to pay attention to, such as the floor plan and ceiling height.
We recommend a property with high ceilings where you can install a cat tower or large windows, as cats will get stressed if there are not enough windows.
In addition, cats are very curious, so they will not only escape but also get into the kitchen, so make sure your cat goes in and out to check for anything dangerous.
Also, cats like to be in high places, so you need to be careful not to injure yourself.
Another plus is having a window that lets in lots of sunlight.
Cats bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature and to prevent fleas and ticks from attaching to them. You should also consider the amount of sunlight and the size of the windows to make it easier for them to bask in the sun.
For small animals
Small animals such as hamsters and guinea pigs are easy to keep even if you live alone.
They can be kept in small rooms, so you can choose a property regardless of the room layout.
One thing to note is that hamsters and guinea pigs are not good at regulating their temperature, so an appropriate place to keep them is near an electrical outlet, in good sunlight, and in a place where the room temperature is unlikely to rise.
It is important to have access to a veterinary clinic in the surrounding area. There are particularly few veterinary clinics that treat small animals, so it is recommended to choose a location with a veterinary clinic that can treat small animals nearby.
In the case of birds
Whether or not you allow your birds to roam free will affect the things you consider when choosing a property.
If you are able to let your pet roam free, we recommend a property with high ceilings.
In addition, some bird species make loud noises, so it is a good idea to choose a property with good soundproofing.
For animals that require an aquarium (turtles, tropical fish, reptiles)
If you have animals that require an aquarium, such as turtles or tropical fish, look for a property with a suitable number of electrical outlets and a layout that will allow for an aquarium.
Tropical fish also require oxygen pumps, so please be considerate of your neighbors and refrain from making loud noises.
It is also important that the plumbing equipment is easy to use so that the aquarium can be cleaned easily.
Things to be aware of when moving into a rental property that allows pets
Renting a property that allows pets will cost more in initial costs when signing the lease than renters without pets.
Each property has its own rules regarding keeping pets.
Even if you find a good property, we'll introduce some points to keep in mind so that you don't end up with high initial costs or discover that there are rules you didn't know about.
- The type and number of animals allowed to be kept at the property are regulated
- Get an estimate of your upfront costs
- Check the rules for the common areas of the apartment building
- Check the costs and conditions when moving out
The type and number of animals allowed to be kept at the property are regulated
Depending on the property, there may be restrictions on the animals and numbers that can be kept.
For example, cats have a habit of scratching and are prone to leaving an unpleasant odor, so there tend to be many properties that do not allow cats to be kept.
In addition, some properties do not allow birds to roam free due to issues such as feather loss and odor.
Even in properties that allow pets, there are restrictions on the animals you cannot keep and the number of animals you can keep, so if you have multiple pets or are thinking of getting a pet, be sure to negotiate with your landlord or real estate agent.
Get an estimate of your upfront costs
Properties that allow pets have higher initial costs than properties without pets.
If you are keeping animals, the deposit will be increased by one month.
The deposit is money used for the maintenance of the property, so it is increased to cover the anticipated cost of repairs to the property.
In addition, you may be charged in advance for disinfection and house cleaning fees, so be sure to check this in advance when getting a quote.
Check the rules for the common areas of the apartment building
If you keep a pet in an apartment building, you cannot let the pet walk in the common hallways.
This means that you will need to carry your dog or put him in a cart when passing through the hallways of your apartment building.
In apartments where the hallways are close to the outdoors, it's not a hassle, but in tower apartments, it takes a long time to get outside.
Furthermore, carrying a large dog while walking can be quite a strain.
If you violate the rules of the common areas of an apartment building, in the worst case scenario you could be ordered to move out, so make sure you follow the rules of the common areas and are comfortable using them.
Check the costs and conditions when moving out
If the property allows pets, be sure to check the costs and conditions when you move out.
It is not uncommon for deterioration to be not recognized during the inspection upon moving out, and for the tenant to be charged for restoring the property to its original condition.
The main areas that are charged are as follows:
- Wallpaper stains, scratches, and tears
- Stains and scratches on flooring and tatami mats
- Damage to the pillar
- Dirt or tears in sliding doors and paper screens
- Pet odors
Please check the restoration guidelines and use the property carefully to avoid being charged for repairs.
In addition to repair costs, you will also have to pay house cleaning fees and, if you move out shortly, a short-term move-out penalty.
For properties that allow pets, there will be initial fees as well as moving-out fees.
Make sure you know the schedule for moving out so that the move goes smoothly.
Dealing with problems when living with pets
There are some things you need to be careful about even after moving into a pet-friendly property.
For example, as a pet owner, you must fulfill your responsibilities, such as not damaging the facilities in the room or causing a nuisance to other residents.
Next, we will introduce measures to prevent damage to property in the room caused by pets and trouble with neighbors.
- Take measures against noise
- Dispose of feces and urine
- Take measures against odors in the room
- Measures to prevent damage to the room
- Take measures to prevent pets from escaping
Take measures against noise
The cries of dogs and cats are loud and can be heard by neighbors, so be sure to take measures to prevent noise.
Specific measures include pet training and installing soundproofing equipment.
When pets are unhappy with their owners, they can bark quite loudly, but this can be improved with training.
Be sure to take measures to prevent noise so that your neighbors will love your pet.
Dispose of feces and urine
Just like with noise control, disposal of feces and urine is also the responsibility of the pet owner.
The feces and urine give off an unpleasant odor and are very unsanitary.
In particular, you may be sued for damages if you fail to clean up dog feces and urine on the balconies or in the gardens of nearby residents.
When walking your dog, be sure to carry a cleaning item with you to clean up any urine and feces.
Take measures against odors in the room
It is essential to take measures against the smell of urine and feces in the living room.
If the room starts to smell, you may be charged for disinfection to restore it to its original condition.
If you have pets, it can be especially difficult to open the windows to prevent them from escaping.
Take measures to prevent odors from building up, such as installing air purifiers, using deodorizers that are safe for pets, and cleaning the litter box.
Measures to prevent damage to the room
In some cases, deterioration due to aging may not be recognized when it comes to moving-out costs for rooms where pets are kept.
And fire insurance does not cover injuries caused by everyday scratching or biting.
Be sure to take measures to prevent scratches by using claw-sharpening poles and items to prevent wallpaper peeling.
Cats and birds in particular move around freely, so measures to protect them from scratches are essential.
Take measures to prevent pets from escaping
Preventing pets from escaping is very important. This applies not only to dogs and cats, but to all animals.
For example, there have been cases where police have been called in after reptiles that have been dangerous to humans have escaped, and in some cases have been killed in collisions with cars.
Escape prevention is an important precaution to take to protect your family.
There are various ways to prevent this, such as choosing a property with a partition between the room and the entrance, or installing an intruder prevention fence at the entrance.
It is the owner's responsibility to take measures to prevent pets from escaping, so be sure to do so.
summary
There is a high demand for rental properties that allow pets, but the number of properties available is very limited because it requires a lot of effort from the landlord to manage the property and deal with neighbors.
When searching for properties that allow pets, it is important to make them easier to find by broadening your search area and not limiting yourself to apartment buildings.
Nowadays, there are real estate agents and pet-friendly properties that specialize in pet-friendly properties, so be sure to check them out.
Even if you find a property you like, each property may have its own pet-keeping rules and high initial costs.
Be sure to check this in advance when you view the property to avoid any problems after you move in.
It is also important to take measures to prevent any problems that may arise after you move in.
Be sure to take measures in advance to prevent possible problems such as noise and odors caused by pets, and damage to equipment.
In some cases, deterioration due to aging may not be recognized in properties that allow pets. Please be aware that you may be charged for restoring the property to its original condition when you move out.
When choosing a property for people with pets, it is important to think from the pet's perspective as well as the owner's.
For the sake of your beloved pet, please use the information in this article as a reference when searching for a property.
