Pet-Friendly Short-term Housing – There Are Options

When you are relocating the ideal scenario is for your moves to match up seamlessly. Your existing residence, lease or home sale, would end or close just when you are ready to move into your new residence. In reality, things are often more complicated. It is very common to find yourself in a transition status for a few days, weeks, or even months where you are between in and move out dates, leaving you with having to find a lodging in the interim. Fortunately, when it comes to short-term rental housing, if you need to bring your family pet with you there are several options available in today’s market.

Is this a need for many people? Well, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), over 66% of US households have dogs, cats, and birds as companion animals. Dog ownership is 38.4%, cats 25.4% and birds 2.8%. Pets are important members of the family and being able to reside in a temporary accommodation with a beloved pet can make the time being in a new place and separated from your family so much more tolerable and contribute to a person’s happiness. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics

PET-FRIENDLY HOUSING OPTIONS

Corporate Housing or Short-term Rental – These are interchangeable terms used to describe fully furnished short-term rentals that are often used by relocating or traveling business professionals. This is commonly in an apartment setting with a minimum rental term of 30 days with varying notice to vacate requirements. The lease term and rate vary by the number of days – so the less time needed, a higher the rate can be expected. Many apartment communities have pet policies that provide a consistent practice (limits) and fees for leases that allow pets.

Extended Stay Hotels – For many travelers and relocating transferees, this option makes good sense in terms of the cost and flexibility. These can accommodate who want to have a kitchenette and laundry facilities onsite. Hotels will have pet policies that often will limit the size and number of pets allowed.

Private Rentals – There are multiple sources of private or vacation rentals with listing from property owners who want to rent out their home or sometimes a room in their house for a period of time. In some markets, this is a viable option for wanting a longer term, especially during an off-season. This type of rental will allow for more flexibility when it comes to the number, size and breed of pets allowed.

Sublets – If the rental market in your area includes the use of sublets, then this may be an option to consider. It means you are taking over the lease from an existing tenant for a duration of time. Getting changes to the agreement to allow for a pet may not be an option, so this needs to be carefully reviewed.

Depending on the type of temporary housing, you can expect to incur extra costs to be allowed to have a pet in a rental. The pet(s) must first meet their eligibility criteria (some dog breeds considered aggressive or over a certain weight may not be allowed). Many landlords charge some or all of these: pet fee, pet rent, and/or a pet deposit, to cover wear and tear and property damage by pets, or for simply for allowing pets in the rental at all.

When it comes to finding a pet-friendly housing option, the are several factors to consider, such as:
• Type of pet(s)
• Number of pet(s)
• Breed of pet(s)
• Weight of each pet

What Is A Pet Fee?
A Pet Fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee for allowing pets in the community and within your pet -friendly apartment. The pet fee does not cover any potential damages or additional cleaning charges that may arise from the presence of your pet(s).

What Is Pet Rent?
Pet Rent is a monthly charge for pets in addition to regular rent. It’s becoming much more common across the US with pet-friendly apartment communities.

What Is A Pet Deposit?
A Pet Deposit is a one-time, refundable deposit. After move-out, pet deposits can be used towards any damages or additional cleaning, with the balance refunded, like regular security deposits. Damage examples include:

• Flea infestations
• Broken appliances
• Urine and feces stains
• Holes in the wall; scratches on floors and walls

With the emerging trend of pet-friendly short-term rentals in the market, it is getting easier to bring your beloved pet along with you to the new city while you are in temporary housing. Making sure you have taken all of the different aspects into consideration when making a rental decision is key to being able to enjoy this space and your time together.

How can Rental Relocation Help?
Rental Relocation, Inc. (RRI) is a leader in the corporate housing industry, delivering exceptional furnished housing and meaningful savings to our clients. RRI provides short-term housing solutions to support temporary housing needs for families relocating, interns, US Government, and US Military. At RRI, we take immense pride in delivering the right short-term housing solutions to our clients, one employee at a time. Contact us today at 844-737-0611 or info@rentalrelocaton.com.

About the author:
As the Director of Global Mobility and Communications for Rental Relocation and InterLink Relocation Resources, Ginger Merrick, SCRP, SGMS, provides global mobility and relocation subject matter expertise to clients and relocating employees. Upon joining the company in 2019, Ginger brought a 360° perspective based on 20+ years of corporate global mobility and relocation experience. Ginger has earned both her SCRP and SGMS designations from Worldwide ERC (WERC) and holds a Georgia Real Estate License. She is the former two-term President for the Metro Atlanta Relocation Council (MARC), content contributor for Mobility Magazine, and the recipient of the WERC’s “Meritorious Service Award” and “Distinguished Service Award”.