Having a heck of a hard time finding a pet friendly place to rent (Pittsburgh: hardwood floors, sales)

[Susecita]

Suggestions? Ack? I dont know what to do. Craigslist simply does not have listings that seem reliable. I have two small dogs, well trained and super friendly that I do not want to part ways with. I do not know what to do. Looking for a place for me and two animals in Pitt has been somewhat hard. Any suggestions? Tips? Ideas? They would be very appreciated. Thanks!

[Hopes]

When I used to rent with pets, I'd find the apartment I wanted FIRST, then I would negotiate with the landlord to allow me to have pets. Almost always I was able to rent the apartment with my pets by offering to pay an additional deposit. Once I paid three month's deposit instead of the usual one month. It's possible. You just need to be a sales person and sell your pets to the landlord. You can only do that face to face, although, my sister did obtain an apartment with her dog in New Jersey once by mailing the prospective landlord a glowing letter about her dog. She was a writer though. That's why she could sell it in writing. I'm much better at selling in person. Find your strengths and learn to negotiate!

[pghlibrarian]

We found an apartment in the South Hills that was relatively new, had in-suite washer and dryer, was dog-friendly, and was close to the "T" line. You may want to check it out -- Lincoln Pointe

It's definitely a suburban place, so if you're looking for something more urban or closer to the colleges, this may not work out for you. It's been great for us!

You may also want to check out these sites:

People with Pets

Apartments.com which allows you to select apartment complexes by small dogs or big dogs.

[Katarina Witt]

Similar to Hopes' suggestion, get a letter of reference from a previous landlord about what a good pet you have and what a good pet owner you are. These tactics work best in smaller complexes, IMO. The big ones have their bureaucracy to deal with, and if they say "no pets", they usually mean it. Oh yeah, my nephew and wife lived in a complex in Wexford with a dog. Don't know the name of it, but it is rather large.

[TRO Z]

I have 2 pet friendly apartments available right now...One in the N.Hills at 5900 Babcock Blvd...1Bd 1 Bath Condo.. rent $ 600.00 Security Deposit $ 600.00 Plus G & E

Or a 2 Bd 2 Bath in the City...Troy Hill..1540 Lowrie St.. Rent 650.00 All Utilities Included Sec Dep..$ 650.00

[Susecita]

All these are good tips. I am going to ask my landlord and roommates to write me reference letters for the dogs...as well as their trainers. I should clarify that I am moving to Pittsburgh to go to grad school and need to be close to U Pitt. I am looking to move in at the end of August...so lease should be for mid august or Sept. 1st. If anyone know of anything like these I would love it if you sent me a message.


Thanks to those who have done so already.

[pghlibrarian]

You may want to check this apartment complex as well. It's located in the Highland Park Neighborhood of Pittsburgh and on a convenient bus line to Pitt. They are dog friendly.

Highland Park Club Apartments

[kellyava1]

If you use rent.com they give you the option of searching for places that allow pets. I'm having the same issue. I have 3 small dogs but I NEED a house to live in and not an apartment. It's been a rough go and even harder since I do not live in PA yet. We are relocating due to the military and I can't find ANYTHING!! I've also tried the Pittsburgh Post Gazette online. Best of luck to you.

[TRO Z]

I have a three bedroom house in Greentree coming avail. Sept 1...Dog friendly with hardwood floors..$ 850.00 per month...Credit check, first month, last month and sec dep $ 1000.00 due to pets..send pm and I will supply address and my office number so you can speak to my property manager..

[Hopes]

TRO Z,

Are you saying you want a total of $2,700 up front?

$ 850.00 first month
$ 850.00 last month
$1,000.00 security deposit

$2,700.00 TOTAL