Pets a problem for renters? (Portland, Salem: apartments, hotels, house)

[Berushka]

My fiance and I thinking about a move to the Northwest, and are taking a fact-finding trip out to Portland in early September. Based on very limited research I did by looking on Craigslist, it seems like pet policies for rentals are more expensive and restrictive than where we live now (Hartford area, CT). We have three cats, and I'm worried we'll have trouble finding a place. Have others found this to be true?

[ahoffelt]

We rented an apartment through Round Hill Pacific (several buildings in the NW part of Portland) that has a pet friendly policy. I think that they might limit it to two cats, however. There was a $150 one time fee per cat, but that is all. I know that there is a website also that lists pet friendly apartments.

[Leisesturm]

Three cats? Yes, you will have trouble. Two is probably the limit and one is usually no problem. There is a saying: "better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission. Enough said. The good news: pets are much more a part of the reality picture than back East. Just as many people own pets in Oregon as in NYC, however, in NYC the number of pet friendly apartments as a percentage of the total is like 5%. In Oregon figure it is at least 25%.

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[linh]

look for private landlords - I allow pets in my portland rental. If your interested, direct msg me. It's nice and located in the NE.

[Minervah]

My present landlord did not allow cats until he married a woman with one. Then everyone was allowed to have a cat. I think there are a good many choices for small pet owners although you will have to be ready to pay an entry pet-fee. Some of the landlords will charge a monthly fee.
Three kitties may be pushing it a bit but you can probably do okay if they are indoor kitties.

[esya]

I was just looking at Craig's list in Salem and there are a lot of places that take pets. It's different now, a lot of couples probably can't afford a house to buy yet want to have a home, pets, etc.

Myself, I love animals but would not want to have to move a lot with pets. Nor do I want to rent a place that has had someone else's pet(s) in it. It's the same with hotels which I use for work--they just smell no matter how clean and tidy you are.

[subsound]

3 pets might be pushing it a bit, usually apartments limit it to 2 pets and under a certain weight (I have an 80 pound dog). Between a $100-$200 fee at the start of the lease is pretty common, and sometimes pet rent of 10% of that a month. I live out east between Lloyd and Irvengton.

Pets are pretty common out here, but given the wider pool of owners not all are responsible. The person before us had a number of cats that went where they pleased, and there are a neighbor down the way who's dog freaks out and tears stuff up when he sees other dogs. Not saying anything about your pets or ownership, just that landlords protect themselves when they can because there are bad apples in the barrel.

[Wicked Felina]

In a word, yes. I had to pay $250 deposit (unusual in that it's refundable). But the landlord no longer allows pets. All it took was one tenant who allowed his dog to mess in the house and tear up the yard. And this is a landlord who pays for a landscaper to keep the yards up!

And that particular tenant was lucky he found a place to live at all, in that he had a pit bull (truly, a very good dog). Where can you go these days where a landlord will allow you to own a pit bull type dog? It makes it so difficult for people who take care of their animals. Excuse the rant....

Don't be too discouraged, but be aware that with your having three cats, it might take a longer period of time to find a decent place. Just be prepared for that.

I think private landlords are your best bet. And as everyone was saying, expect to pay a higher monthly rent and additional fees.

This is a local paper for pet owners. They have classified ads, and you may even be able to place an ad when you start looking for a place.

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[ktgerloff]

To make your chances better - get letters of reference from your current landlord and your vet. If you had a dog, I would also suggest your dog trainer. The letters should read that you are a responsible pet owner and that your pets are good, well behaved pets. This should help your landlord feel better about your pets! Also... finding a private landlord like already suggested will help. My current (private) landlord in Dallas, TX allows me to have as many pets as I want.... I have eight.