Renting a home or apartment comes with certain responsibilities, especially when it comes to preventing damage. For many renters, that’s fairly easy. However, pets can sometimes make things more challenging.

As wonderful as they are, pets can cause stains, odors, scratches, shedding, and other wear and tear that landlords definitely notice. Those issues can easily cost you part, or all, of your security deposit and may even lead to expensive repair bills.

To help you avoid problems and keep your rented home in excellent condition, NSA Storage put together the following list of seven essential tips for renting with pets. Before you sign a lease and settle into your new home with your furry friend, read on.

1. Choose a Pet-Friendly Home or Apartment to Rent

Not all apartments and rental homes use, or follow, the same rules when it comes to having pets. Some will genuinely welcome pets with walkable green spaces, fair policies, and few restrictions. Others only tolerate pets and set strict limitations on things like size, breeds, etc. 

Here’s a quick checklist of what to look for:

• A reasonable pet deposit fee
• Durable, easy-to-clean floors. (Tile and vinyl are the best.)
• Green spaces for walks and nature calls
• Clear, consistent pet policies for all renters
• Flexible rules about pet types, size, breed, etc.

In short, knowing the differences and reviewing your lease before signing is a must.

2. Be Sure to Protect the Floor

One of the most common reasons renters lose part of their security deposit is pet-related floor damage. Stains, scratches, chewing, and lingering odors can all become expensive problems. Even small issues can add up, which is why prevention is so important.

Here are a few simple prevention tips to ensure your floors look good when you move out:

• Use area rugs in high-traffic areas. 
• Place water-absorbing mats under your pet’s food and water bowls 
• Trim your pet’s nails regularly, especially if you have a big dog or cat
• Clean any “accidents” immediately with an enzymatic cleaning product 

It’s worth repeating that area rugs are an excellent preventative solution as they’re easy to clean or, if needed, replace.

3. Keep Pet Shedding Under Control 

Depending on the pet, keeping their shedding under control might be a daily challenge. Pet hair doesn’t just stay on the floor. It spreads into carpets, vents, furniture, and even appliances. Staying ahead of it keeps your rental cleaner and easier to maintain.

Here’s a list of tasks you should perform regularly so that shedding pet hair stays manageable:

• Vacuum your place regularly with a vac meant to pick up pet hair
• Brush your pet often, especially if they shed heavily
• Clean HVAC filters every month or so
• Wash your pet’s bedding once a week
• Use a lint roller to remove hair and fur

Less hair and fur reduces allergens and odors, and prevents damage to any appliances or systems.

4. Protect Your Doors, Walls, and Trim

Pets, especially dogs and cats, don’t just interact with floors. They also come in contact with doors, walls, and trim, causing damage a landlord will almost always notice. Even smaller animals like ferrets and rabbits, if given free reign, can cause damage.

To prevent or reduce that damage, follow these tips:

• Place scratch guards on doors and lower wall sections
• Keep your pet’s nails trimmed
• Make sure your cat(s) has several scratching posts
• Put up a pet gate to keep pets away from sensitive areas

As with many of the tips today, being proactive will go a long way to protecting your rental and pet deposit.

5. Set Up a Designated Pet Zone 

This tip is one of the best: set up a designated area just for your pet. Doing so will contain any messes they make, keep any damage in a smaller area, and make clean-up much easier.

Here are a few items you should include in your pet’s zone:

• A litter box (for cats)
• Mats or area rugs to protect floors
• Food and water bowls
• A bed or crate
• You pet’s favorite toys

By setting up this special zone you give your pet a place to enjoy themself while reducing wear, tear, and damage to your rental. 

6. Be Proactive about Maintenance and Inspections

Most of the tips on this list involve some type of proactive activity, and this one is no different. Inspecting and maintaining your rental property should be done regularly when you have pets. That way, you can catch small problems and fix them before they become big problems. 

Here’s what to look for and, if needed, fix:

• Damage under or behind furniture or appliances
• Scratches or chew marks on doors, floors, trim, walls, etc.
• Clean messes immediately so that they don’t leave stains or marks
• Damage to any fixtures like blinds, curtains, and rented furniture

The better you inspect and maintain your rental for pet damage, the more likely you’ll receive your pet deposit back when you move out.

7. Prepare a Clean Exit Strategy When Moving Out

This last tip will save you time, headaches, and, in many cases, money. It’s simply this: don’t wait until a day or two before moving out to fix any damage your pet(s) might have caused. By then, it might be too late to fix things correctly, if at all.

Instead, do this one to two weeks before moving out:

• Patch or repair any holes, scratches, chew marks, etc. 
• Have your carpets deep cleaned or do it yourself
• If your pets have caused a lot of damage, hire a professional cleaning or repair service
• Use products to remove odors and make the place smell good

Make Your Move In Smooth with NSA Storage

If you follow and use these tips, move-out day will be much less stressful on you, your family, and your wallet. Being proactive is key, so that the chore isn’t overwhelming.

If you need help storing your things when you move, count on NSA Storage. With self-storage facilities around the U.S., you’re sure to find safe, secure, and affordable storage units in your city or town.

Until then, all the best for a wonderful life in your rented home or apartment with all your finned, feathered, or furry friends!