Searching for a pet-friendly apartment rental in 2025? You’re not alone — more renters than ever want to live with their pets, but landlords often say no.
Every year, millions of renters struggle to find pet-friendly housing — especially in big cities like Berlin, Lisbon, or Buenos Aires. Some listings say “no pets allowed” before you even ask. But here’s the truth: with the right approach, most landlords can be convinced.
This is your complete 2025 guide to getting a long-term apartment rental that accepts pets — even in competitive markets.
❗Why Do Landlords Say No to Pets?
Before we fix the problem, let’s understand it. Most landlords don’t hate animals — they just fear:
🛋️ Property damage — scratched floors, chewed furniture
🔊 Noise complaints — barking dogs or loud meowing
🧼 Cleaning costs — fur, odors, allergens
💡 Your job: Show that your pet is calm, clean, and not a risk — and that you are the kind of tenant they’ll want to keep.
✅ How to Get Approved for a Pet-Friendly Rental
These 5 steps work — in Berlin, Lisbon, Tokyo, or anywhere in between.
1. Be Honest From the Start
Never hide your pet. Landlords appreciate transparency, and trying to “sneak in” an animal almost always ends badly.
2. Build a Pet Resume
Yes, it works. Include:
- Pet’s name, age, breed, weight
- Behavior summary (quiet, house-trained, no chewing)
- Vet records (vaccinated, spayed/neutered)
- A relaxed photo of your pet at home
Example:
“Luna is a 4-year-old indoor cat. She’s quiet, litter-trained, fully vaccinated, and sleeps 16 hours a day.”
3. Offer a Pet Deposit or Cleaning Fee
In cities like Prague or Warsaw, offering an extra €200 deposit is often enough to get a “yes.”
It shows you’re responsible and willing to cover any minor damage.
4. Share a Reference
A short note from your previous landlord or neighbor makes a huge difference:
“Luna lived in my flat for 2 years. Zero damage, no complaints. I’d happily rent to her again.” — Anna, Berlin
5. Show Stability
If you plan to stay for 6+ months, say so. Landlords prefer long-term, stable tenants — especially those who treat the place like home.
🔍 Where to Find Long-Term Rentals that Allow Pets
Platforms like XMetr let you filter for pet-friendly apartments in cities across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. You can also search by country, price range, or even furnished/unfurnished status.
Even if a listing doesn’t mention pets, message the owner politely.
“Hi, I love your apartment. I’m a clean and quiet tenant, and I have a calm 5-year-old cat. Would you consider allowing pets?”
More often than you’d expect — the answer is yes.
📝 What to Include in the Rental Contract (Yes, Read It!)
Before signing, check these:
- ✔️ Is pet ownership explicitly allowed in writing?
- ✔️ Who pays for any damage — and is the deposit refundable?
- ✔️ Can you be evicted for noise or complaints — and how many warnings are allowed?
Always keep a signed copy.
📌 FAQ: Renting with Pets in 2025
Can a landlord legally ban pets?
Yes — unless local law protects tenants with pets (e.g., some cities in Germany or Argentina). Check your city’s regulations.
What’s better — pet deposit or pet rent?
A one-time deposit is common in Europe. In the U.S., monthly pet rent is more typical. If possible, negotiate a refundable deposit.
Is it easier to rent with a cat than a dog?
Yes — but landlords care more about behavior than species. A quiet labrador may be more welcome than a high-energy kitten.
🐾 Final Tips for Success
✔️ Visit the apartment with your pet, if allowed
✔️ Keep your pet calm during the showing
✔️ Always say thank you — even if the answer is no
And most importantly:
Your pet isn’t a problem — it’s part of your family.
Show the landlord you care about the home as much as they do, and you’ll find the right place.
Thousands of people rent with pets every day — now you can too.
Also read about Rental Listing Photos: 5 Tips for Perfect Results