Renting a HOUSE Around Silicon Valley When You Have Dogs

Updated on February 28, 2012
A.A. asks from Cupertino, CA
4 answers

Hi, so we are getting close to relocating near Cupertino. Before I wanted to rent a 3BR house
where the best schools (elementary) are at about $3k per month. Now, I am not even looking at the schools
or areas, I am freaking out because it seems not many people are renting to people that have
dogs. I have replied at a couple of ads explaining that my TWO dogs are house trained, good dogs,
etc that we are a good family but they wouldn't even reply to say No. We own a home,
so I don't even have rental references for the dogs. I cannot sleep at night
sometimes thinking no one would rent to us with dogs in the good areas, SW San Jose,
Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Morgan Hill, I am even looking at Foster City or Fremont as long
as they accept pets. Has anyone had that experience of finding a HOUSE near Cupertino with Pets?
Apartments are our very, very last option. We want a yard for the kids and dogs.
Is it hard? Any advice, or tips are really appreciated.
Update: My 2 dogs are Miniature Schnauzers less than 25 lbs.

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So What Happened?

Well, it was frustrating that we missed a couple of good houses because of our pets. However we signed a lease today for a property in Cupertino. :) I spent day and night on Craigslist emailing every possible home. I really didn't want to deal with those that said NO PETS!!. I even felt it was rude. I only applied to the ones that said pets negotiable or pets ok. It only took us 10 days. You need to be patient, be open to the property manager and have as much documentation proving you are fit financially and a person that would be a good tenant.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I feel your pain. I sold my place and wanted to rent in Willow Glen or the immediate area and could not find anything nice that accepted dogs. I have a big dog-60 lbs but she is house trained, sweet, does not chew things etc. and we always clean up after her. We are fabulous renters because we clean the carpets twice a year, I pay for her to get furbuster treatments so she doesn't shed as much etc, etc. Anyway, I had to rent a townhome while I look and that was hard in itself. Also, one place I found, the perfect place had rent of$2500 but the owner was a firm no and would not even meet my dog. I feel so bad because I just couldn't part with my dog. You may get lucky. With the townhome that I now rent, I actually brought the dog to meet the leasing agent and he fell in love with her. Lucky for us. But...I am still looking for a house with a yard because I want my son to be able to just go out in the back and play but I have a year to look now. My dog was is so important in our life and if we did not have her, my son would still be afraid to go to the bathroom alone. Good luck and try to meet with the owners and see if that works.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.J.

answers from San Francisco on

My experience is nearly every house for rent here is on Craigslist. We have two cats and a big dog and we are renting a beautiful 4 bedroom for $2800 just outside Willow Glen - so it's possible. Search CL but do not filter for pets. We wrote a letter titled "Meet the (last name)" and included a brief bio of everyone, including the dog. We emailed to any place we were interested in, even ones that said no pets. Houses in Almaden, WG, etc turn over fast but it's still possible. You definitely can get something in Blossom Valley. Personally, I'm opting for private school. My step sons went through the Catholic schools in the area even though we are not religious which has never been an issue. It was cheaper than I would have thought and they are leaps and bounds above the best public school, IMHO (I went to Leland HS). Lots of big decisions to make but it will be ok!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.V.

answers from San Francisco on

What kind of dogs (size,weight,number) do you have? How many children and what ages?

When do you need to move?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from San Francisco on

I agree. It's very difficult to rent a house in a good school district here, let alone one that allows pets of any kind. We had the same situation, though we have two cats, not dogs.

You might consider working with a realtor. They sometimes know of listings that aren't on the usual websites, or could connect you to more pet-friendly
homeowners who may be willing to rent their home while it's on the market.

Good luck!

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