Renting with a Newf

YorkvilleNewfie

New member
There's a *possibility* that Shawn and I will be making a major life change in the not-too-distant future, one that will involve moving into a rental situation...my biggest concern is (of course) getting anyone to agree to allowing a 130 pound dog into a rental home/condo.

I know that a few Newf Netters do rent and I'm just wondering; how did you do it?! Any sage advice?
 
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good0dog

New member
I rented an apartment for three years with a newf. I shopped for an apartment complex that allowed large dogs, which are FEW and far between. I went to the complex to see what it's condition was and went again during "walking times". I brought Maggie with me so I didn't scare them - dog people like to talk to other dog people. I checked out what kinds of dogs were being walked and spoke to the owners as to their experiences with management. I was lucky. Management was good and kept up the apartments and grounds. The dog community was friendly and respectfully.

A 140 lb newf was new to all and I spent a lot of time getting everyone accustomed to Maggie. Everytime I had to pay rent, Maggie went with me. I got mgt and maintenance on first name basis with Maggie.

Those are a few quick thoughts.
 

Brandie&Maggie

New member
In my experience it was always a challenge to find a NICE place that allowed pets of any kind. (I had trouble when I just had 2 cats). It seems that it was much easier when looking for a higher end place (house/condo) vs. apartment.

Just allow some extra time to find a good place. Also, private places/landlords seemed to not list anything about the size of a dog if they were to allow them at all. Complexes and rental companies were more likely to have a policy of small dogs only, etc.
 

Henrys Mom

New member
The best way to find a rental that allows a big dog is to talk to the people renting the house. We have found that if it says small dogs or something we always talk to the owners and explain how well behaved our big dog is and how he is not destructive or anything. You will always have to pay a pet deposit. Sometimes equal to one months rent. Just be honest when looking for a rental. Oh, and we have always rented houses not apartments. There are rentals out there that allow big dogs, you just have to take some time to find them! Good luck!
 

anya

New member
I had luck renting from private individuals...not a management company. One place was a condo and one a small house. Neither landlord questioned the size of dog.
 

Tricia2

New member
I know people who have put together resumes for their dog with references from vets, trainers, groomers, doggie daycare owners, etc. along with photos of the dog taken in your immaculately clean (staged?) home and yard. Also, include any fancy looking certificates that your dog may have, from pedigree to puppy kindergarden and the like. Most people who rent are concerned about property damage and noise/waste control, so a reference from a friendly neighbor goes a long way to speaking about your pet parenting skills.
 

KatieB

New member
We rented a beautiful condo in San Diego with Murphy. The condo was brand new and owned by a couple who had multiple properties. They loved dogs and had no issue with Murph. So perhaps finding a private renter as opposed to a rental company would be best.
 

blaue_augen

New member
We picked the town we live in and are now buying a house in based on finding a rental here that would take Suki. Our choices were limit by who would take a big dog, but we were able to find a house to rent with a fenced yard ... and we only had 6 hours to do it. We didn't pay a pet deposit either, but we are renting from an individual rather than a management company. It is definitely possible. We saw another house I liked better that didn't have a fenced yard, but that would take Suki. But I'm so lazy that the thought of having to go outside for every pee sounded very hard. So we took the fenced yard. And it's working out, my kids are happy in school and we found a house to buy that I love.
 

baxter

New member
We had to rush to find a rental (we have 2 Newfs) because we were living in a hotel after moving for a job and having a home purchase fall through. We looked at a lot of places that allowed dogs - we always made sure they knew the size before going - and took the boys to meet the owners to a few of them. Once the owners met our boys, we had them hook, line, and sinker. The house we ended up renting for a little over a year is in a town that we fell in love with (Winthrop, MA) and we ended up buying a house there last year.

The advice of walking in the area during normal dog-walking times is great; I wish I had thought of that. The only advice I offer is to be up front about the size and to offer to bring your Newf to the walk through to meet the owner.
 

Bojie

New member
We are renting here in Colorado. I sold my house in NJ without even being able to see what I was moving into (Rob did it all before Bojie and I got out here). I didn't want to commit to buying until I lived out here for a while and got to know the towns and communities. Actually there are several Newf owners out here who rent. We emphasized that Bojie is CGC and a therapy dog. We also educated them on the breed, that he is not the type of dog who runs laps outside in the yard all day barking, etc. Rob also had 2 cats. When we got Rigsby, we asked our landlords permission first and they said yes without hesitation. Our biggest issue here is the flooring. I've covered the hardwood with foam interlocking tiles, the off white carpet in some parts of the house doesn't really stand too much of a chance...more because of my husbands messiness than the dogs.

I think it really depends on what area of the country you are moving to. CO is SO pet friendly it is difficult not to find pet friendly property including townhomes, condos and apts and single family homes. But wherever you go, they are there and available, just more in some areas than others. Craigslist is a good place to start, and online realtors as well.
 

new_2_newf

New member
If you move to Ontario, they can't decline to rent to you because you have a pet...it's illegal :) Just sayin'...
 
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