When I first arrived in Spain, I thought the biggest hurdles to renting an apartment would be the language and my budget. I soon discovered that the real challenge was finding a place with my furry friend. I finally secured a place recently and have gathered some valuable experience, which I want to share with fellow pet owners who might be going through the same worries. I hope this helps!
Why Don’t Landlords Like Pets?
First, it’s important to understand the landlord’s concerns. I’ve spoken with several, and their main worries usually revolve around: potential damage to furniture, noise that could disturb neighbors, and lingering odors after the lease ends. These are perfectly reasonable concerns, as the property is their asset. Therefore, as tenants, our job is to find ways to alleviate these doubts. Simply complaining that landlords are being unfair won’t get you anywhere; being proactive is the key to success.
Prepare a ‘Pet Resume’
This might sound a bit over the top, but it’s a really useful trick for anyone keeping a pet while renting! I prepared a simple, one-page introduction for my cat. This ‘pet resume’ is a key part of my strategy for renting with pets in Spain. It included its photo, breed, age, weight, and most importantly, I emphasized that it has a quiet personality, is neutered, regularly dewormed, and has good hygiene habits. I also attached a photo of it using a scratching post, implying it won’t scratch the sofa. Presenting this ‘resume’ during conversations with landlords noticeably softened their stance, as it shows you’re a responsible owner.
Channels and Tips for Finding a Rental
On major rental websites like Idealista or Fotocasa, there’s a filter option for “Se admiten mascotas” (Pets allowed) — make sure to check it! While this will filter out more than half of the listings, it saves a lot of time on fruitless conversations. Additionally, even if a listing doesn’t specify, you can still proactively send a message to ask. The key is in how you phrase it. Don’t just ask, ‘acepta mascota?’ (do you accept pets?). Be more detailed, for example: ‘I have a very gentle adult cat that is neutered and has excellent habits. Would you consider allowing it?’ This approach has a much higher success rate.
Here are some ‘bonus points’ that might increase your chances of success, which you can use depending on your situation:
| Bonus Point | Specific Action |
|---|
| Extra Deposit | Proactively offer to pay an additional deposit as a ‘pet deposit’. |
| Rental Insurance | Purchase rental insurance that covers damage caused by pets. |
| Landlord Reference | If you have previously rented with a pet in Spain, ask your former landlord for a reference letter. |
| In-Person Meeting | Try to meet the landlord in person. Bring your pet’s resume to show your sincerity. |
Renting with a pet in Spain is certainly not easy; it requires more patience and preparation. But as long as we can prove that we are responsible pet owners, we can definitely find a warm home for ourselves and our furry friends. Good luck to everyone!
