For many pet owners, finding an apartment that allows our furry friends can be a challenge. We want to provide a comfortable home for our pets while also enjoying nice amenities and spaces for ourselves. The solution? Seeking out pet-friendly apartments with private outdoor areas for the whole family to enjoy.
Outdoor spaces allow our pet's room to play and get fresh air. Meanwhile, we can relax on a patio, balcony, courtyard, or garden area without worrying about bothering neighbors. This arrangement means the ultimate convenience and comfort for all.
If you’re searching for the perfect pet-friendly apartment with a private yard, balcony, or patio, this guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll discuss the perks of outdoor access, what features to look for, tips for a smooth application process, expected costs, and more. Let’s dive in!
Discover Pet-Friendly Apartments with Private Outdoor Spaces for Ultimate Comfort and Convenience
The Benefits of Pet-Friendly Apartments with Private Outdoor Areas
Apartments that allow pets and private outdoor spaces offer many perks for renters with furry companions. Consider the following excellent benefits:
Convenience for Pets
Dogs require regular opportunities to go outside for exercise and bathroom breaks. Cats also like accessing fresh air when they choose. Having direct outdoor access means you won’t need to take multiple trips a day to reach a public park or street area suitable for animals. This saves major time and energy for a pet owner.
No Noise or Mess for Neighbors
Even well trained animals might occasionally bark, meow loudly, or have accidents. This can upset neighbors in close apartment quarters. Private yard areas mean your pets can enjoy outdoor time without bothering other residents or damaging common spaces. You avoid worries over noise complaints or cleaning fees.
Security and Safety
Unfortunately, some apartment communities won’t properly seal off shared lawn spaces from roads or other dangers. Predators might also intrude and threaten pets left alone. Private patios, balconies, and fenced yards allow your furry friends to secure outdoor access without these risks. You can even install pet safe deck gates or yard fences for extra protection and boundaries.
Flexibility for Pet Activity & Exercise
Dogs especially require intense daily activity to stay happy and healthy. But even apartment dwellers can struggle to find suitable public venues for vigorous dog playtime. Having your own outdoor area means ample room right at home for pets to run around, play fetch, or explore sensory gardens. You can exercise them longer without needing to drive anywhere.
Fun Outdoor Enjoyment for the Whole Family
Pet-friendly outdoor spaces let animal companions and humans relax together. You might set up patio furniture for lounging, decorate a garden area with bright colors, or install simple agility equipment for interactive playtime. These private yards foster even deeper bonds between people and their fur babies.
Added Property Value
While not all rentals allow major renovations, some landlords welcome enhancements like patio pavers, custom decking, or garden beds that boost functionality. Even basic upkeep helps showcase your unit above others lacking outdoor access. This can mean faster lease turnover when you eventually move. Landlords might also increase rents for updated outdoor features that attract other pet owners.
Clearly, outdoor access provides many perks both for pets and their owners in an apartment setting. But what specifically should you look for when touring potential properties?
Ideal Pet-Friendly Outdoor Space Features
Pet owners touring rental units should seek out certain yard, patio, or balcony features to ensure good spaces for their furry roommates. Look for these outdoor details during property visits:
- Private Entry Point- Well designed pet apartments have direct outdoor access from each unit’s back door or patio entrance. This prevents needing to walk dogs through interior halls and risk messy accidents. Private yard gates also limit contact with other pets who might fight or get territorial.
- Partial or Full Fencing- Fenced yard areas provide critical boundaries your pets can’t escape from. They also prevent other animals from intruding. Stone walls, wood fences, or decorative iron enclosures work well. For balconies, pet proof gates and high railings add security.
- Adequate Square Footage- Even small outdoor spaces provide some animal relief. But bigger is better for high energy dogs needing serious playroom. Search for the largest possible patio, balcony, or yard footprint your budget allows. Measure dimensions carefully while touring units.
- Greenery or Gardens- Plants, trees, and garden beds instantly boost sensory elements to hold pet interest. You might also install dog friendly grass turf on patios. Plus flowering vegetation adds color, beauty, and relaxing scents for humans as well.
- Outdoor Lighting- Well-lit yards allow humans better monitoring after dark when pets are most active. Motion sensor lights also help deter intruders while saving energy costs.
- Pet Waste Stations- Nearby pet waste bag dispensers and trash receptacles make cleaning yard messes much easier. Stationary or sealed containers prevent tipping over and limit odors. Ask landlords about waste removal responsibilities too.
- Water Access- Outdoor hoses or faucets allow filling water bowls or kiddie pools. Automatic irrigation systems help maintain grass turf. Make sure water sources have anti freeze insulation for winter months.
- Covered Areas- Shade trees, sun sails, or protective overhangs give pets relief on hot sunny days. These covered spots also allow for enjoying the space during light rain. Hardtop patios further protect from wet weather.
- Nearby Human Amenities- While pets focus on play, you’ll want relaxation. Seek yards or patios near social clubhouses, pools, barbecue grills, or clothes lines for doing chores while monitoring furry friends.
Using this outdoor feature checklist helps compare different pet rental options on the market. But what about preparing a competitive application as an animal owner?
Tips for Applying for Pet-Friendly Apartments
Searching for pet-friendly listings is just the first step. You’ll also need to submit a strong application to beat out competitors. Use these key tips to impress landlords and secure your perfect outdoor rental oasis:
1. Highlight Exceptional Pet Qualities
Landlords with animal restrictions often generalize all dogs and cats as problematic. Combat this bias by showcasing your individual pet in the best possible light. Emphasize perfect vet records, specialized training courses, friendly sociability around people, and other attributes proving you’re a responsible pet owner.
2. Provide Pet Recommendations
Ask trusted individuals who’ve interacted with your pet for written recommendations. This might include trainers, walkers, sitters, groomers, or neighbors. Include these referrals with your application. Objective third parties verifying great animal behavior builds more credibility.
3. Offer Additional Fees or Deposits
Some landlords require special monthly pet fees of around $20-50 to cover higher maintenance costs or risks. Offering to pay an increased security deposit also reassures the owner about any potential damages. Adjust your budget to make concessions if needed.
4. Prepare a Pet Resume
Yes, an actual pet resume. This customized document lists vital stats, special skills like agility competition titles, and personality highlights much like a human job seeker. This extra effort proves your pet will make a model tenant others would envy.
5. Sign a Pet Agreement
Draft a contract outlining specific responsibilities like waste cleanup, noise rules, or restrictions on areas. This shows your commitment to complying with community policies. It also protects the owner should conflicts actually arise later with complaints.
Taking these proactive steps while submitting paperwork gives your pet the best chance at approval. But what expenses should you anticipate if accepted?
Pet Apartment Cost Considerations
Adding private outdoor access and pet friendly features does mean budgeting extra expenses as an apartment renter:
Higher Rents
Expect to pay 10-20% increased rent above average unit prices for the same building or neighborhood. Landlords account for higher water usage cleaning patios and the risks pets introduce. Comparison shop prices across multiple listings.
Pet Deposits
Special fees added just for owning a pet generally fall between $200-500. Rules vary widely but anticipate this mandatory upfront cost. You might also pay the monthly pet rent noted earlier.
Pet Damage Insurance
Even well behaved pets might scratch floors, chew moldings or stain carpets on occasion. Seek out insurance covering any repairs needed when moving out. Average premiums run just $10-15 per month. Some rentals require this protection so ask ahead.
Outdoor Furniture & Accessories
Finishing your patio or yard perfectly for pets means investing in furnishings, play sets, landscaping, and more. These variable costs depend on preferences but expect a few hundred in initial setup expenses.
Factor all these pet expenses into your housing budget before signing any lease. But what does the ideal outdoor friendly rental actually look like?
Consider these
real examples from top apartment contenders across different US cities:
Los Angeles, CA: The Mansfield Urban Oasis
This boutique complex offers a luxury oasis in Downtown LA. The pet friendly apartments capture indoor/outdoor California living with huge private patios up to 300 square feet. Fully fenced turf yards provide space for dogs to play safely. Cats enjoy watching birds attracted to mature trees and raised garden beds. Onsite pet washing stations and relief areas add convenience for residents. Rent starts around $3000.
New York City, NY: MiMA Highline Apartments
Situated near the popular Highline public trail, this modern NYC building offers private resident-only parks. The gated outdoor courtyards provide a grassy sanctuary for pets right off busy city streets. Nearby pet spas, groomers, and veterinary clinics cater to MiMa’s professional resident base. Rent starts around $5000.
San Francisco, CA: One Henry Adams
This upscale San Francisco apartment community boasts some of the city’s largest apartment floorplans along with premium outdoor living areas. Each unit includes either a huge private terrace or a balcony enclosure. Lush landscaping attracts native birds to enhance the sensory environment. Pets love lounging in the exclusive exterior club space called Bark Park. Rent starts around $4500.
Phoenix, AZ: Alta South Mountain Apartments
Alta South Mountain offers an oasis from hot Phoenix summers across their pet friendly apartments backing up to scenic desert preserves. Private patios average around 150 square feet to let small dogs play protected from cacti and indigenous wildlife. The fenced dog run has separate zones for large and small breeds to socialize safely. Rent starts around $1100.
Clearly, excellent pet-friendly communities exist across all different cities, budgets, and lifestyles. Seeking out units specifically designed with animals in mind makes all the difference in keeping companions happy both indoors and out.
Conclusion
Pet owners shouldn’t limit apartment options if they need to downsize space. Many upscale communities now cater to animal family members with designated outdoor areas. These private yards, patios, or terraces allow convenient relief access along with secure playtime and exercise. They also prevent disturbing neighbors in close quarters and foster deeper bonds by enjoying the outdoors together.
Factor just a 10-20% rent increase along with standard pet deposits when budgeting added costs. Also invest in quality decking, fencing, landscaping, and accessories tailored for each pet. With reasonable expectations about expenses, finding ideal pet-friendly living with private outdoor access proves quite realistic even in the heart of major cities.
Your companions deserve enjoyment and comfort just like human tenants. Seek out apartment listings promising “private outdoor spaces” in property descriptions to unlock this lifestyle oasis ideal for the whole pet-loving family. Contact leasing offices directly for current availability and make sure to ask about any size, weight, or breed restrictions before touring. With an attentive search across the right communities, you’ll secure the perfect outdoor sanctuary to play, lounge, and enjoy treasured moments together.
FAQ
Q: What are the main benefits of a pet-friendly apartment with a private outdoor space?
A: Key benefits include convenience for pets to relieve themselves, no noise/mess issues for neighbors, enhanced safety and security, more flexibility for pet activity and exercise, fun outdoor enjoyment for the whole family, and added property value from updates.
Q: What features should I look for in a private outdoor space at a pet-friendly apartment?
A: Ideal features include private entry access, fencing/boundaries, adequate square footage, greenery and gardens, lighting, pet waste stations, water access, covered areas for shade, and nearby human amenities like grills or lounges.
Q: How much more should I expect to pay for a pet-friendly apartment with a private outdoor area?
A: Expect a 10-20% rent premium compared to non-pet-friendly units, along with standard pet deposits of around $200-500. You might also choose pet damage insurance for $10-15 monthly.
Q: What are some examples of great pet-friendly apartment communities with nice outdoor spaces?
A: Prime examples include The Mansfield Urban Oasis (LA), MiMA Highline Apartments (NYC), One Henry Adams (San Francisco), and Alta South Mountain Apartments (Phoenix). These offer security, landscaping, amenities, and convenient access specifically for resident pets.
Q: What final tips do you have for finding my perfect outdoor-friendly pet apartment?
A: Highlight your pet’s best qualities on applications, provide referrals from past associates, offer higher fees/deposits if needed, prepare a customized pet resume, and sign responsibility agreements upfront to prove you’ll properly manage your companion.