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Are Pet-Friendly Rentals Rare? How to Find a Home with Pets in Suginami
2025.07.03
For pet owners, finding a rental property can be more challenging than expected. While the number of pet owners is increasing and more properties are allowing pets each year, pet-friendly rentals are still limited. However, choosing to give up your pet because you can’t find suitable housing is never an option. To avoid regrets later, it’s important to understand what it means to be a responsible pet owner before welcoming a pet into your life.
5 Things to Know Before Getting a Pet
1. Living Environment
To live with a pet, the first condition is finding a home that allows animals. Many apartment buildings prohibit pets due to potential issues with neighbors, and even pet-friendly properties often have strict conditions. While the number of places where pets can live comfortably without disturbing others is limited, secretly keeping a pet in a no-pet property is a violation of the rules.
2. Lifestyle Changes
Owning a pet will significantly change your lifestyle. Daily responsibilities like feeding, walking, and cleaning are unavoidable, and if your pet becomes sick or injured, you must take them to a vet immediately. Some pet owners even avoid long trips for their pet’s sake. Depending on the type of pet, you may also need a car for visits to a pet hotel or animal hospital.
3. Financial Responsibility
It’s also important to understand the costs involved. Besides the initial expenses like cages, litter boxes, collars, and leashes, there are ongoing costs such as food, vaccinations, grooming, training, and utilities.
4. Pet Lifespan
Just like humans, pets are living longer and may require nursing care in their later years. Dogs and cats live an average of about 15 years, and some may even outlive their owners. Make sure you have the time, physical ability, and possibly someone who can care for the pet in your absence, especially in emergencies.
5. Allergies
While pets bring comfort and joy, their fur, dander, and saliva can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms may include nasal allergies, itchy eyes, asthma, or atopic dermatitis. If any family members have allergies, be sure to consider this carefully.
How to Find Pet-Friendly Rental Properties in Suginami
Suginami is a great area for pet owners, with many parks where you and your pet can enjoy quality time together. When searching for pet-friendly rentals in Suginami, keep these four tips in mind:
1. Set a Higher Budget
Pet-friendly rentals often require higher deposits compared to standard properties. This is because pets can cause more wear and tear, resulting in higher cleaning and restoration costs. While some properties don’t require a deposit, be aware that you may be charged for any additional damage upon move-out. Rent is also typically 10–20% higher for pet-friendly units, so plan your budget accordingly.
2. Be Flexible with Your Requirements
Since pet-friendly listings are limited, you may need to compromise on things like building age, distance from the station, layout, or amenities. Start your search with broader criteria, then narrow it down based on your top priorities.
3. Understand the Types of Pet-Friendly Rentals
There are different types of pet-allowing rentals such as “Pet-Friendly Apartments” and “Pet Negotiable Apartments.” While both allow pets to some degree, "Pet Negotiable" properties may prohibit cats or large dogs, or have other restrictions. Other options include:
Pet-Compatible Housing: These properties include amenities like leash hooks and pet washing areas. While rent is often higher, they are designed for pet living.
Pet-Friendly Detached Houses: These offer more space and freedom compared to apartments, though you’ll still need to be mindful of neighbors. While fewer in number, they tend to be more open to pets.
4. Consult a Local Real Estate Agency Familiar with Suginami
To find a suitable property in Suginami, working with a real estate agency that knows the area well can be very helpful. Agencies familiar with local listings and community rules are more likely to find a match for your needs, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
Conclusion
Despite the growing number of pet owners, pet-friendly rental properties are still in short supply, and finding the ideal place can be difficult. If you’ve widened your search criteria but still haven’t found a good fit, we recommend speaking with a real estate agency with extensive experience in the area.
At our company based in Suginami, we have over 30 years of local expertise and a strong track record of helping clients find pet-friendly rentals. If you're looking for a home where you and your pet can live happily together, feel free to contact us anytime.