If you have a pet and you plan on moving to Boston….brace yourself.

As many of you know it can be very difficult to find a pet friendly apartment lease especially for dog lovers.  As a veteran leasing agent and puggle parent, I have been there and back many times myself. Many people think just because a property is “pet friendly” they are all set….

WRONG.

Many so called “pet friendly” buildings in Boston, whether it’s a condo, co-op, or regular apartment community actually only accept cat(s) or have breed and/or weight restrictions on what types of dogs they take. If you follow Blue Buffalo (@bluebuffalo) | Twitter than you might know that in the Boston proper area about 2 out of 10 properties are pet friendly BUT most have some form of pet restrictions.  This issue seems to have gotten more difficult over the years due to the crazy tight Boston rental market.  Many landlords now have more applicants to choose from and usually end up picking the applicants without pets (assuming everything else is the same). Create your bathroom sanctuary and relax in luxury.The Chandler bathroom remodeling is fun but can be frustrating because contractors show up late, change the price & make a mess.

And “No Pet” policies don’t only effect lower to middle rent levels.  Tenants looking for luxury apartments are also in heat over this one.  Some high end properties like The Ritz and Four Seasons Residences to say only a couple also do not allow our four legged friends – no dogs for renters in those buildings per the condo documents. 🙁

Will it cost a dogs arm and a leg to get into a real pet friendly apartment in Boston?

As many of you are no doubt aware, the rental market in Boston generally has busier lease renewal periods in June, July and September – especially for downtown Boston brownstones.  Most “full service” properties have availability year round but come with a bit of a premium asking rent.  Many of these rental buildings include gyms, roof decks, pools, concierge services, and/or movie theaters, to say the least, that some people like paying for and others do not.  Either way, brownstone or full service, many landlords will ask for additional “pet rent” if they accept a pet.  Some properties will require up to 80 dollars or more per month per pet.  Others may ask for a one time pet deposit.

So now that you know it’s going to cost you…

What kind of pet friendly apartments are available in Boston?

These are a sample of places that accept dogs by neighborhood.  If you’d like more details, just ask me.

 Back Bay & Beacon Hill  Pet Friendly Apartments

Options Available:

1. With 24 concierge, a gym, an outstanding rooftop pool, and units that have modern finishes and incredible views…it would be very hard to say you weren’t being pampered. Surrounded by the best restaurants and shopping Boston has to offer with an amazing location. Luxury residences start at $4,500 to $8,200
2. Two styles of renovation by Home Renovations Wellington include a granite/stainless kitchen and hardwood floors and a more economic white on white kitchen and carpeting. Features and amenities include dishwasher and disposal, elevators, direct access, garage, rental parking, concierge services, central heat and A/C, unique floor plans, complimentary, cable television and internet package, beautiful gated courtyard and common roof decks boasting skyline views. Some units feature private terraces or patios and working fireplaces. Professionally managed property that offers one beds starting at $2,700, two beds starting at $3,300 and three beds starting at $5,200.
3. Full service building that offers one beds at $2,900 and two beds starting at $3,500.

West End & South End Pet Friendly Apartments

Options Available:

1. A good smorgasboard of studios, one and two bedroom homes to rent. With modern architecture and traditional apartment layouts. The South End is one of the hot spots of Boston which has fine dining, shopping, theater shows, and seems to be a great hub for artists. (A lot of gallery exhibits). Offering studios, one, and two beds starting at $2,100 to $2,850.

Fenway Kenmore Pet Friendly Apartments

Options Available:

1. If you want to be in the middle of concert halls, nightclubs, museums and art schools, not to mention theaters and universities then this would be the place to check out. Offering 1, 2, and 3 beds starting at $2,850 to $5,800.
2. Academic, cultural and arts organizations are working collaboratively with community groups and developers to enhance the artistic, environmental and economic vitality of the new Fenway. The floor-to-ceiling windows in your new apartment provide the perfect viewpoint to catch every exciting moment of the transformation. Offering one, two and three beds. Starting at $2,850 to $9,000
3. This signature home in the heart of the city blends the charm of an old Boston neighborhood with all the modern conveniences that you need to simplify your busy life – from concierge service to garage parking to fully appointed kitchens and high-speed internet access. Offering studios starting at $1195, 1 beds at $1,850 and 2 beds starting at $2,400.

North End & Charlestown Pet Friendly Apartments

Options Available:

1. Full service lofts that offer one beds w/dens and two beds ranging from $1,850 to $3,000. Representing a dynamic new approach to urban living. This makes loft living an irresistible proposition.
2. Full service building that includes parking ranging from studios to two beds with den ranging from $2,300 – $5,200
3. Full service building – located in Charlestown with waterfront living. See Boston with an entirely new perspective. With luxurious, clean and classic space, this full service building offers great views and an amazing location, that offers one and two bed ranging from $2,250 – $2,750

More details about North End and Charlestown Pet Friendly Apartments

Keep in mind there are a handful of other pet friendly apartments available in Boston – both brownstones and full service buildings – not highlighted here. Prices for brownstone apartments generally are cheaper than the full service properties per square foot. Most units usually become available during the summer months but some come available during the off months of the year because of “lease breaks” or other circumstances.

When looking for a pet friendly apartment in Boston its never too early to speak with a experienced agent about what options best fit your needs. To keep your place clean and cosy, use services of Nu life cleaning.