Although many apartments will say no pets, some landlords are willing to work with prospective tenants, so I’ve found it’s still worth asking if you already have an animal. If you can provide details about the age, breed, size and immunization record for your pet, as well as references from previous landlords, you just might be able to move in with your best friend in tow.

Though it is not legal for an owner to require an additional pet deposit, I’ve found that proposing one can be helpful. A gracious offering would be along the lines of an additional ½ month’s rent. To be clear, this is not a pet fee, but a deposit, which you should expect to get back when you vacate, assuming that the apartment is in the same condition as when you took possession. It is also a good idea to consider getting renter’s insurance, since some policies will offer extra protection for pet damage. Property owners will generally appreciate this effort, since it indicates that you are willing to take full responsibility for your animal.

If there are other animals in the building, it’s probably a good idea to introduce them to your pet before moving in, since the situation could become problematic if they don’t get along. I’d also suggest asking your landlord if any of the other tenants have pet allergies. When I moved in to my last two apartments, I introduced my dog to the neighbors immediately in order to make them comfortable and this proved to be an easy way to create some good will between tenants. (It doesn’t hurt that my dog’s adorable either!)

When considering a suitable apartment for you and your pet, choose a residence without carpeting. The first floor is preferable, so that you won’t disturb tenants beneath you with the pitter pattering of paws, and the fewer units in the building, the better, since there will be less stimuli to induce barking. Although it’s not essential, it’s definitely better to live in an area with some green space, so that you can walk your pet or give it some fresh air and exercise.

It might also be a good idea to put a fire department sticker in your window that indicates there is a pet inside…just to be safe.

As we get lost in the hustle and bustle of every day life, it’s easy to take for granted the historic significance of buildings that surround us. Benefit Street, located on Providence’s East Side, contains some of the oldest preserved structures in the country and serves as a reminder of our little state’s rich history.

After Roger Williams and his followers settled in Providence in 1636, the city began to expand and the hilly area above the Providence River, now known as College Hill, became one of the most fashionable places to live in the city. Benefit is at the heart of this area. Walking from one end to the other, you really get the sense that you are experiencing a mile of history. From the Providence Athenaeum, the fourth oldest library in America, to the First Baptist Church, the oldest Baptist institution in the New World, this street is full of landmarks that evoke images of our state’s humble beginnings. The Old State House is located here, as well as the John Brown House which was the first mansion built in Providence.

One of the great things about Benefit Street is that it contains a variety of housing options — single family, townhouses, condominiums and multi-family. Though most of the properties are for sale, it is always a special treat when one becomes available for rent such as the 1843 George Owen House and the 1849 Isaac Brooks House.

Easily this is one of the most desirable streets to live on in all of Providence.

Many of us travel during the holiday season, especially in some neighborhoods on the East Side which have a high student population. This can leave vacant apartments vulnerable to potential thieves looking to profit from this time of year.

Before you leave for Winter break this year, consider getting renter’s insurance. You’ll be surprised how affordable it is, sometimes as little as $100-$200/year, depending on the value of your apartment contents. You may be able to get it as part of a policy you are already carrying, such as your car insurance for an even better deal. Search on line for the best bargains like GEICO, Progressive or even AMICA.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season!

In these challenging economic times of increased foreclosures and stringent qualification requirements for obtaining a mortgage, more and more Americans are finding themselves back in the rental market for the first time since college (or ever.) The landscape most likely has changed dramatically since those days. Here are some tips for how to navigate the apartment wilderness…

Educate Yourself.
Before you do anything become familiar with the area you want to rent in. Drive around the various neighborhoods within your town of interest. Stop for lunch and talk to people about where they live and how they like it. Write down some streets you particularly like and search several websites, like craig’s list, to get a feel for what’s out there within your general price range.

Make Funds Available.
Even with an abundance of rental inventory out there, the best deals still go quickly. If one apartment really stands out, be ready with your checkbook to put down a deposit and make sure funds are available in your checking account. In the time it takes you to get organized, someone else can pull the rug out from under you.  No matter what the agent tells you, an application alone only goes so far.

Work with a Realtor®.
Ok, I know I’m biased, but there are good reasons to use a Realtor. Generally we have access to a large inventory and we can do the leg work for you as far as providing information, setting up appointments and negotiating the rent. Also, we will usually go over the lease with you and work out any details, such as pets, parking, etc., in your best interest.

Consider Your Needs.
Take some time to figure out your “nice to have’s” and “need to have’s,” as far as square footage, number of bedrooms, parking, level of finish and any other items important to you. The clearer the picture in your mind, the faster and easier the process will be for you.

Timing.
As always, it is everything. It’s a good idea to start educating yourself a couple of months before beginning your search. Generally 6-8 weeks in advance is an ideal time to start looking. Any earlier and properties may not yet be available, but obviously if you wait too long you could miss your window. Talk to your Realtor, as certain areas (Providence being one of them) have heavy seasonality with their rental inventory which will affect your search.

If you are ready, check out our rental listings, or send me an email for assistance.

There you sit, starting a search for a truly great place to rent in Providence. The computer is deftly searching the websites trying to find that gem, when up pops hundreds of listings. Now, the only problem you are encountering is where to begin.

Since to date there is no real Providence apartment atlas, you might call the rental scene here ‘uncharted.’ Navigating it can be challenging, especially for higher end flats which are less likely to be posted on Craigslist.

If you’re looking for a modern, high end apartment, you have several great options. Working with a Realtor to help you find the right location is recommended, especially since it won’t cost you anything. Also, Realtors frequently send referrals to most of the complexes, so they can typically help negotiate a better rent price than you can get on your own, and often can get extra amenities which are usually extra, such as parking.

There are a handful of places Downtown and a few best kept secrets only a 10 minute drive to the city. With the latter you can get more for your money and even luxury waterfront living. So if you’re looking for a little luxury, here are some suggestions:

Downtown:
1.  Residences at the Westin
2.  Waterplace Park
3.  The Promenade
4.  Westminster and Peerless Lofts
5.  The 903

Best Within a 10 Minute Drive:
1. Rosedale Landing – Edgewood, Cranston-Luxury Waterfront-Check out this week’s Rental Feature for an Exclusive Video Tour!
2. Rumford Center – East Providence in a fabulous mill restoration (complete w/cafe)
3. Slater Mill – Pawtucket Arts District – Another great mill restoration for Loft Living

Even I am still discovering what’s out there…for more information on these and other Premier Rental Communities, contact me!