7 best pets for renters

Want a furry or scaly roommate? See our list of potential pals that will work in your pet-friendly rental.

As much as you’d love to own a pot-bellied pig, not every landlord would appreciate it. Or your neighbors down the hall, come to think of it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a pet at all. In fact, several types of animals can work well in a pet-friendly rental. Choose the one that will fit comfortably in your smaller space — with owner approval, of course.

A quiet cat makes a good pet for a rental.

1. Cats

Feline friends can be ideal apartment mates because they don’t require a lot of room. And like most humans, cats are happy to lounge around much of the day. Because cats like to sharpen their claws on furniture, it’s probably best not to rent a furnished apartment, though, or you may be paying for someone else’s new couch. If you have a cat tree, your tabby will likely be content climbing, scratching and jumping around on it — when it’s not busy dozing by the window.

Search cat listings on KSL Classifieds

Smaller dog breeds work well as apartment mates, but be sure to choose one that doesn't bark much.

2. Small dogs

A Saint Bernard may be a no-go, but there are plenty of dogs that make perfect roommates. Opt for a smaller dog that doesn’t need a lot of roaming room. But not just any tiny pup will do. You don’t want a pooch who will bark at every bump or thud, so be sure to choose one with a calm temperament. You’d probably prefer one that doesn’t shed a lot, either, unless you don’t mind losing your cleaning fee. Breeds that typically meet both criteria include:

• Basenji
• Bichon frise or bolognese
• Boston terrier
• Bulldog
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Pug

Search pet-friendly homes for rent

Fish are one of the most maintenance-free pets you could own.

3. Fish

There’s a reason your parents let you have a fish growing up. They don’t take up much room, they don’t make noise (except the gentle hum of the air pump) and they don’t require any training. And while you need to feed your fish and clean the tank on occasion, they’re pretty much maintenance-free pets. What made your mom happy will make your landlord happy, too.

Search fish listings on KSL Classifieds

If you don't have much space in your rental, consider a hamster for a pet.

4. Hamsters and guinea pigs

Also a parent favorite, a hamster or guinea pig could be a good apartment mate. They’re both relatively low maintenance and don’t need much space to be happy. And as long as you remember to oil the hamster wheel, they shouldn’t be waking up the neighbors. Be sure to clean the pet cage regularly — at least once per week — to avoid bad smells. Because your neighbors will notice those.

See hamster listings on KSL Classifieds

Small birds are quite social.

5. Birds

Pet-friendly houses for rent may welcome small birds such as parakeets, canaries and finches. The tiny birds may make soft peeps and chirps throughout the day, but they probably won’t be noisy enough to hear through apartment walls. And if you thought you were getting a boring pet, think again. Birds are social creatures; they like to interact with people. Depending on the bird, you may even be able to teach it a few simple tricks.

Find pet bird listings on KSL

Reptiles are quiet and don't take up much space, making them a good choice for apartment living.

6. Reptiles

Always wanted a pet snake? Or a gecko? Reptiles are often allowed in pet-friendly rentals. You’ll need a tank to hold your scaly friend — and make sure it stays put. Although they may not be particularly social creatures, you couldn’t ask for a quieter companion. Best of all, they don’t leave balls of fluff everywhere, so they shouldn’t trigger any allergies. Skip the iguana, though. They can grow over 7-feet long, which isn’t really apartment friendly.

Search for reptiles on KSL

Providing you are willing to keep an eye on it, a ferret can be a fun rental roommate.

7. Ferrets

Really? Yep, ferrets can be a great choice for apartment living. You will need to keep an eye on your pet, as it could be a bit mischievous. That includes making sure the front door is closed whenever your ferret is out of its enclosure. Toys or an obstacle course can keep them busy while you’re working from home. Although they like to run around, ferrets can also be cuddly. They are also highly intelligent, so you can even train yours to use a litter box. 

Find ferrets on KSL Classifieds

Living in an apartment or rental house doesn’t mean you need to forgo owning a pet. Just be conscientious about choosing one that fits your space and your lifestyle. Find pet-friendly homes for rent on KSL homes.