Hi Brock,

Just an FYI in case there is a need: I have two dog friendly units becoming available this week. Both are in Glen Park & one unit is posted on Craigslist.

Brock,

It can definitely be done, although if you have more than one pet or a very large dog it will be more difficult. I know that the Fillmore Center allows pets, and below are several resources that claim to be places to locate pet friendly apartments:
http://www.peoplewithpets.com/states/sanfrancisco.asp
http://sfrent.net/page.php?Page=home
http://www.rentalads.com/pet-friendly/California/pet-friendl…
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/renting_with_pets_the_onli…

On your other question, sometimes it's negotiable, and that is often fueled by demand for rentals. The higher the demand the lower the likelihood of negotiating. And although it can add a lof extra work, if you look really good on paper you can get them to want you as tenants first then discuss pets.

If you ever want help with a purchase let me know.

Best Regards,

Lance King/Managing Broker
415.722.5549
lance@fixedrateproperties.com

Most of the Avalon buildings are pet friendly. The Avalon Mission Bay in particular is good. The rent is a bit high but you get a lot of amenities for the money and it will probably seem cheap compared to NYC. I've got a yelp list (on my blog) with dog friendly reviews including parks and my apt. You can also check out my SF dog map:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&a…

Many rentals that say "no pets" are negotiable on the subject, especially for high quality renters who can provide references for their pets behavior in prior rentals. Also, the Fillmore Center allows pets (or they used to) and has some very cool apartments with great views, especially on the upper floors of the two larger towers. That neighborhood is getting better all the time and is close to a bunch of cool clubs and restaurants, and is very centrally located in the city. It's easy to get downtown, and is a $10 cab ride or less to most places you'd want to go.

Hi Brock,

A late response but perhaps helpful for your next move or for other potential renters seeking dog friendly housing. Open Door Program via the SF SPCA is a great resource as is Craigslist.

A pet resume is a must as is considering hiring a dog walker for those days that work may keep one away from home for more than 6 hours. This is money well spent-you will have a happy dog, happy neighbors and a happy landlord. There are several reputable dog walkers in the city.

It never hurts to negotiate with a property owner to consider renting to a pet owner. There are several insurance policies which restrict the types of dogs that can reside at a rental-IE: pit bulls, Dobermans, etc.

I’ve successfully been renting to dog owners for 11+ years, problem free. As a previous renter with a dog, it was even more difficult 11+ years ago to find pet friendly housing. When I was able to buy a multi-unit property, this became my niche market.

For any Realtors who own rental property, please consider becoming dog-friendly. I have great systems in place to screen dogs including a meet and greet which I am happy to share. You will be able to rent at a slightly higher rate since there is a demand for this type of housing. Dog owners are truly great tenants who are appreciative of having pet-friendly housing. Plus, dogs are wonderful additions to our lives.

I believe statistically that SF now has more dogs than kids living here….

I moved to SF from LA last year with a small dog. Some large apt. buildings will take dogs under 25 lbs. We are actually living in a place we found on Craigslist that didnt accept pets, but I talked them into it. I also emailed his background along with a photo.

Even if the listing says no pets, it never hurts to ask. Offering extra deposit is definitely a good idea.

Another option is the Mt. Sutro Terrace apartments in the inner sunset. At lease half the building has pets and the rates are reasonable.

Yes, try the Avalon Apartments. They have a few locations in San Francisco.

It's possible, but you'll really need to put in a lot of work looking. I had a client a few years ago who put together a "resume" for her dog with a photo, dog training, and references from past landlords -- it was very cute and helped her secure a place. Yes, an extra security deposit will most likely be required. Craigslist.org is the best resource for finding rentals, I've worked with Craig Berendt at JWavro Associates in the past. Good luck!

When I moved here in 2000 (at the height of the dot com mania), I was able to rent a place with my two dogs. I had prepared a pet resume with references. I found my rental through craigslist, it took a little time and we had to offer an additional pet deposit.

I don't if they still do so, but at one time the SF SPCA maintained a list of pet friendly landlords. You may also wish to check with the SF tenants union or the SF rent board to see if they maintain similar lists.

Good luck!
- Matt

My girlfriend and I each have a dog (one is 70 lbs and the other is 90, so not exactly small either) and started looking inside the SF city limits at the beginning of may last year, we didn't find a place until august, it took a lot of work.

I'm sure you're used to the new york rental market so a lot of the same rules apply, be the first to make contact, bring credit reports with you, be ready to write a check at the showing etc.

Dog specific things; Some renters are willing to negotiate, I found being upfront about having a dog instead of trying to shoe-horn it into the deal at the end was a much better approach and having references from previous landlords about your pets behavior is a huge plus. Small dogs are much more accepted.

There are more dogs than kids in this city, so it is definitely possible, just difficult.

helpful links:

http://rentalsinsf.com/available.php

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/apa/sfc?addThree=wooof

Check out Archstone Apartments online. These are brand new complexes throughout the bay area and welcome pets with an extra security deposit. I actually live in Archstone and there are great move in rates. E-mail me and I can give you any info you may need. My son just moved from S.F. to New York today !!
apicar21@sbcglobal.net