South Lake Tahoe, CA

5 Dog Friendly Apartments for Rent

So, what is renting in South Lake Tahoe like? Well, it's not much like anything or anywhere else in the world. The views alone could give heaven a run for its money. A killer combo of insanely beautiful surroundings, powdery slopes, lake bum fun, state line gambling, and small-town culture create a world where families and thrill-seekers happily coexist.

The wilderness is where SLT residents have most of their fun, with endless opportunities for hiking, biking, climbing, snowboarding, skiing, and anything else you can think of. SLT has a well-rounded nightlife of happy hours, jazz, blues jams, and dirty dubstep DJ's. There are TONS of festivals to celebrate just about anything you can think of... farmers, fashionistas, bikers, cyclists, artists, anglers, winos, and the list goes on. And, although this is a gambling town, it's also one of the best towns to raise a family in. Kids are just spoiled silly with all of the outdoors fun and local youth organizations. The schools are great, and there's not really anywhere in the city limits considered unsafe.

How much does it cost to live in this nirvana? Well, a good rule of thumb is to estimate $1 per square foot. There are trailer homes, rental homes, and cabins in the $400 to $600 range, but with just 400 to 600 square feet, it can feel a little claustrophobic after a while. For those who cringe at the word "cozy" when looking for rental properties, rest assured that there are some much bigger rental homes in town at much bigger prices. There's also a wide variety of apartments. Cabins converted into duplexes and fourplexes, standalone apartments, and garden style apartment communities can all be found in the $600 - $1,800 range, giving you plenty of different styles, sizes, and prices to choose from.

Fair warning for new residents: be prepared for some high move-in costs. Most rental properties around here require a security deposit that can be hundreds of dollars more than one month's rent. That's not even considering those moving into town with pets. There are a handful of pet friendly apartments in town, however, some may ask for an additional pet deposit. So, a good rule for your other thumb is to save up 3X the cost your first month's rent before filling out any applications.

While apartments in other cities may boast long lists of luxury amenities, around here the amenity lists are short and simple. Basic features such as laundry facilities, snow removal, and parking are common. A lot of places offer furnished apartments, short term lease deals, and utilities included, which are ideal for seasonal renters. If you are looking for luxury or anything beyond the basics, then you will be looking at the $1,500-a-week resort rentals. Otherwise, just find a rental home that backs up to the woods, an apartment with a view of Lake Tahoe, a studio next to Heavenly Village, or a stunning 2-story cabin unit in downtown and enjoy the amenities that surround you.

Now you are ready for the good life. Enjoy.

-By Katy Comal See more

Finding an apartment in South Lake Tahoe that accepts your pet may not be easy, but it’s very possible. Keep in mind, most of the time you’ll have to pay a premium for bringing your dog along in your new apartment. Some apartments require you to pay monthly pet rent, others will ask for a non-refundable pet fee or a refundable pet deposit.

While landlords and property management companies have varying pet policies, most of them limit the number of dogs you can bring to your apartment and include breed and weight restrictions.

If your pet falls under some of the restrictions outlined in the pet policy, it’s still worth asking the landlord if they can make an exception for your dog. Preparing a pet resume ahead of time could help you build the case for your furry friend. Make sure to include information on behavioral training your dog went through over the years and proof of vaccinations. If you can, include references from your former landlord and/or neighbors.