Adopting a Pet in an Apartment What to Know | Collective
Our Tips Before You Adopt Your Four-Legged Friend!
While looking for an apartment, there are many amenities to consider. Whether it be the location, amenities, style, or budget, many also consider pet-friendly an essential while apartment hunting! According to the LA Times, approximately 70% of apartment residents are pet owners as well. Whether you are a first-time renter or looking to adopt, there are many things to consider/ask before you sign that lease! By asking the right questions, you can make sure apartment living with your four-legged friend is a success.
Pet Deposits/Fees, Rent, and everything in between
There are two types of pet deposits, also known as pet fees. One type is a refundable deposit/fee, and the other is nonrefundable. Pet deposits/fees cover any potential damage that may happen to the unit. After move-out walkthroughs, an assessment is completed for any damage made which is when a refundable pet deposit/fee gets returned. As for a nonrefundable pet deposit/fee, this is a one-time non-refundable transaction that also covers any potential damage to units.
One thing to note is that service animals are excluded from a regular pet, therefore, there are no deposits, fees, and/or additional rent fees.
Pet Limits
If you have multiple pets, one thing to ask while apartment hunting is how many pets a tenant can have. Depending on the location of the property, many apartments located in busier neighborhoods tend to have a pet limit. If you do have more than one pet, be prepared to pay multiple fees.
Breed Restrictions
Unfortunately, due to insurance policies and liability reasons, apartment communities are allowed to place restrictions on certain breeds and size/weights that reside in the community. It is important to be clear and upfront with your management before adopting/renting.
If your animal is a service animal, these restrictions do not apply since they are not considered pets.
Pet Amenities
Some communities offer many unique amenities geared toward pets! Whether it is a pet grooming area or an enclosed pet park, finding apartments with certain amenities can not only make you happy but your pet happy as well!
Pet Rules/Regulations
Many additional regulations may be required for you to comply with before your pet can be allowed onto the property. Some of these regulations are proof in updated vaccinations including being spayed/neutered, pet’s medical history, and proof of flea and tick prevention.
In terms of rules, many communities require all pets to always have collars/leashes on outside of the apartment. Another thing to consider is cleaning up after your furry friend. Some communities may do this for you or offer a pet area where you’re supplied with baggies. If not, make sure you always have baggies on hand! If there is a need for maintenance or inspectors to enter the apartment, some communities require all animals to be caged up for the safety of management.
Although it is not required, it’s not a bad idea to consider pet insurance. This helps protect you if your pet harms someone or damages another’s property.
Residents Gather to Win Prizes and Enjoy new Community Room
Great States/Collective co-founder Rick Berg has been named to the 2026 Leaders and Legacies class by Prairie Business Magazine, joining six other honorees recognized for their impact on the region and their role as role models for the next generation of leaders. Prairie Business editor Carrie McDermott said the award recognizes top executives from our region, noting, "They are the region's leaders who are role models for the next generation.
Ask Shawna Jorgensen what a typical day looks like and she'll probably laugh. "That's one of my favorite parts of the job — no two days are the same." As Community Manager at Huntington Village and Jackson Heights , Shawna assists residents, conducts showings, coordinates with vendors, plans and hosts events, and steps in wherever she is needed. The list, she'll tell you, goes on.
Collective is excited to welcome Jackson Heights Apartments and Townhomes to our growing portfolio of resident-first communities in South Dakota. Located in Harrisburg, South Dakota, Jackson Heights is just down the road from our Huntington Village community in Sioux Falls. “Jackson Heights is a great fit for Collective. We are glad to be growing our presence in the Sioux Falls area,” according to Scott Houle, President of Collective. Jackson Height’s location is a big draw, offering easy access to Sioux Falls coupled with the pace of a smaller city. Another reason residents choose Jackson Heights is that it’s one community with two great choices: apartments and townhomes.
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Jade Wahl loves the kind of environment where most people would probably feel overwhelmed. “I thrive in chaos,” Jade said. “Every day brings something new.” Her career in property management started about eight years ago in Bismarck as a leasing agent before being promoted into a property manager role where she oversaw properties and the people who keep them running. Through connections from a previous job, she was introduced to Collective and shifted her focus to a different side of property management: Learning and Development Specialist. It was natural given her experience in supporting team members. "I love the relationships I get to create with each of our team members."
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Thomas Janis has been working in maintenance for nearly 8 years, learning as he goes and picking things up from the people around him. Today, he serves as a Senior Maintenance Technician at 10Bedrock Apartments in Box Elder, South Dakota. He is a proud member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe , a revered culture known for a deep sense of responsibility to others. Spend just a few minutes around Thomas and you’ll quickly see what matters to him. “My culture is based on warriors helping the community strive,” he said. “I carry that into my work.”
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