The Elusive Dog Friendly Boston Apartment
Whether you have heard it yet or not, finding an apartment in Boston when you have a dog can be a serious challenge! This is all the more reason you should hire an experienced knowledgeable real estate agent to help steer your search in the right direction.
Landlords who own brownstone apartment buildings are very much less likely to allow dogs, with the fear that if they allow one tenant to have one then the rest of the building will follow suit. Worries about barking, soiling of common areas, and potential liabilities to other tenants, building owners are tough to convince to accept dogs of any kind. Keeping this in mind, one way to increase your likelihood of convincing a landlord who may be “on the fence" about accepting your dog is to get written “pet references" from previous owners of apartments where you have lived- the more, the better! Also, documentation from veterinarian about shots, letters from “obedience school" and even photographs of your pet can go a long way!
At BostonApartment.com, we are very familiar with pet friendly apartment complexes throughout Greater Boston. The good news is that more and more new buildings are allowing pets and we are seeing many longtime “no dog building" changing their tune. You should expect to sometimes pay a slightly higher monthly rent or a “pet fee". For example, one Newbury St elevator concierge building charges residents with dogs a nonrefundable $250 “pet fee" and an additional $35 towards rent. This is not the case with all buildings- some only charge a pet security deposit or nothing extra at all.
It does seem much more likely for smaller dogs to be allowed in buildings vs larger dogs. Buildings even sometimes have “weight limits" or 20 lbs or less. One building in the Fenway area even has a scale in their office to weigh dogs and they are very strict about this limit! There may also be breed restrictions – for example, some buildings will not allow Great Danes or Pit Bulls.
With condominium buildings, it is not uncommon for dogs to be permissible for owners of units as opposed to renters. It all depends on how the condominium documents read. We strongly advise getting a copy of the condominium rules and regulations for any apartment you may rent in a condominium building.
At BostonApartment.com, we are optimists when it comes to pets – we are pet lovers! We will try our best to help navigate you most effectively in your apartment search and save you time in weeding through buildings you may not know do not accept dogs.
Below is a list of some of our favorite dog friendly apartment complexes in the areas where we serve:
Back Bay High-Rise near Copley:
This luxury high-rise building allows one dog per unit – no weight limit, no breed restrictions and no pet fee! This centrally located elevator concierge building offers one bedrooms, two bedrooms and three bedrooms from $4000 to $15,000 per month. Apartments feature wood floors, state-of-the-art kitchens, in-unit laundry and many have private balconies. Building features Hotel Services, 24-Hour Concierge, Hotel Fitness Center, Rooftop Pool & Garage Parking.
Back Bay Recent Construction Concierge Building:
Across the street from the Hancock Tower, this luxury concierge building is centrally located in the Back Bay steps to the South End and just two blocks to Newbury Street. The building allows one dog per unit with a weight limit of 50 lbs and no breed restrictions. Offering unprecedented services and amenities, the building features 24/7 concierge, valet parking, children's play room, private fitness center, and sun decks and gardens. Units feature oak floors, walnut kitchens with high-end appliances, marble baths, in-unit laundry, central air and stunning views. Studios start at $2700/month, 1-beds at $3500/month, and 2-beds at $4800/month.
Copley Square Gated Concierge Complex
Tucked behind Copley Square on the Back Bay/South End line, this apartment complex offers one elevator building that allows dogs. One, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes offer views of Boston's skyline, granite/stainless kitchens, in-unit laundry, central air and some private outdoor spaces. A dog park is directly behind the building. Tenants can have two dogs – However, the dogs must together weigh no more than 75 pounds. Pet fees range from $100 to $150 monthly. There are breed restrictions. 1-beds start at $3500, 2-beds at $4400 and 3-beds at $5500.
Waterfront Recent Construction Loft-Style Apts in Concierge Building
Located on the Greenway along Boston's waterfront in the Financial District of Boston, this is a new and upscale loft building in the heart of Boston which happens to be dog friendly. Pet Policy: no weight limit, breed restrictions, or security deposit. Units feature high-end finishes, water views, in-unit laundry and central air. Building Amenities: Club room lounge; Exercise & fitness facility; On-site storage and bicycle room; 24-hour concierge services and security; Parking; Fully furnished guest suite, for nightly rental; WiFi in common areas; Services available: housekeeping, dry cleaning, grocery delivery, dog walking. Studios, one beds and two beds priced from $2700 to $8000.
North End Apartments on Commercial St:
This apartment building is located in the North End of Boston across the street from Columbus Park and is a a very short walk to Boston's Financial District, the MBTA Blue, Orange and Green Lines. Pet Policy: Weight limit 40 lbs, breed restrictions. Features include new renovations, granite kitchens, new baths, and some private outdoor spaces. abundant sun light, spacious living room, modern fully-applianced kitchen with gas cooking and opening to living area , plenty of closets, king-sized bedroom, newly renovated bathroom. Building features include a solarium overlooking Boston's waterfront; fully equipped state-of-the-art Fitness Center; beautifully landscaped courtyard; club room; underground garage parkin; common laundry facilities; business communications center; on-site management. Apartments range from $2400 to $3200 and are either one bedrooms or two bedrooms.
South End Pet Friendly Apartments near Boston Medical Center
Located in the South End next to Boston Medical Center, this modern full-service concierge building offers studios, one bedrooms and two bedrooms. All of their apartment homes have open spacious kitchens with breakfast bar, functional layout, walk-in closets, central air conditioning, high ceilings and large windows. Rents range from $2,170-$3900 per month. Pet Policy: One Dog Per Unit, 55 Pound Weight Limit, Breed Restrictions.
New Seaport District Loft Building
Located in the heart of Fort Point Channel, this Innovative District loft building caters to those looking for Live/Work and Artist Lofts on the cutting edge. The apartments feature stainless steel appliances and fixtures, wood surface flooring, exposed brick, high performance windows, efficient in-unit washer + dryer, and recycled-content materials + finishes. This unique building offers collaborative work spaces, conference rooms, a rooftop deck, common kitchen, design gallery and an indoor bike storage room. Located just a quick walk away from South Station, the Financial District, and countless dining options. This stunning new renovation is also dog friendly. Pet Policy: no breed restrictions. Prices range from $2200 to $4000.
Seaport District Concierge Building
Located in the hip Seaport District, this full service building is dog friendly and has a stunning roof deck overlooking Boston harbor and the city skyline. Pet Policy: Up to 2 pets per unit, combined 75 pound weight limit, breed restrictions. small dogs $75 month/ larger dogs $100 per month.
Apartments range in size from studios to three bedrooms and feature granite counter tops and top-of-the-line appliances, full-size Washer/Dryers in unit, Central Air & heating, high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, picture-perfect views of Boston Harbor & Boston skyline. Building features include State-of-the-art Fitness Center, Concierge Services, Resident Club Room with large-screen TV, fireplace and kitchen. $30 fee for pets. $2,100-$5300 per month
South Boston Concierge Building Steps to Red Line T
Located South Boston next to the MBTA redline, this dog friendly, smoke-free concierge building offers apartments with open floor plans, large windows, granite/stainless steel kitchens, and central heating and cooling. Studios, 1,2, bedroom & den layouts priced from $2100 to $4700.
Pet Policy: Dogs Allowed, No Weight Limit. There are breed restrictions. Building features: Concierge services, On-Site Management, Clubhouse, On-Site Maintenance, On-Site Laundry, Free Fitness Center, Storage Space(s), Residents Lounge, Rental Garage Parking.
Charlestown Navy Yard Full-Service Building
Located in the heart of Boston's historic Charlestown Navy Yard minutes to downtown, this luxury building has a concierge as well as garage parking in the building. Pet Policy: 2 dog limit, No Weight Limit, Breed Restrictions, or additional pet rent. Units feature hardwood floors, walls of windows with stunning views of the harbor and skyline, top-of-the-line kitchens with granite counters and Sub Zero/Viking/Bosch stainless steel appliances, marble baths with large, glass-stall showers, central air, in-unit laundry and ample closet space. Building features include: Concierge services, Community room, Fitness Center, Individual storage units, Rooftop terrace, Underground self-park garage, Private Shuttle to Government Center, and Waterfront park. Price s range from $2000 to $6000 for studios, one bedrooms, two bedrooms and two bedroom plus den apartments.
Charlestown Dog Friendly Loft Apartments
With its cutting edge aesthetic and inviting amenities, this luxury loft building in Charlestown is an accessible location along the MBTA Orange Line 'T' stop. Pet Policy: Larger Dogs Accepted, 80 lb weight limit, fenced dog park across street. Apartments feature high ceilings, light-filled rooms, open versatile floorplans, brushed stainless window treatments, polished hardwood floors, high-end kitchens with stainless steel appliances & granite counters. Building amenities include: Fitnesss Center, Garage Parkingg, Guest Parking Available, Wi-Fi, Community Room and Lush Outdoor Courtyard. Prices range from $2000 to $3500 for studios, one bedrooms, two bedrooms and three bedroom layouts.
Cambridge Dog Friendly Apartments
This Kendall square historic converted factory building offers ultra-unique floor plans, massive windows and soaring ceilings. Pet Policy: 1 Dog max per unit, 65 lb. weight limit unless courtyard apartment. Monthly pet fee of $75 and there are breed restrictions. Lofts feature high ceilings, exposed wooden beams, sky lights, large factory windows, fully-applianced kitchens, great closet space, Central Air & heating, and high-speed Internet. Building amenities include Fitness Room, Laundry Room and On-Site Management. Prices range from $2000 to $4000 for studios, one beds, two beds and three beds.
Kendall Square Full Service Luxury Apartments
Kendall Square's premier property located in Cambridge, this luxury building is convenient to public transportation and is two blocks from the MIT/Kendall Square T stop. Pet Policy: Dog and Cat Friendly. No Weight Limit, 2 dogs max per unit, Breed restrictions, $85 per month per dog + security deposit. Features include Central Air Conditioning, soaring ceilings, bay windows or floor-to-ceiling windows, chef's kitchens with granite counters, islands and new appliances, private patios or balconies, washer/dryers in the unit. Building conveniences include indoor heated swimming pool, 24-hour concierge service, 2,200 square foot fitness center, media room, resident lounge with bar, underground parking garage and a conference room. Prices range from $2700 to $5800+ for studios, one beds, two beds and three beds.
Dog Friendly in the Heart of Kendall Square
Recently construction luxury apartments in the heart of Kendall Square offer custom lighting fixtures, bamboo floors in select units, California closets, Charles River views, floor-to-ceiling windows, granite kitchens with stainless steel appliances, Central Air and in-unit laundry. Pet Policy: There is a pet rent of $50 for cats, and $100 for dogs. There is a maximum of two pets per home, up to 65 pounds each. Some of the property amenities include 24 hour concierge service, dry cleaning, a fitness club, and Zen Garden. Prices range from $2700 to $5000 for studios, one beds and two bedrooms.
Luxury Apartments Overlooking Fenway Park
Designed with modern living in mind,these Boston luxury apartments offer with top of the line amenities and stunning city views. Pet Policy: Larger Dogs Accepted. Dynamic location steps to Fenway Park, Kenmore Square, the Back Bay, Longwood Medical Area and many restaurants and nightlife options. Features include floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, bamboo floors, cook's kitchens with stainless steel appliances, study, granite counters and European-styled cabinetry, luxurious bathrooms, Central Air, Washer/Dryer in unit. Building features include WiFi, a fitness center, concierge services, 24/7 maintenance and security, and resident and guest garage parking. Priced from $3,0000 to $10,000 for studios, one beds, two beds and three beds.
Dog Friendly Fenway Apartments
This Symphony Area elevator concierge building was once a hotel and features a concierge and on-site management. Pet Policy: 2 dogs per unit, Dog & Cat Friendly, Breed Restrictions, 45 lb Weight Limit, pet rent applies. Features include hardwood floors, bay windows, renovated kitchens and baths. Units range from studios to two bedrooms and prices range from $1500 to $3000.
Dog Friendly at Longwood Medical Center
Located at the Longwood Medical T stop and Academic Area, with easy access to the Mass Pike, Huntington Avenue (Route 9), the MBTA Green Line 'E' Branch and the Orange Line, this luxury building is convenient for medical students and staff working at Longwood Medical Center. Pet Policy: Dog & Cat Friendly, Breed Restrictions, Weight Limit. Apartments feature parquet wood floors, ample closet space, large balconies, washer and dryers on site, and incredible views of the Boston skyline. Residents can take advantage of the outdoor pool, 24-hour concierge, fitness center, garage and outdoor parking available at the apartments. Apartments range from $1900 to $5000 and there are studios, one beds, two bed and three bed floor plans.
Dog Friendly at Longwood Medical Center
Loocated on Tremont Street near the Longwood Medical Area and just off the MBTA Green Line, this luxury apartment building is popular with medical students and staff working at Longwood Medical area. Pet Policy: Dog & Cat Friendly, Breed Restrictions. The apartments have been designed for easy living, and include a full complement of kitchen appliances, gas cooking, a modern ceramic-tiled bath, individually controlled heat and air conditioning and classic wood parquet floors. Building features include new, state-of-the-art fitness center, Security-controlled access, Ample garage parking , 24-Hour emergency and maintenance service, Clubhouse and conference area and Brand new laundry facility. Apartments range in price from $2400 to $5000 for one beds, two beds and three beds.