Expert: Taura Ebanks - 7/16/2011

Question
Hello,
I will be moving to Grand Cayman to attend St. Matthew's University and I will be bringing my two lovely dogs with me. I would like to find an accommodation with a fenced yard in a safe area that isn't too expensive for a single student. Can you suggest where I should/shouldn't be looking? Are there any pet-friendly condos with yards? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Amber,

In the past, rental owners used to be very selective with allowing students/animals into their rentals, over the past year and a half the market has shifted and tenants can now enjoy what (comparatively from our past rental market) is much more flexible/cost effective market.

Most apartment complexes may have Strata rules against animals (even if the owner is flexible) many apartment complexes also do not have fenced yards (you may need to explore houses for this option)

As far as what is expensive, this really depends on each person's budget and what they consider affordable.

Re: your Pets :)With my past experience, I'd suggest getting references from past landlords or vets on the animals' personality etc... (as this can sometimes reassure pet hesitant owners that you have obedient pets and will not damage/destroy their contents)  Also, the open offer to walk pets off property and keep them on leashes may help as well :)

Sunshine Suites maybe a pet friendly pet option for you(size/breed is relevant to them) http://www.bringfido.com/lodging/50928/ (They're located on Seven Mile Beach and close to St. Matthews' in walking distance.

As a pet owner, may I suggest, Island Vet Services if they need any vet visits (Dr. Bush is great!) http://www.islandvetservices.ky/ (They may also be able to offer guidance on the steps to bring your pets with you to Cayman)

After browsing a few rental sites, I do see that there are some pretty good options out there, like a   3BD/3BA furnished house located in a residential George Town location close to schools with a Fenced yard, washer/dryer, split A/C. Cable ready. Great back porch and mature fruit trees. Children welcome, pets possible. No sharers. Available now for $2,200CI... OR: Brand new 2BD/2BA fully furnished waterfront apt. located in Omega Bay (PROSPECT). Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, pool, boat dock; Central A/C, washer dryer, cable or satellite ready; Pets, children and sharers all welcome. Available Now CI$1850  Just to give you an idea.

(Even if you only need a 1BD/1BA, you'll find there are more 2BD/2BA options as well as it ends up being more cost effective just to get a 2BD/2BA).  The way it can work:

Every rental agency has their own listings, but MOST tend to work with everyone.  This means that if you start working with 1 rental agent he/she will have the connections/ability to search and show you other rental listings that belong to other agents.  The provide this tenant support to you for free (the owner pays for the service) and so it'll be convenient for you to contact an agent about a week before you arrive with the following information:

1.  Your arrival and preferred move in date. (you'll want to allow approximately 1-2 weeks to familiarize yourself with the island, neighborhoods/preferred distance from your school as well as time to view a variety of properties, make a comfortable decision, sign a lease, move in etc...) I've found tenants that rush this process often regret their decision and end up wishing they'd taken the time to find the right space.)

2.  Length of lease (most owners prefer 6-12 month leases but some are more flexible than others
Your realistic budget (a good agent will work with what you tell them and this helps them to to help you find your ideal rental.

3. Number of pets/breed/age/weight/size/demeanor (this helps them communicate and research with owners that may have privately expressed a willingness to accept certain pet types)

4. Budget (what your budget range is from lowest to highest) and preferences like: safe neighborhood, nicely furnished, yard/screened patio etc...(I'd express that living as a single student safety and a good neighborhood is a requirement-a good agent will only offer these to you but it never hurts to reiterate your need to feel safe and secure :)

Re: The Good versus the bad neighborhoods, when you arrive and meet people, you'll be flooded with their perceptions/what they have been told but may have no real knowledge about in terms of a safe neighborhood -I'd always ask: What is your actual experience vs. what you've heard(you'll be surprises to find that one area of West Bay is a great neighborhood, while 2 streets down in the same district there is a bad reputation that is deserved) I'd suggest visiting a prospective rental your interested in (with a friend) both during the day and maybe drive through/walk around the neighborhood during the night. (I've always been surprised about my feeling "safe" changes during the night and the day!  Ask to speak to other tenants, don't be shy to knock on the doors of your possible neighbours to ask about their experiences living there.

Ultimately, work with an agent who you feel is honest, friendly and knowledgeable. (Feel free to send me a private message a week or so before you plan to arrive and I can suggest agents that are on island and can help find what you are looking for :)

Hope this information helps.

Taura