Stephanie, I had good luck looking for an apartment near Baltimore two years ago. To begin the search, I picked up one of the free apartment guides that list (among other things) apartments that allow pets. Happily, at least half of the apartment complexes accepted pets (almost always with a pet deposit and a monthly pet fee of around $35 or $40). I know that sounds a little pricey, but at least it's better than not allowing animals at all. I was very straightforward with the managers and explained that I had two ferrets who have a cage but get free roam of the apartment most of the time. Some of the managers didn't know what a ferret was until I explained it to them, but none of them turned me away. One of them offered to reduce the pet fee. I eventually ended up in a complex where a good eighty percent of the residents own dogs. I guess my ferrets seemed so tiny and innocent-looking in comparison that my apartment managers entirely waived the pet deposit and monthly fee. It's a good thing that the apartment was unfurnished... little do they know that my couch has been gutted from the inside! :o) So don't feel that you need to defend your fuzzies. It seems that Maryland landlords are pretty accepting of ferrets. I don't know if the situation is different when renting a house. I'm guessing, though, that if you can find a house rental ad that says pets are welcome, you can take them at their word. Best of luck! J [Posted in FML issue 2656]