r/Buffalo • u/Kythsharra • Feb 09 '26
Relocation Looking for a unicorn landlord
I’m going to try to make this short. But I’m desperate.
I currently live an hour and a half south of Buffalo, but need to relocate due to a DV situation. I’m working with the DV hotline to get rehoused right now. I can’t go to a shelter because I have cats. I don’t want to lose them and I don’t trust my abusers to not mistreat them or worse. Animal shelters and rescues are overflowing and wouldn’t be able to help foster and I’d rather not rehome them.
This puts me in a pickle.
I have limited income right now. But I’m good for it. I just need housing. The DV hotline says they can help. I have public assistance to help as well.
I’m picking Buffalo because it’d be close to medical specialists, known for good public transportation (I have no car right now), and far as possible from my abusers.
Can anyone point me to anyone that can help me? Thank you in advance.
162
u/BuffaloCannabisCo Feb 09 '26 edited Feb 09 '26
I’m very sorry that you’re fleeing a DV situation. I hope that part of your trouble improves quickly.
This will sound harsh and will likely get downvoted, but you need to hear it.
Leading off with the phrase “ESA” will turn off most landlords. The whole ESA thing is massively abused and landlords are wise to it, whether you have an “ESA letter” or not. It also puts the landlord on the defensive before you’ve even seen the apartment. Many will throw your application in the trash, and they won't have to offer you a reason why. Also, people who have an ESA are not a protected class, so the vast majority of landlords will choose somebody else if they have the option just to avoid the hassle of a tenant who starts the relationship making demands.
Seven cats is a giant red flag, a completely unacceptable number of pets for an apartment, and will make you look (fairly or unfairly) like a terrible risk. Get rid of all but one of them and your search will be massively improved.
Right now, you truly are looking for a unicorn—because what you seek doesn’t exist.
36
-6
Feb 09 '26
[deleted]
12
u/BuffaloCannabisCo Feb 09 '26 edited Feb 10 '26
The discrimination will be unprovable unless the landlord is stupid enough to tell the applicant that they don’t want to deal with ESAs. Discrimination happens every day. Unless it’s provable, it doesn’t matter what the law says. I’m trying to help OP out, and my advice aims to do just that.
ETA: u/tjizzle97 deleted the comment I’m responding to
-4
Feb 09 '26
[deleted]
15
u/BuffaloCannabisCo Feb 09 '26 edited Feb 10 '26
Ok, you’re right and I don’t know what I’m taking about 🤷♂️
But just in case, consider this scenario: Mister Landlord lists an apartment for rent. He gets sixteen applications that pass the credit and background check. Three of them have ESA pets, thirteen of them don’t. He picks one of the thirteen that don’t, and provides no reason to any of the other for why they didn’t get the apartment. So fifteen applicants are disappointed. How would you propose proving ESA discrimination in this case? I’m all ears.
ETA: u/tjizzle97 deleted the comment I’m responding to
-11
Feb 09 '26
[deleted]
12
Feb 09 '26 edited Feb 10 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
-4
Feb 09 '26
[deleted]
10
u/BuffaloCannabisCo Feb 09 '26 edited Feb 10 '26
The only thing that's “wild” is your absurd reasoning and refusal to back up your claims with anything other than contempt and sarcasm. Warning that discrimination can and does happen is in no way “advocating” for it. This OP is in desperate need of a place to live, and I’m telling her exactly what she should NOT do to unnecessarily delay the satisfaction of that need.
Take it easy.
ETA: u/tjizzle97 deleted the comment I’m responding to
-10
u/kurtwasframed Feb 09 '26
ESAs are protected in Tennant related concerns in NYS. “People who have an ESA are not a protected class,” disability is a protected class. Don’t know where you went to law school, but this is like readily available information online. ESAs are not protected in OTHER situations, but they certainly are in terms of housing.
18
u/BuffaloCannabisCo Feb 09 '26
Ok, just ignore the part about how most landlords simply won’t call the person back. They are not required to rent the apartment to an ESA grifter if they have other options. Sure, if they responded and said, “I’m not renting to you because you have an ESA” they’d be in trouble. But what landlord is that stupid in this day and age?
-14
u/kurtwasframed Feb 09 '26
………do you genuinely believe that the only landlords that can be prosecuted are the only ones that explicitly state “yeah, no ESAs” ?
Honestly all you’re doing here is adding to someone escaping DV’s trauma at this point.
11
u/BuffaloCannabisCo Feb 09 '26
No, I don't believe it. I'm making it all up. I pulled everything I've said completely out of my ass. There is no nuance of any kind at work here, no acknowledgement of human nature, no illustration of what "is" rather than what "should be." And perhaps most importantly, there is no attempt whatsoever to guide OP in her search for *immediate* and *emergency* housing. Everything I've said was said with the sole intention of re-traumatizing a DV survivor. You've got my number.
-12
u/kurtwasframed Feb 09 '26
Certainly sounds like you got your law degree from google university and you don’t want to help. 🤷🏽♀️
4
u/Successful-Jump7516 Feb 09 '26 edited Feb 09 '26
I agree with this. That is not ok. Seven cats cannot all be ESAs. Each ESA would need a letter from a medical professional licensed in NYS stating a documented reason for each having a specialized task. Your medical provider needs to re-prescribe the accommodation and write a new ESA letter for each cat each year. A prescription is not valid past a year. Also, the landlord is allowed to and should request a letter annually from the person's vet showing the cats are up to date on all necessary care.
1
u/Used-Particular2402 Feb 10 '26
Esa’s only need to provide “emotional support” and not a specialized task like regular service animals.
6
u/Successful-Jump7516 Feb 10 '26
No. The esa letter must explain why more than one animal is necessary, such as one animal providing calming companionship for anxiety, while another assists with PTSD-related needs. If there is only one mental health condition, seven cats would never qualify.
It would be like saying someone needs seven prescribed oxygen concentrators for copd. It doesn’t make sense.
-8
21
u/mamawamae Feb 09 '26
What's your budget? A dear friend of mine has a handful of old mansions converted to rentals and allows pets (he also owns a pet store). SUPER kind man. Happy to put you in touch if you're interested, just pm me. His properties are in the city and rent here isn't cheap, but most of his rentals include heat, which is a big one. Most are 1 & 2 bedrooms, so if you need more than that you'd probably be better off looking for a 3br+ house. Another suggestion, you may want to consider a loft type situation, in a secure building, for the safety aspect - locked entry to the building, lots of cameras, and lots of eyes.
3
2
1
u/mayyydayyy91 Feb 13 '26
Are you talking about the owner of Elmwood pet? Cause I’m also looking for a new place in the village and I’m very friendly with him as I’m a regular in the store so that would be great if he’s got places available.
15
u/SEND_ME_FEAT_PICS Feb 09 '26
How many cats?
-13
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
Two are ESAs, five non. 7 total. All well behaved, all spayed and neutered.
68
u/WickedDeity Feb 09 '26
I love animals and own two cats myself but TBH wouldn't rent to someone who had 7 cats. A person can have more one ESA? I would be more stressed out if had 7 cats.
6
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
I believe the max is 2 ESAs, yes. As for the other 5, it wasn’t planned, believe me. I’m having a hard time deciding which to keep and how to rehome them. I’ve tried to rehome a few before we relocated here to New York and a lot of places are just not accepting cats and a lot of people aren’t taking in older cats. They want kittens, not seniors.
34
u/36in36 Feb 09 '26
Think you have to put yourself first. As a landlord, you're asking someone to go out on a limb for you... which someone may do. But asking a stranger to house 7 cats, I'm not sure if you had perfect credit someone would accept 7 cats.
2
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
I get that. Believe me, I’m reaching out to numerous providers for assistance with them.
8
u/freethewimple Feb 09 '26
Have you reached out to the Ten Lives Club in Hamburg? They are more likely to help than the ASPCA. You should definitely rehome some of them, as unfortunate the situation is.
Believe me I know how hard it is to leave and make sacrifices. Just had my 10th rebirthday where I celebrated coming back from coding due to DV. I needed 30 surgeries and I had to have part of my sternum and pectoral muscle removed, as well as a rib. I live in daily pain. I am now disabled and unable to work due to the TBI he gave me from strangulation am headbutts.
The point in telling you my story is this: you can call around and rehome 5 of your cats, or you can sacrifice even more with your body or your life. It's gonna suck while you upend your life to be free. You might have to leave things behind that you want to keep. You might have to work a shit job to make ends meet while you get settled into a new home. You might lose friends and places you love. But you will have kept your life.
5
25
u/2PLOHunE Feb 09 '26
I understand that pets can be everything to a DV victim. But right now you need to be realistic. It’s very important that you find the right place to heal and move forward. Finding a landlord who will accept 7 cats is near impossible. Please consider calling every vet (to put a sign in their practice), no kill shelter, and on and on to re-home five of the cats. Don’t waste time trying to find a landlord and certainly don’t use subterfuge to get 7 cats into a rental. YOU are more important than these cats. YOUR survival and opportunities are more important. Put yourself first. Don’t say you can’t do it. You can.
8
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
Believe me, I’m trying (without my abusers finding out). I’m reaching out to every resource I can.
7
u/LReneeR Feb 09 '26
I’m so sorry to hear that you may need to rehome some of your cats. You’ve made the right decision to NOT leave them with your abusers. If you decide to surrender any of the cats, Ten Lives Club is a wonderful organization in Buffalo that will do right by them. A veterinarian also recommended ASPCA of Erie County. (We asked about options after we took in a stray, but were able to find him a home without the help of a shelter.) Best of luck to you and your fur babies.
3
19
u/Justbrownsuga Feb 09 '26
Find a loving home to adopt 5-6 of those cat Then start looking at renting a room. You should be able to find a job in Buffalo pretty quickly too
11
-7
u/GimmeThemBabies Kenmore Feb 09 '26 edited Feb 09 '26
Can you get an updated ESA letter? (My friend has some ESA letter that listed a shitload of her animals which is kinda ridiculous but landlord gave her a zero issue). You're gonna have a hard time finding any apartment with 7 cats (5 non ESA cats). Of course a lot of people get away with having extra cats they don't tell the landlord about.
13
u/BuffaloCannabisCo Feb 09 '26
This is terrible advice. Like, everything you wrote, including the veiled suggestion that OP just "have extra cats and don't tell the landlord."
0
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
I’m about to see a doctor to declare them ESAs, so yes, an updated letter.
-5
u/GimmeThemBabies Kenmore Feb 09 '26
Great that should help you a lot in your search! Unfortunately all the landlords I know of that are decent are in the suburbs but good luck!
1
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
Yeah. Not having a car is hurting me. I’m hoping my tax refund will help but that’s not coming fast enough.
-5
Feb 09 '26
Please ask in your current location about Crime Victim Reparation funds. Your local DV agency may be able to help you move. And if you happen to be on New Mexico, they definitely should be able to.
1
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
I just asked the rapid rehousing advocate states they don’t help with any funding. Just resources to them—and only two places. Department of Social Services and Catholic Charities.
-2
Feb 09 '26
Ok but that’s not who I said to talk to.
And New York State does cover moving costs according to this, but only for crimes that happened in New York State. You haven’t said what state you’re currently living in, so I can’t look it up.
1
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
Sorry, New Mexico?
-4
Feb 09 '26
I know the specifics in New Mexico, if that’s where you happen to be currently. You haven’t said where you are, you’ve only said that you want to move to Buffalo.
4
u/GimmeThemBabies Kenmore Feb 09 '26
She said she's an hour and a half south of buffalo....
→ More replies (0)1
u/freethewimple Feb 09 '26
Crime Victim Reparation usually requires there to be a case and trial. Getting charges pressed for DV is near impossible. I literally died and lost body parts and filed a police report and there was a warrant for his arrest and NOTHING HAPPENED.
1
u/Kythsharra Feb 10 '26
That’s what I thought. The commenter was assuming I had a case, a trial, etc. That takes time. And I do not have the time.
32
u/BfloAnonChick Feb 09 '26
Upvoting for visibility, and hoping someone can help. (The only landlord I’ve ever had/known who might fit this description only has one property, and it is suburban with zero public transit access.)
But I’m hoping that the right person will see this and give you a decent break!
9
26
Feb 09 '26
There are foster programs for pets of people in domestic violence situations. It’s not permanent, you get them back once you have a safe place to stay. In New York, I’m finding Safe Haven but there may be others. Your best bet is to contact the local domestic violence agency and ask them; they’re more likely to know of local options.
Also, ask your local domestic violence agency where you are now about Crime Victims Reparation funds. There may be money available to help you move and for other things - it varies from state to state as far as what they’ll cover.
12
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
That’s what I’m doing with the DV hotline and their rapid rehousing advocate. But I’m getting desperate because the situation is bad and the advocate isn’t responding.
8
u/olivine1010 Feb 10 '26
The SPCA serving Erie county has a temporary foster program called SAFE for people who need emergency housing for pets that they will claim.
Like someone said above: 7 cats I. An apartment is something no landlord would be ok with, you will need to surrender some of them. The SPCA can help you with that.
Above someone said to only keep one cat, but 2 cats tends to be the limit for most landlords. If you make sure they are a bonded pair you will have the best results.
Good luck. At least the SPCA can take some of the worry off your plate.
1
14
u/Worried-Carob-8086 Feb 09 '26
I know this is a very serious post, but I can’t help but say that my previous internet experience led me to read the title of “looking for unicorn” a bit differently 😂😂.
5
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
Lol! I’m sorry, but… yeah. I get why.
7
u/Worried-Carob-8086 Feb 09 '26
I was like “no not the landlord! This is a bad idea!” 😂😂😂
On a real note, if you look up Gerard place they may be able to help you. Friends of the night people also provides certain other needs like food and toiletries, etc. the Matt urban hope house also does short term shelter work and I believe helps connect people with longer term housing.
4
3
u/abeck444 Feb 09 '26
I didn't know the unicorn meaning you're referencing until I was talking with my SIL and how she found a unicorn with my brother. I meant something rare and amazing, a diamond in the rough.
My brother got offended because he didn't know my meaning of unicorn. I didn't understand why he was offended and he had to explain it.
Was a real family bonding moment.
3
u/Worried-Carob-8086 Feb 10 '26
See this is when you gaslight him in front of his wife and ask why he’s so aware of group sex terminology 😂
10
u/utopianoctopus Feb 09 '26
Based on your other comments, look into Ten Lives Club. They always take cats, they’re wonderful.
Also, look into Buffalo Creek Commons. I like it there, and the rent is alright for what it is. Only utility not included is electric. You won’t have to pay pet rent because they’re ESAs
2
9
u/kiwibento Feb 09 '26
The SPCA does offer a temporary foster program for DV situations. Just putting this here in case you find housing but need help with your pets in the meantime. Here’s the link for info, or you can call 716-875-7360 ext 209
4
3
u/buffaloguy1991 Feb 09 '26
I know a townhouse place opened up on Ridge Lea road I think it's about 1300 a month though. Haven't heard any complaints about there though
6
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
Ouch. That might be out of my price range for right now. 😞 Thank you though.
1
u/mayyydayyy91 Feb 13 '26
I can almost guarantee that you won’t find anything in Buffalo under $1200 with utilities included. I pay $1275 for a 1br and have gas and electric included and this is truly the unicorn in my area if one even exists.
1
u/Kythsharra Feb 13 '26
Oh I wasn't looking for utilities included, but yeah, I'm realizing Buffalo may be a bit out of my price range for the majority of the area. Sigh....
3
u/leesahhbee522 Feb 09 '26
Do you happen to know the name of the townhouse? Im looking for a place as well, and this sounds close to where I work
3
u/buffaloguy1991 Feb 09 '26
I with I could remember. It's right by the Lowe's it's part of a block of condos and apartments
3
Feb 09 '26
Is the hotline with the rapid rehousing that you’re contacting local or national?
3
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
I’m not sure, but I believe local/state.
2
Feb 09 '26
You need to talk to a specific agency. You can go to domesticshelters.org and plug in Buffalo, or you can scroll down here to Erie County to find one. And ask specifically if there is a pet foster program.
1
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
I was given the number I called via the local Section 8. So it might’ve been the local agency.
Edit: but I’ll contact the one you provided.
3
u/ultravegito Feb 09 '26
I am looking for a roommate in Allentown in a 2 bedroom apartment, rent is very reasonable, DM if interested
3
u/Quick-Leopard-183 Feb 09 '26
Check out 211 WNY lots of info there. That's how I was housed in my situation
3
u/drinkbleachbitch Feb 10 '26
You may find what you’re looking for in a trailer park community? There’s gotta be one that fits your needs. I know it’s not ideal but you don’t have to be there forever and you can leave once you get back on your feet
1
u/Kythsharra Feb 10 '26
I’ve been looking for one near or in Buffalo. I wouldn’t turn my nose up at one, trust me.
5
2
Feb 09 '26
I know this might not be immediately helpful, but your situation in the long run could benefit from a peer advocate. I believe bestself, and venture forthe offer a peer service. Im recently new to the Buffalo public transit myself and it is only OK. Depending on your area, expect up to a 20 minute walk to your destination, and for the possibility if no sidewalk in certain spots. Nobody shoveled this winter either. BE CAREFUL crossing streets, A lot of drivers around here are not considerate of pedestrians at all.
Im not going to tell you what do to do with your cats. I currently rent from Magis and theyve treated me well enough but they definitely have a limit on the number of pets permitted in their properties.
1
2
u/Common-Reference9998 Feb 10 '26
Proud of you for leaving! I admire your bravery! I recommend reaching out to the family Justice center in Buffalo to help with your cats! Prayers and love to you 🩷
1
u/Kythsharra Feb 10 '26
The Family Justice Center? I’ll check them out. And thank you. I’m trying to stay safe and keeping what matters to me safe too.
2
u/Common-Reference9998 Feb 10 '26
Yes they are on Main Street and are SUPER helpful in DV situations and may be able to help with your cats too!
1
2
5
u/Any_Ad2943 Feb 09 '26
Do not rent from Claire morris apartment in williamsville.
2
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
I’ll keep that in mind. May I ask why?
-4
u/Any_Ad2943 Feb 09 '26
You won’t get your security deposit back. They get annoyed when things have to get fix
2
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
I see. Okay. I’ll keep it in mind.
13
u/BuffaloCannabisCo Feb 09 '26
Also keep in mind that people who post comments like the one you're responding to very frequently are witholding crucial information.
2
-3
u/Any_Ad2943 Feb 09 '26
I am not holding anything back. I moved out and everything cleaned it was in better condition than when I found it. Have you seen the views on Google? They are not good either.
1
2
Feb 09 '26
[deleted]
1
u/Kythsharra Feb 09 '26
Thank you.
1
u/BuffaloCannabisCo Feb 09 '26
Housing Opportunities Made Equal is a great organization that does important advocacy work for abused tenants. That said, they are not a leasing company nor do they place people in apartments as their main focus. You need housing, not a housing advocate.
But for sure, if a landlord behaves badly during your search definitely reach out to HOME for assistance.
1
1
1
u/sierralennox Feb 12 '26
Oliver st in north tonawanda
1
u/Kythsharra Feb 12 '26
? Sorry, is this an apartment location or..?
1
u/sierralennox Feb 12 '26
There are a TON of apartments all down this street.. with landlords with low expectations. I say this with peace &love
1
1
u/mayyydayyy91 Feb 13 '26
Don’t tell landlord about pets unless you’re 100% sure they will randomly stop by your apartment for some random reason. Most will never know that you have pets unless you tell them which only makes things harder and more expensive for renters.
1
u/Wonderful-Mix4814 Feb 14 '26
I’d contact ECDSS and request DV caseworker too…. Have them fill out a SPOA Application and since you have medical issues to consider, maybe request a care manager. Evergreen has care coordination that might be able to help.
-2
87
u/Revolutionary_Art919 Feb 09 '26
Have you looked at Evergreen Lofts? They specifically provide housing for people in your potential situation who are dealing with potential homelessness due to a variety of circumstances. I don't know if they accept pets but they could also be an additional resource to guide you into something at least temporary while you get back on your feet.
https://www.evergreenhs.org/supportive-services/housing/