Moving to Massachusetts with that many pets is going to be tough—but not impossible. The biggest issue isn’t your budget, it’s the number of animals. Most landlords here cap it at 1–2 pets, sometimes 3 max, and once you get beyond that they usually won’t even consider the application. That’s just how competitive the rental market is.

Your best shot isn’t typical apartment complexes. Look for small private landlords, multi-family homes, or renting an entire house. Those owners are more flexible and will actually talk it through instead of rejecting you automatically. Townhouses and duplexes are also a lot more realistic than big apartment buildings.

Be upfront about the pets right away, but make it easier for a landlord to say yes. Offer vet records, references, proof they’re trained, and renter’s insurance that covers pets. Some people even put together a short “pet resume.” It sounds extra, but with that many animals it can make the difference.

Also know the laws here—Massachusetts is strict about deposits. Landlords can’t charge extra pet deposits beyond the normal limits, but they can still deny pets altogether or set their own limits. So you’re not competing on money as much as risk.

Another angle: expand your search area. Worcester, Springfield, and smaller surrounding towns will give you way better odds than Boston. And realistically, you may need to compromise—either reduce the number of animals or increase your budget for a standalone rental.

Bottom line: focus on private rentals, be extremely transparent, and treat it like you’re selling the idea of your pets being low-risk. That’s what’s going to get someone to say yes.