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From additional fees to breed or size restrictions to varying case-by-case rules, the world of pet policies in rentals can be daunting. More and more Americans have started to face this challenge as pet ownership in the U.S. has skyrocketed. So much so that a recent Point2Homes survey revealed that pet accommodation was a more common reason for renting a house than providing more space for a growing family.

Many renters find themselves navigating an array of pet policies when searching for a suitable home. According to the American Pet Products Association, 70% of U.S. households own pets, yet pet-friendly rental units can still be rugged to come by.

Point2Homes put together a guide on everything renters need to know before moving in with a furry friend, including:

  • Pet-related costs
  • Breed & size restrictions
  • Therapy, assistance, & service animals
  • Wild & exotic animals
  • Securing a pet-friendly rental

Nearly Two-thirds of U.S. Households Have At Least One Pet

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), as of 2023, there are 82 million households with at least one pet. This means over 64% of U.S. households include pets, a trend that also translates into an increasing demand for pet-friendly renting.

The reality is that many property managers or landlords still don’t allow pets — and if they do, there are extra costs and rules to follow. They might ask for an extra security deposit or charge additional rent for pets.

While landlords may have valid concerns about property damage and noise, accommodating renters with pets can broaden the pool of responsible, long-term tenants.

Pet-related fees are often implemented in order to address potential damages, increased cleaning needs, and even liability issues. They can vary widely, ranging from monthly pet rent to one-time fees or refundable deposits.

These costs can also vary based on the type of rental, property management policies, and local laws. Animal laws are usually made at the state or local level, so the rules can be different depending on location. This means that each city, county, or state may have its own regulations for pets like dogs and cats, as well as for wildlife and farm animals.

When renting, pet-related costs generally fall into three categories: pet rent, pet deposits, and pet fees.

What Is Pet Rent?

Pet rent is a non-refundable monthly fee charged in addition to regular rent. It is separate from pet deposits and pet fees, and it typically ranges from $10 to $50 but can sometimes go as high as $100, depending on the type, size, and number of pets.

Unlike pet deposits, pet rent is not returned to the tenant, as it’s intended to offset ongoing wear and tear caused by pets. Some landlords may use this revenue to fund wear and tear on the property, cleaning, maintenance, or landscaping.

What Is a Pet Deposit?

Pet deposits are one-time payments, often refundable, meant to cover potential damage caused by pets. Common deductions include costs for repairing scratched floors, chewed furniture, or stained carpets.

In the United States, the amount charged in rental agreements can vary widely by state and area. Pet deposits typically range from $100 to $500, but some landlords may charge more or less. Notably, some states cap pet deposits. For instance, in Colorado, landlords can charge up to $300 for pet deposits.

A pet deposit must be refunded at the end of the lease if no damage has occurred. In order to avoid disputes, it’s important for tenants to document the property’s condition at move-in and move-out.

What Are Pet Fees?

Pet fees are an upfront, non-refundable charge. Typically ranging from $100 to $300, pet fees are usually one-time charges that may or may not be refundable, depending on the landlord’s policies.

Unlike pet deposits, pet fees can be applied to general cleaning and wear and tear, such as removing pet hair or deodorizing carpets. While pet fees may seem less appealing since they’re non-refundable, they’re often lower than deposits.

Here are more insights on pet-related costs like pet rent, pet fees, and pet deposits.

Breed & Size Restrictions

The pets allowed may vary as much as the extra fees associated with renting alongside one. Many landlords set specific rules about the types of pets they allow, with restrictions often based on breed, size, or species.

Some property managers may allow certain small dogs, cats, or caged animals like hamsters or birds while restricting larger dogs or certain breeds considered “high-risk.” Others may not allow any pets at all.

These restrictions are typically put in place due to concerns about potential property damage, liability, or insurance requirements. In the U.S., violating pet policies can lead to consequences such as fines, the loss of the security deposit, and even eviction.

Common pet restrictions refer to:

  • Dog breeds: Some landlords prohibit breeds they perceive as aggressive or risky. These restrictions may be tied to their insurance policies, as some insurers will not cover liability for damages caused by specific breeds. Commonly restricted dog breeds — particularly in rental apartments — include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Great Danes, and Bulldogs.
  • Pet size or weight limits: Large dogs, usually over 25-50 pounds, are often restricted because of concerns about potential damage to floors, walls, furniture, greenery or other parts of the property. Small or medium-sized pets are generally more accepted.
  • Species: While cats and dogs are most commonly allowed, exotic animals (e.g., reptiles, ferrets, large felines, invertebrates) are often prohibited due to their specialized care needs or potential to escape and cause harm or fear.
everything renters Should Know When Renting with Pets

Service & Emotional Support Animals

In the U.S., some people have animals to help them, like guide dogs for people who are visually or hearing impaired, alert dogs for those with seizures or diabetes, or comfort animals for people with anxiety.

If a doctor prescribes a therapy or assistance animal, landlords may have to allow the pet, but you’ll need official paperwork to prove this.

Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot charge pet fees, rent, or deposits for service animals or emotional support animals. However, tenants are still responsible for any damage caused by these animals.

Wild & Exotic Animals

In many states, owning wild or exotic animals like wolves, lions, alligators, or venomous snakes is illegal because they can be dangerous. These animals can be unpredictable and hard to care for in a home environment.

You may be allowed to own exotic animals in some places if you get a special permit. However, you must follow strict rules to ensure the animal is kept in a safe and clean environment. This includes providing proper food, healthcare, and secure housing for the animal. If you don’t follow the rules, you could face fines or have the animal taken away. Always check local laws before considering an exotic animal as a pet.

Strategies for Securing a Pet-friendly Rental

The reality is it can take longer to find a pet-friendly rental, so allow as much time as possible to find your ideal rental.

Nowadays, it’s easy enough to narrow your search down to pet-friendly properties when searching for single-family rentals online. Alternatively, if you work with a realtor, they can seek out listings that are animal-friendly.

Even so, it can take some time to find the right rental for your needs, so be sure to factor this in before you begin your search. The good news is that single-family homes for rent tend to be more pet-friendly than apartments or condos.

While finding a rental that allows pets can be challenging, preparation and transparency can make the process smoother. Here are some strategies to help you stand out as a responsible pet-owning tenant:

1. Start Your Search Early

Pet-friendly rentals can be limited, so allow extra time for your search. Online platforms often include filters for pet-friendly listings, and working with a realtor can uncover additional options.

2. Be Transparent About Your Pet

Provide detailed information about your pet, including their breed, size, and temperament. Creating a “pet resume” with photos, training certificates, and references from previous landlords can help reassure potential landlords.

And no, it’s not worth sneaking pets in.

When struggling to find a pet-friendly rental that works, it might seem like a good idea to pretend that you don’t have a pet and simply sign the tenancy for a no-pets-allowed rental. Keep in mind that once you’ve signed the lease agreement, it’s a legally binding contract. If it states that pets are not allowed and you’re found to have brought a pet into the property, the landlord has every right to evict you.

3. Be Mindful of Your Pet’s Behavior

Complaints from neighbors can jeopardize your tenancy. Most landlords are wary of allowing pets due to the danger of receiving noise or behavioral complaints from the neighbors. This is especially true for dog owners, so try to prevent that from happening.

Be sure your pet won’t have cause to bark unnecessarily and don’t leave them outside alone at night without adequate shelter. You can always consider dog training to reduce excessive barking.

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, try to avoid leaving them alone for extended periods of time by arranging dog-day care while you’re at work, for example.

4. Ensure Your Lease Includes a Pet Clause

The golden rule of renting with pets: never sign a lease that states “no pets allowed,” even if the landlord has verbally agreed to let you take them in.

Never rely on verbal agreements, and always ensure all terms are documented. Everything must be written in the lease agreement in order to be legally binding. So, before signing, confirm that it explicitly allows pets and outlines any restrictions.

If you’re happy with the terms and conditions of your new pet-friendly rental, you’re probably eager to sign on the dotted line. However, be sure to read the lease agreement thoroughly and ensure that it contains a specific pet clause. This should outline the following:

  • What type of pets are allowed
  • How many pets are allowed
  • Potential restrictions or limitations

5. Consider Renter’s Insurance with Pet Liability Coverage

It’s always wise to invest in renter’s insurance when renting a new home. Not only does it provide peace of mind, but it covers you for a wide variety of potential issues. As a pet owner, look out for an insurance policy that offers some form of pet liability cover. It can be especially important for breeds often excluded by landlords.

Many insurance policies cover pet-related damages or incidents, providing peace of mind for both you and your landlord. Pet insurance will typically cover you for any damage to the property that your pet caused, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in repairs or even being evicted.

Andra Hopulele is a Senior Real Estate Writer at Point2Homes. She holds a BA in Language, one in Psychology and an MA in Cultural Studies. With over seven years of experience in the field and a passion for all things real estate, Andra covers the impact of housing issues on our everyday lives, including the latest news on residential development, the dynamics of house rentals, advice for first-time renters and rental market news. She also writes about the financial implications of the new generations entering the housing market, with a focus on renters' perspectives and challenges. Her studies and articles have appeared in publications like The New York Times, Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, MSN, The Real Deal, Huffington Post etc. She can be reached at [email protected].