{"id":75326,"date":"2022-03-18T14:15:36","date_gmt":"2022-03-18T21:15:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=75326"},"modified":"2023-02-06T09:37:01","modified_gmt":"2023-02-06T17:37:01","slug":"renting-with-pets-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/renting-with-pets-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Renting With Pets: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pets are great companions. They provide <\/span>health benefits<\/span><\/a> like socialization, intellectual stimulation, and companionship while bringing joy to people\u2019s lives. Unfortunately, renting with pets can be difficult; property managers generally view animals as risks and dissuade people from having them through higher rent, deposits, and other restrictions. Thankfully, most rental properties allow pets in limited forms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Property managers usually permit small pets, like fish or turtles, but are more strict with larger animals, like cats and dogs. So whether you <\/span>rent a home<\/span><\/a> in <\/span>Boulder, CO<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>Philadelphia, PA<\/span><\/a>, read on to learn what you need to know about renting with pets.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Renting with pets: pet policies<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most rentals have provisions called pet policies. These are rules included in a lease that protect the landlord and tenant by clearly stating expectations around pet ownership. Policies can vary widely, ranging from no-pet policies to having no policy at all. <\/span>\u201cIf you’re planning to welcome a new pet into your rental, there are several things to consider,\u201d says Lisa of <\/span>Houston PetSet<\/span><\/a>, a nonprofit pet rescue. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to adopt a new pet and find out you can’t afford it, or that your rental property doesn’t allow the pet at all.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before you sign a rental agreement, carefully review the pet policy and also ensure the policy is included in the lease so that you have it in writing. Here are some common rental pet policies.<\/span><\/p>\n

No-pet policies<\/span><\/h3>\n

Some rentals don\u2019t allow pets at all. This provision commonly excludes all animals of any kind. Don\u2019t try to sneak a pet in, and \u201cbe honest,\u201d states Mick from <\/span>PAWS<\/span><\/a>, a leading nonprofit animal welfare society. \u201cThe landlord will find out if you have a secret pet, or that you have three cats instead of one. If you want to try convincing the landlord, propose a trial period, develop a pet resume, and offer to negotiate an addendum to the rental agreement.\u201d Breaking your lease may result in eviction or fines. Most no-pet policies don\u2019t apply to emotional support animals or service animals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of pets allowed<\/span><\/h3>\n

Pet policies vary widely. Some policies may exclude a single species, such as cats, while others might exclude everything but cats. \u201cNot all landlords advertise that a rental is pet friendly, ” says Trevor, CEO of <\/span>ApartmentLove<\/span><\/a>, an apartment listing service. \u201cWhen you find a home that fits your budget and needs, talk to the landlord to show that you and your pet are going to be good and reliable tenants.\u201d Read the provisions carefully and ask plenty of questions to ensure your pet is allowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Breed restrictions<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many rentals are picky when it comes to animal breeds, most commonly among dogs. After all, \u201cmixing mutts with small-home living isn\u2019t always easy. Cooped-up pooches can bark up a storm, alienating neighbors,” says Brandie Ahlgren, founder and editor of Seattle-based <\/span>CityDog Magazine<\/span><\/a>.<\/a> “However, with some training and exercise, a dog can be a great addition to an apartment.\u201d While not every rental has dog breed restrictions, those that do generally restrict larger and louder mixed breeds and mutts. These are part of the \u201cbully\u201d category and include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Huskies, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, and Dobermans.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you own a restricted dog breed, it\u2019s possible to appeal the restriction and ask for flexibility. If your property manager is steadfast, try negotiating by paying a higher security deposit<\/a> or a higher pet rent. Bring your dog for a pet interview to prove they are fit to rent, and ask your friends for pet references.<\/span><\/p>\n

Number of pets allowed<\/span><\/h3>\n

Most rental properties limit the number of pets you can have. You may be limited to one or two pets or may need permission to bring any at all. Service animals and emotional support animals fall outside of this restriction and generally have no limits depending on your area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Weight requirements<\/span><\/h3>\n

Pet policies commonly include weight maximums \u2013 for example, no pets over 100 pounds. These requirements can be sneaky ways of ruling out certain species and breeds without inserting a specific breed restriction. Property managers may also only want smaller animals due to the size of the rental, making renting with pets a more difficult process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pet rent and deposit<\/span><\/h3>\n

As if pets aren\u2019t expensive enough, rentals often include pet rent, additional security deposits, and cleaning fees in the lease. Pet rent is an additional monthly cost added to your base rent and is nonrefundable. Pet security deposits are generally refundable but come with strict stipulations. Noise complaints, stains, and damage are all possible reasons your deposit can be voided.<\/span><\/p>\n

These charges are illegal in some states, so make sure to check with the property manager and do your research before signing a lease. Budget conservatively and ask plenty of questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spaying and neutering<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cThe most important and least included pet policy is proof that the pet is spayed or neutered,\u201d says Sally of <\/span>SNYP Spay Neuter Clinic<\/span><\/a>, a non-profit animal welfare organization located in Oregon. \u201cSpaying and neutering has many benefits to the pet, the community, and you. The pet enjoys reduced risk of certain cancers, neighbors in the community are spared unwanted breeding behaviors, and you won\u2019t wake up with a new litter of animals to take care of.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Renting with pets: service animals<\/span><\/h2>\n

Service animals are working animals and are not considered pets, making them exempt from most rental policies. As such, property managers legally can’t prohibit a service animal from living in a rental. They can\u2019t charge a pet deposit or pet rent, and can\u2019t restrict based on size, species, weight, or breed. You are also not required to disclose any information about your disability or the exact service your service animal provides. Be sure to have proper documentation and a support system who can help you in case of disagreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Emotional support animals<\/span><\/h3>\n

Under the <\/span>Americans with Disabilities Act<\/span><\/a> (ADA), emotional support animals are not considered service animals because they aren\u2019t trained to perform a specific task. Additionally, a doctor\u2019s note does not make an emotional support animal a service animal<\/a>. However, they are still usually exempt from many rental requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rules surrounding emotional support animals are typically state or city-dependent. They always require documentation from a medical professional, though. For example, in <\/span>Seattle, Washington<\/span><\/a>, support animals are given similar rights as service animals. Keep an eye out for local laws regarding emotional support animals.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Considerations for renting with pets<\/span><\/h2>\n

Pets can be great additions to your home, bringing fun, carefree energy to your life. But they come with their challenges \u2013 they require cleaning, care, time, and energy and can negatively affect your rental history if they cause damage. They can also limit your renting options; some rentals don\u2019t allow pets or are restrictive with pet breeds, species, and sizes. For example, most rentals do not allow small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs (unless they are considered service or emotional support animals). Regardless, most rental properties allow pets in some capacity, and are willing to help you bring yours along. When you find a rental, here is what to keep in mind to <\/span>help your pet adjust to their new home<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pet health<\/span><\/h3>\n

Taking care of your pet\u2019s needs is important. Managing exercise, sickness, and food intake leads to a healthier home. <\/span>\u201cWhether you\u2019re renting a house or an apartment, it\u2019s important to create play routines to enrich your pet\u2019s life,\u201d says Nou of <\/span>Valley Animal Center<\/span><\/a>, Fresno\u2019s first humane animal shelter. \u201cTake your dog on regular walks around the neighborhood or to a dog park. For cats, dedicate time for interactive play before a mealtime using enrichment and games.\u201d H<\/span>ere are some important points to keep in mind when renting with a pet:<\/span><\/p>\n