Applying for a rental property is no doubt a nerve-wracking experience. Unfortunately, matters become all the more complex when you have a furry companion in tow.
Finding a landlord who will accommodate your beloved pet — aka the whole family — can be difficult if you’re not familiar with how renting with a pet typically works. To ensure you’re fully informed and can properly advocate for your pet, we will discuss everything you need to know about renting with pets below.
Renting With Pets: Is It Possible?
Yes, renting with pets is possible, especially in today’s climate. Data has shown that an estimated 70% of American households have pets today. With pet ownership on the rise, many landlords have chosen to allow pets to stay in their properties.
However, despite the increased acceptance of pets throughout the states, that doesn’t mean every landlord will accept your pet immediately.
Some landlords still have strict no-pet policies in place and refuse pets regardless of circumstances. Others have specific requirements that limit the breed, size, or type of pets that are permitted on the property.
Your pet must also be well-behaved, housebroken, and not pose a risk to the well-being of others. Disruptive or dangerous behavior can result in your pet being removed from the property. In some cases, it can even lead to eviction.
This makes it crucial to ensure your pet has undergone thorough training before you seek out rented accommodation.
Common Fees When Renting With Pets
Even when landlords are open to pets, the tenant is often expected to pay additional pet-related fees. This can increase the overall cost considerably. Below are some common fees when renting with pets.
Pet Rent
Pet rent is an extra amount of rent that a landlord charges a tenant for keeping a pet. Pet rent fees typically range between $25 and $75 each month. The exact fee will depend on the landlord and factors like the property type, location, and animal.
Pet Deposit
A landlord may ask for a pet deposit to cover themselves against potential damage your pet may cause. Like a standard deposit, this should be returned to you in full at the end of the tenancy if your pet has not caused any issues.
Damage Coverage
A landlord is also within their right to charge you for any significant property damage. This will typically be deducted from your pet deposit. However, if the damage is more than your deposit, you may need to pay an additional amount to cover the full cost.
Seek Written Permission When Renting With Pets
If a landlord states they have a no-pet policy in place, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should discount their rental property entirely. Landlords are sometimes happy to make exceptions and waive their no pet policies if you can show:
- Your pet is well-trained and isn’t likely to cause a disruption
- Your pet is housebroken and isn’t likely to soil the premises
- Your pet is well-socialized, gentle, and confident around people
Landlords also often show more leniency if your pet is small and manageable. For instance, they may be willing to accept a quiet cat, but they may deny a great Dane.
Be sure to advocate for your pet. Consider collecting references from trainers, groomers, or dog walkers who can attest to their character and behavior. You can also offer to voluntarily pay a pet deposit or pet rent.
Renting With Emotional Support Animals (& How It Differs)
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are more than pets. Through their physical presence and affection, they provide life-changing support to those with debilitating mental health disabilities.
While ESAs do not perform trained tasks like service animals, they are still recognized as vital medical aids. Most relevant to you, they also gain housing protections under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
Under the FHA, landlords cannot treat ESAs as pets and must accommodate them in almost all circumstances. They must also waive pet-related fees and cannot subject them to pet rules like breed restrictions.
These aspects combined make navigating the rental market with a recognized ESA more manageable, easier, and secure than with a pet. The exemption from pet-specific fees also means you will save considerably.
If you have a diagnosed mental health disability and have a pet who currently fulfills an ESA’s role, you may want to consider getting them legally recognized as an ESA. EmotionalSupportAnimal.com can help you learn more about your eligibility and guide you through the process.
Renting With Pets Made Easy
While pet ownership is on the rise, landlords still retain the right to enforce no-pet policies. Even in instances where landlords do accept pets, there may be certain restrictions (e.g., size limits) and additional fees (e.g., pet rent). It’s important to carefully review the lease agreement and terms before signing.
Always advocate for your pet when seeking rented accommodation. Landlords may show leniency if you can prove that your animal is well-behaved, housebroken, and not likely to cause any damage or safety concerns.
