Roughly 62% of Americans own a pet
Should You Allow Pets in Your Rental Property?
Roughly 62% of Americans own a pet, according to Pew Research Center. Of those pet owners, nearly all consider their animals part of the family. Yet many landlords still hesitate to allow pets—often for good reason. While allowing pets in rentals can expand your tenant pool, it may also introduce challenges, including property damage, noise complaints, and legal obligations related to service animals.
Deciding whether to allow pets in an apartment or rental property is more than a yes-or-no question. Below, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of allowing pets, offer guidance on setting clear policies, and explain how to protect your investment through screening procedures and enforceable rules.
Pros and Cons of Allowing Pets in Rental Properties
Allowing pets in rentals can open the door to more qualified tenants—but it also comes with responsibilities landlords need to navigate carefully.
Pros of allowing pets in your rental property
- Larger applicant pool: With most households owning at least one pet, you’ll have access to more qualified renters by creating a pet-friendly environment.
- Longer tenant retention: Pet owners often stay longer in one place due to limited housing options.
- Higher rent potential: Pet-friendly properties may command higher rents or increased deposits (where legally allowed).
Cons of allowing pets in your rental property
- Possible property damage: Scratched floors, chewed trim, and stained carpets can increase turnover costs.
- Noise and nuisance complaints: Barking, odors, and lack of pet cleanup can lead to issues with neighbors.
- Legal complexities: Emotional support animals and service animals are not considered pets, and mishandling these cases can lead to fair housing violations.
Balancing these factors is essential for developing a fair, enforceable pet policy.
How to Create a Pet-Friendly Policy Without Compromising Your Property
These practical tips can help you allow pets in a responsible way while minimizing risk and staying compliant with housing laws.
Screen Pets Individually
Size and breed don’t reliably predict behavior. A large dog may be calm and well-trained, while a smaller one could be anxious or destructive. Screening services like PetScreening.com allow you to review an animal’s vaccination records, behavioral history, and ownership background—essential when renting with dogs and cats.
Speak With the Previous Landlord
If possible, ask former landlords about the tenant’s history. Did the pet cause damage? Was there any noise-related conflict? If the applicant has moved frequently—more than once every couple of years—it could suggest difficulty maintaining stable housing while renting with pets.
Free Rental Application
Get 20 Rental Forms for FREE, including a rental application.
Require a Higher Security Deposit (When Permitted)
California landlords can charge up to two months’ rent as a deposit for unfurnished properties and three months’ for furnished ones. Within that limit, you can increase the deposit for additional coverage. Avoid labeling it a pet deposit.
For emotional support animals and service animals, do not collect any deposit or fee. These are protected under the Fair Housing Act and cannot be treated the same as regular pets.
Never Deny Service Animals
Service animals and emotional support animals are not considered pets under federal law. You cannot deny a qualified tenant housing because they have a service animal. The Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act both protect individuals who rely on these animals to manage physical or mental disabilities.
Landlords are not permitted to charge pet deposits, restrict by breed or size, or require specialized training certifications. You may ask two questions only: whether the animal is required due to a disability and what task the animal has been trained to perform. You cannot ask for medical documentation, and you must accommodate the tenant without delay or penalty.
Set Clear Health and Sterilization Requirements
Require that all pets be up-to-date on vaccinations. Responsible owners should already have this documentation. Spaying or neutering animals can lower the likelihood of aggression and reduce undesirable behaviors like marking. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that altered dogs tend to bark less and roam less frequently.
Define Acceptable Pet Behavior
Lay out specific rules in the lease agreement. These should include:
- No dogs tied up outside
- Indoor-only policy for cats
- Immediate cleanup of pet waste
- No excessive barking or disruptive behavior
Each of these helps reduce complaints and protect shared spaces in rentals that allow pets.
Source: Genuine Property Management
Accessibility