Renting with pets is one of the biggest challenges in the housing market. Despite the fact that about 70% of US households own a pet (American Pet Products Association), many landlords prohibit them — or charge significant fees that add to the cost of renting. Here's how to navigate it successfully.
The Pet-Friendly Rental Challenge
Landlords who restrict or prohibit pets are generally concerned about property damage, noise complaints, and liability. Understanding these concerns helps you address them proactively when applying. The good news: with the right approach, many landlords who say "no pets" on their listing will make exceptions for the right tenant with the right animal.
Start With the Right Search
Use EMLAKIE's pet-friendly filter to see only listings that explicitly welcome pets. This saves time and reduces rejection. Many smaller landlords who list directly are more flexible than large property management companies, which often have blanket breed or weight restrictions.
Understand Pet Deposits and Pet Rent
- Pet deposit: A one-time refundable amount, often in the range of $200–$500 per pet but varying widely by state and landlord (check your state and local regulations for any caps), held against pet-related damage
- Non-refundable pet fee: A one-time charge that isn't returned at move-out — some states restrict or prohibit calling any deposit "non-refundable," so check your local rules
- Pet rent: An additional monthly fee that varies widely by location and landlord, often in the range of $25–$75/month per pet but sometimes higher — check comparable listings in your area
Know your state's laws — deposit rules (including caps on total deposit amounts and how pet deposits count toward them) vary by state and change over time, so check your local rules before agreeing to fees.
Create a Pet Résumé
A pet résumé is a one-page document that introduces your pet to a landlord and demonstrates that you're a responsible pet owner. Include:
- Pet's name, breed, age, and weight
- Up-to-date vaccination records
- Spayed/neutered status
- Training certifications or obedience classes completed
- A reference letter from your previous landlord confirming no pet-related damage
- A photo of your pet (makes it feel personal and less threatening)
Offer Extra Protection to the Landlord
- Offer a larger security deposit to cover any potential pet damage
- Offer to have carpets professionally cleaned at move-out
- Show proof of renters insurance that includes pet liability coverage
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
Service animals are generally exempt from no-pet policies and pet fees under the Fair Housing Act; ESA protections exist too, but vary significantly by state and housing type, so consult fair-housing or tenant-advocacy resources specific to your jurisdiction rather than assuming a blanket exemption — ask the landlord directly, and be ready to provide documentation if asked. A letter from a health care provider familiar with your condition is standard documentation; be cautious of online ESA "registration" or "certification" services, which aren't reliable on their own.
Breeds and Size Restrictions
Large-breed and "aggressive breed" restrictions are common, largely driven by insurers' breed-restriction lists. Pit bulls and Rottweilers appear on most such lists; other breeds like German Shepherds appear on some insurers' lists but not all. If you have a commonly restricted breed, focus your search on private landlords (more likely to be flexible) and be upfront about the breed rather than trying to hide it — misrepresenting your pet on an application could jeopardize your lease — consult your state's tenant-rights resources or a local legal aid office for the specific rules in your jurisdiction.
Ready to find your next pet-friendly rental? Browse pet-friendly listings on EMLAKIE — no broker fee added by EMLAKIE.