Everything You Should Know About Apartment Pet Policies

Many renters consider pets part of their family, making pet-friendly rentals increasingly important. With 70% of U.S. households owning a pet, many prospective residents seek homes that welcome their furry, feathered, or scaly companions. Accommodating pet owners can attract responsible renters while maintaining your property’s condition. A well-crafted pet policy ensures a balance between resident satisfaction and property preservation. This guide offers practical tips to help you create a fair, effective pet policy that supports positive resident relationships and keeps your rental in top shape. Renting to pet owners can be a win-win with the right approach!  

What is a Pet Policy for Apartments? 

A pet policy provides clear guidelines for renters regarding pet ownership in an apartment. It outlines whether pets are allowed or restricted and, if permitted, specifies the responsibilities of pet owners. Creating a well-structured policy ensures both property owners and residents understand expectations, promoting a positive living environment. As a property owner, you can tailor the policy to suit your preferences while considering the comfort of all residents. 

While no policy can completely prevent pet-related issues, it plays a vital role in managing them. Accidents, like scratched walls or damaged floors, can happen despite precautions. However, a clear pet policy holds residents accountable, making it easier to address and resolve incidents effectively. By setting fair rules, you foster a pet-friendly atmosphere while protecting your property and ensuring harmony within the community. 

What to Include in Pet Policy for Apartments  

A well-structured pet policy safeguards your property while fostering a pet-friendly environment. By addressing key components, you set clear expectations for residents and reduce pet-related risks. Here are six essential elements to include in your pet policy: 

1. Types of Permitted Pets 

Clearly outline which pets are allowed. Accepting common domestic animals such as dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, and small mammals (like rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs) broadens your pool of potential residents. A pet-friendly policy can reduce vacancy periods and boost rental income. 

2. Restrictions and Limitations 

Establishing clear restrictions in your pet policy helps balance resident comfort and property protection. You can limit the number of pets per unit, such as allowing up to two dogs and one cat, to prevent overcrowding. Size and weight restrictions are common to minimize potential damage and reduce noise disturbances. While these rules should be clearly stated, maintaining flexibility for case-by-case considerations ensures fairness and accommodates responsible pet owners.  

3. Resident Responsibilities 

Clearly communicating expectations encourages responsible pet ownership. Residents should keep dogs leashed in common areas, cover any pet-related damage, and clean up after their pets both indoors and outdoors. Small animals must remain properly caged, while cats and dogs should wear identification tags. To maintain a safe and respectful environment, outline consequences for rule violations, which may include pet removal or lease termination after repeated infractions. 

4. Pet Screening Process 

Meeting pets and their owners in person allows you to assess the pet’s behavior and the owner’s honesty. This interaction provides an opportunity to observe the pet’s temperament and ask important questions, such as whether the pet is house-trained, has ever caused damage or bitten someone, how old it is, and who cares for it when the owner is away. These insights help you make informed rental decisions, ensuring the pet is a good fit for your property. 

5. Required Documentation 

Request up-to-date records, including proof of vaccinations, microchipping, city-required licenses, and flea prevention or deworming treatments. Collecting proper documentation ensures residents comply with local ordinances while promoting a healthy and safe community for all residents. 

6. Pet Fees and Deposits 

Pet fees and deposits help mitigate potential damage while maintaining fairness for residents. Pet rent involves a monthly fee, typically between $20 and $60 per pet, to cover wear and tear. Pet deposits are refundable amounts held as security against pet-related damage and returned if no issues arise. In contrast, a pet fee is a non refundable, one-time charge collected at move-in. Selecting the right combination of these charges ensures financial protection for property owners while keeping policies reasonable for pet-owning residents. 

Policy About Emotional Support & Service Animals 

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), homeowners cannot implement a pet policy in an apartment lease for a service animal. Homeowners cannot prohibit a service animal from living on the rental premises, and according to the Fair Housing Act (FHA), such animals are not subject to pet deposits or fees. 

Note: Property owners can deny an ESA or service animal if it is too large for the apartment, poses a safety risk, lacks proper documentation, or is illegal to own. Otherwise, the FHA exempts these animals from pet policies and fees.  

How to Be a Good Renter and Keep Your Homeowner Happy 

Finding rentals with pets allowed can be difficult but not impossible. Here are a few things you can do to earn brownie points with your property owner: 

• If other residents have pets on the premises, ensure the pets from both houses get along well. If they do not, it is a good idea to talk to the other residents and arrange the pets’ schedules so that they do not cross paths. 
• Ensure that your pet’s tags and licenses are in order and their vaccines are up to date.   
• Showing pet reference letters from your current/previous property owner or neighbors is a good idea, although not required. 
• Arranging a meet-and-greet session between the prospective property owner and your pet can assure the property owner how well-behaved your pet is! 
• Housebreaking or house-training your puppy or kitten is extremely important. 
• If you have a dog, keep it on a leash while using common areas. 

Get Help from the Experts 

From finding the perfect rental house where pets are allowed to guiding you with a pet policy apartment lease, we at Beach Front Property Management can help you navigate the tricky legalities of renting with pets. If you have any queries, feel free to schedule a 15 minute consultation call with us.