Landlords often ask, “Do I have to allow pets in my rental property?” The short answer is no—but the real answer is a bit more complicated.
A well-thought-out pet policy can impact your tenant pool, vacancy rates, and even your bottom line. Whether you currently allow pets or have a strict no-pet policy, understanding the risks and benefits will help you make the best decision for your rental property.
The Difference Between a Pet and an Assistance Animal
One of the most important distinctions to understand is the legal difference between a pet and an assistance animal.
- A pet is an animal a landlord allows in a rental at their discretion. Tenants may be charged pet rent or fees for keeping one in the property.
- An assistance animal is not considered a pet. It provides a disability-related service and is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act.
Even if a rental property has a strict no-pet policy, landlords cannot deny a verified assistance animal or charge extra fees for it. Tenants with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations, and landlords are expected to comply unless there is a legitimate, legally recognized reason not to.
Should You Allow Pets in Your Rental Property?
Legally, landlords can choose whether to allow pets. The decision should be based on the property’s suitability, tenant demand, and risk tolerance.
Reasons to Allow Pets
- Larger Tenant Pool – More than 60 percent of U.S. households have a pet. A strict no-pet policy immediately reduces the number of potential renters, which can lead to longer vacancies and lower rent offers.
- Higher Rent Potential – Many pet owners are willing to pay additional pet rent, providing an opportunity for increased revenue.
- Qualified Tenants Make Responsible Pet Owners – Tenants who meet financial and rental history qualifications are generally responsible with their pets as well.
Reasons to Restrict Pets
- Property Limitations – Some properties are simply not well-suited for pets due to their size, shared spaces, or other factors.
- Potential Damage – Pets can cause damage, though many landlords find that responsible tenants mitigate this risk. Proper screening of both the tenant and the pet can minimize concerns.
Managing Risk with a Pet-Friendly Policy
If a property can reasonably accommodate pets, a structured pet policy can help manage potential risks while keeping the property competitive in the rental market.
A well-designed pet policy should include:
- Pet Screening – Verifying pet breed, size, vaccination records, and behavior history can help ensure a responsible pet-owner relationship.
- Pet Fee– Charging pet rent can help offset any additional wear and tear on the property.
- Clear Lease Terms – The lease should include detailed pet agreements outlining tenant responsibilities, pet behavior expectations, and any breed or size restrictions.
The Reality of a No-Pet Policy
Many landlords assume that banning pets means no animals will be in the rental. However, this is not necessarily true.
A strict no-pet policy does not prevent tenants from requesting assistance animal accommodations. Assistance animals must be accommodated when legally required, and landlords cannot charge pet rent or additional deposits for them.
In practice, landlords with strict no-pet policies often see an increase in assistance animal requests. When pet owners cannot secure housing through standard pet policies, they may explore legal accommodations instead.
The Bottom Line
A pet-friendly policy can be a strategic advantage for landlords who want to attract a larger pool of tenants and increase rental income. However, it is important to have a structured screening process and a clear lease agreement to minimize risk.
For landlords who prefer to restrict pets, understanding reasonable accommodation laws is critical. Assistance animals must be handled according to fair housing regulations, regardless of a landlord’s personal pet policy.
Choosing whether to allow pets in a rental property is ultimately a business decision. A well-informed approach ensures that landlords can maximize returns while protecting their investments.
