Roughly 70% of US households have at least one pet, but finding a quality apartment that accepts them remains one of the most frustrating parts of the rental market. Many buildings either ban pets entirely or impose restrictions — breed bans, weight limits, species restrictions — that narrow your options significantly. This guide helps you find the right apartment, understand the true cost of pet-friendly renting, and protect yourself legally.
The True Cost of Renting With a Pet
Pet-friendly renting comes with financial obligations beyond the monthly rent. Budget for all of these when you use our rent affordability calculator:
| Pet Cost | Typical Range | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| Pet deposit | $200–$500 per pet | Yes (if no damage) |
| Non-refundable pet fee | $200–$500 per pet | No |
| Monthly pet rent | $25–$75 per pet/month | N/A (ongoing) |
Many buildings charge a combination of these. On a 12-month lease with one dog, total extra costs can range from $500 to $1,400 for the year. On a two-year lease, that grows to $900–$2,300.
Pet Deposit vs. Pet Fee vs. Pet Rent
These three charges are often confused but function differently:
- Pet deposit: Refundable amount held against pet-caused damage. Returned (minus deductions) when you move out, following the same rules as a security deposit. Subject to state deposit limits.
- Non-refundable pet fee: A one-time charge that is kept regardless of damage. Often framed as covering professional cleaning after move-out. This is not subject to the same return requirements as a deposit since it's not held in trust.
- Pet rent: An ongoing monthly surcharge added to your base rent. This is the landlord's compensation for the increased risk and potential wear from having a pet in the unit.
Common Pet Restrictions
Breed Restrictions
Building liability insurance often drives breed restrictions, not individual landlord preference. Commonly restricted breeds include:
- American Pit Bull Terrier / Pit Bull mixes
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Akitas
- Chow Chows
- Siberian Huskies
- Wolf hybrids
If you have a dog that resembles a restricted breed but is a mix, ask for clarification. Some buildings require a DNA test or a veterinarian's letter confirming the breed. Being honest upfront prevents eviction later.
Weight Limits
Weight limits are common — often 25 lbs, 35 lbs, or 50 lbs. Some buildings have no weight limit. A dog that appears within the limit as a puppy may violate it at full grown size; verify the limit applies to adult weight.
Species Restrictions
Most buildings that allow pets mean cats and dogs specifically. Exotic pets (reptiles, birds, rabbits, ferrets, rodents) are sometimes prohibited separately or require explicit written permission. Aquariums may require landlord approval due to water damage risk.
Number of Pets
Many buildings limit one to two pets per unit total.
How to Find Pet-Friendly Apartments
Search Filters
Most major listing platforms allow filtering for "cats allowed" and "dogs allowed" separately:
- Zillow: Pet-friendly filter under "More filters"
- Apartments.com: Pet filter on the main search page
- Zumper: Pets allowed toggle
- HotPads: Pet-friendly filter
Always verify the specific pet policy directly with the landlord — listing filters are often inaccurate or don't capture breed/weight restrictions.
Target Building Types
Pet policies vary by building type:
- Private landlords (small buildings, single-family rentals): Most flexible; more likely to evaluate your pet on an individual basis
- Mid-size apartment buildings: Variable; many are pet-friendly with standard fees
- Large luxury buildings: Often pet-friendly with high fees but more strict breed/weight restrictions
- Condos: Pet policy is set by the HOA, not the individual unit owner; can be very restrictive
- Co-ops: Often the most restrictive pet policies of any building type
Building Your "Pet Resume"
When competing with other applicants, a pet resume helps private landlords feel comfortable. Include:
- Photo of your pet
- Breed, age, weight
- Vaccination records (up to date)
- Proof of spaying/neutering
- Training certification (Canine Good Citizen, etc.)
- Reference letter from previous landlord confirming no pet-related damage
- Brief description of your pet's temperament and care routine
Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals
Federal law distinguishes between pets, emotional support animals (ESAs), and service animals:
Service Animals (ADA)
Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities (e.g., guide dogs, seizure-alert dogs). They are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and must be allowed in virtually all housing. No fees, no deposits, no breed or weight restrictions apply.
Emotional Support Animals (Fair Housing Act)
ESAs provide emotional support to people with documented mental health conditions. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make "reasonable accommodations" for ESAs — including allowing them in no-pet buildings. Landlords cannot charge a pet deposit or pet fee for an ESA. However, tenants remain liable for any actual damage the animal causes.
Documentation requirements: A letter from a licensed mental health professional (therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist) on their letterhead stating that you have a qualifying disability and that the animal is necessary for your care. Note that landlords may request verification from licensed providers; they cannot require your full medical records.
Protecting Your Deposit When Renting With Pets
Pet-related damage is a major cause of security deposit disputes. Minimize your risk:
- Document all existing damage thoroughly at move-in (photos and video)
- Trim your pet's nails regularly to reduce floor and furniture damage
- Use furniture covers and pet-proof solutions in high-traffic areas
- Address accidents immediately with enzymatic cleaners that neutralize odors
- Have carpets professionally cleaned before move-out
- Repair small scratches on floors or walls before moving out
- Disclose any damage honestly and repair it yourself before move-out — it's usually cheaper than letting the landlord charge for it
For more on the deposit return process, see our guide on security deposit laws by state and our guide on how to dispute a security deposit.
Sources: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fair Housing Act guidelines · Americans with Disabilities Act service animal regulations · Zillow pet policy data. Last verified March 2026.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Last updated: March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to rent an apartment with a pet?
- Pet-friendly apartments typically charge a non-refundable pet fee ($200–$500 per pet), a refundable pet deposit ($200–$500 per pet), and monthly pet rent ($25–$75 per pet per month). On a two-year lease with one dog, expect $800–$2,300 in extra costs over the lease term. Some buildings charge all three; others only charge one or two.
- Can landlords charge a pet deposit for emotional support animals?
- No. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, including allowing emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals in no-pet buildings without charging pet fees or pet deposits. You must provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional. However, tenants are still liable for any actual damage caused by the animal.
- What are breed restrictions in apartment rentals?
- Many buildings prohibit specific dog breeds considered high-risk by insurance companies, including American Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Akitas, Chow Chows, and Siberian Huskies. These restrictions come from the building's liability insurance policy, not the landlord's personal preference. Weight limits (often 25–50 lbs) are also common. Always disclose your pet's breed upfront.