Pet-Friendly Rental Guide
Everything you need to know about renting with pets: deposits, ESA rights, state laws, and tips for finding pet-friendly housing.
Pet Deposits & Fees
Typical pet deposit and rent charges:
- Dogs: $200-$500 deposit + $25-$75/month
- Cats: $150-$300 deposit + $15-$50/month
- Small pets: $0-$100 deposit
ESA Rights
Emotional Support Animals are protected:
- No pet deposits for ESAs
- No pet rent fees
- Breed restrictions don't apply
- Size limits don't apply
State Laws
Pet deposit limits vary by state:
- NY, MA: Part of 1-month cap
- TX, FL: No statutory limit
- CA: 2-month total cap
Pet Types & Rental Costs
Dogs
Typical Deposit
$200-$500
Monthly Pet Rent
$25-$75
Common Restrictions:
- Weight limits (25-75 lbs)
- Breed restrictions
- Number limits (1-2 dogs)
Cats
Typical Deposit
$150-$300
Monthly Pet Rent
$15-$50
Common Restrictions:
- Number limits (1-2 cats)
- Indoor only requirement
- Declawing may be required
Small Pets (Birds, Fish, Hamsters)
Typical Deposit
$0-$100
Monthly Pet Rent
$0-$25
Common Restrictions:
- Tank size limits for fish
- Cage location restrictions
- Noise considerations for birds
Exotic Pets (Reptiles, Rabbits)
Typical Deposit
$100-$300
Monthly Pet Rent
$0-$50
Common Restrictions:
- Specific species bans
- Enclosure requirements
- State/city permits may be required
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Rights
What Landlords Cannot Do
- Charge pet deposits or pet rent for ESAs
- Deny housing based on breed or size restrictions
- Require special training or certification
- Ask about the nature of your disability
- Demand specific details about your condition
What Landlords Can Require
- An ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional
- Verification that you have a disability-related need
- That the animal doesn't pose a direct threat
- That the animal doesn't cause substantial damage
- Reasonable accommodation request in writing
Important: ESA protections apply under the Fair Housing Act. Landlords who violate these rights may face penalties. If you believe your ESA rights were violated, contact HUD or a local fair housing organization.
Pet Deposit Laws by State
| State | Pet Deposit Limit | Pet Rent | Breed Restrictions | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Alaska | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Arizona | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Arkansas | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| California | 2 months total deposit cap (includes pet) | Allowed | Varies | View Guide |
| Colorado | No limit | Allowed | Varies | View Guide |
| Connecticut | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Delaware | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Florida | No limit | Allowed | Varies | View Guide |
| Georgia | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Hawaii | Part of 1 month deposit limit | Allowed | Varies | View Guide |
| Idaho | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Illinois | No limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| Indiana | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Iowa | Part of 2 months deposit limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Kansas | Part of 1 month deposit limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Kentucky | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Louisiana | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Maine | Part of 2 months deposit limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| Maryland | Part of 2 months deposit limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Massachusetts | Part of 1 month deposit limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| Michigan | Part of 1.5 months deposit limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Minnesota | No limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| Mississippi | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Missouri | Part of 2 months deposit limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Montana | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Nebraska | Part of 1 month deposit limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Nevada | Part of 3 months deposit limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| New Hampshire | Part of 1 month deposit limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| New Jersey | Part of 1.5 months deposit limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| New Mexico | Part of 1 month deposit limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| New York | Part of 1 month deposit limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| North Carolina | Part of 2 months deposit limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| North Dakota | Part of 1 month deposit limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Ohio | No limit | Allowed | Varies | View Guide |
| Oklahoma | No limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| Oregon | Part of 2 months deposit limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| Pennsylvania | Part of 2 months deposit limit (1st year) | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| Rhode Island | Part of 1 month deposit limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| South Carolina | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| South Dakota | Part of 1 month deposit limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| Tennessee | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Texas | No limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| Utah | No limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| Vermont | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Virginia | Part of 2 months deposit limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| Washington | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| West Virginia | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| Wisconsin | No limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
| Wyoming | No limit | Allowed | Landlord Choice | View Guide |
| District of Columbia | Part of 1 month deposit limit | Allowed | Protected | View Guide |
Tips for Finding Pet-Friendly Rentals
Create a Pet Resume
Include your pet's photo, vaccination records, spay/neuter certificate, references from previous landlords, and any training certifications.
Get Pet Liability Insurance
Renters insurance with pet liability coverage (typically $100,000-$300,000) can reassure landlords and protect you from costly lawsuits.
Offer a Pet Interview
Let the landlord meet your well-behaved pet in person. First impressions matter, and many landlords will reconsider after meeting a calm, friendly pet.
Negotiate Pet Terms
Offer a higher deposit, provide cleaning guarantees, or agree to professional carpet cleaning at move-out in exchange for pet approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most states landlords can charge non-refundable pet fees. However, some states like California require all deposits to be refundable. Always check your state's specific laws and get the terms in writing.
A pet deposit is a one-time refundable payment (typically $200-$500) to cover potential pet damage. Pet rent is a monthly fee ($25-$75 typically) that is non-refundable and covers the ongoing costs of having pets in the property.
In most states, private landlords can implement breed restrictions. However, about 20 states have passed laws preempting breed-specific legislation, meaning landlords cannot ban breeds that are legal under state law. These protections do not apply to service animals or ESAs.
No. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require specific training or certification. The only documentation needed is an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional stating that the animal provides emotional support for your disability.