Over 65% of American households own a pet. Restricting pets from your rental property means eliminating the majority of your potential tenant pool. Here's how to approach pet policies strategically.
The Business Case for Allowing Pets
Pet-friendly properties fill faster and tenants stay longer — because pet-friendly rentals are harder to find. Many landlords charge a non-refundable pet deposit ($200–$500) or monthly pet rent ($25–$50/pet), creating additional revenue.
Managing Risk
Common safeguards include breed and weight restrictions, requiring pet deposits, conducting pet interviews, adding pet addendums to the lease, and performing regular property inspections. At James-Hawkins, our routine inspection program catches pet-related damage early before it becomes costly.
Service Animals vs. Pets
Under the Fair Housing Act, service animals and emotional support animals are NOT pets. Landlords cannot charge pet deposits or fees for service animals, and cannot enforce breed or weight restrictions. This applies to both market rate and Section 8 properties.
Have questions about your property's pet policy? Contact us — we're happy to advise.
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