How to Find Pet-Friendly Apartments (And Get Approved With Your Pet)
The short answer
About half of rentals ban pets, but strategies like a pet resume, higher deposit, and pre-verification can help you get approved. Here is how to find and secure a pet-friendly apartment.
Renting with a pet is possible in most US cities — but it takes more preparation than a standard application. Here is how to find pet-friendly apartments, navigate landlord restrictions, and present yourself as the ideal pet-owning tenant.
Why Is It Hard to Rent With a Pet?
Landlords worry about pet damage (scratched floors, chewed trim, carpet odors), noise complaints, and liability from dog bites. These concerns are valid but often overstated. Studies show that pet-owning tenants tend to stay longer and cause less tenant-related damage than average. Nonetheless, about 50% of US rental listings ban or restrict pets.
Where to Search for Pet-Friendly Apartments
- Zillow: Use the "Pets Allowed" filter to narrow your search immediately.
- Apartments.com: Has a dedicated "Pet-Friendly" filter with subcategories for dogs vs cats.
- Zumper and HotPads: Both support pet filters.
- BringFido.com: Specifically lists pet-friendly rentals and hotels.
- Facebook groups: Search "[City] Pet-Friendly Rentals" — many landlords post here before listing publicly.
- Individual landlords: Private landlords (not property management companies) are often more flexible than corporate landlords.
What to Expect: Pet Fees and Deposits
Pet-friendly landlords typically charge extra:
- Pet deposit: $200–$500 one-time, refundable if no pet damage
- Pet fee: $100–$300 one-time, non-refundable
- Pet rent: $25–$75/month added to monthly rent per pet
Some landlords charge all three. Always ask what is included and get it in writing.
Common Pet Restrictions to Watch For
- Weight limits: Many complexes restrict dogs to under 25–50 lbs.
- Breed restrictions: Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dobermans are commonly banned. This is often driven by insurance requirements, not personal preference.
- Number of pets: Most landlords allow 1–2 pets maximum.
- Species restrictions: Some buildings ban dogs but allow cats or caged animals.
How to Present Your Pet Positively
When applying for a pet-friendly unit, proactively address the landlord's concerns:
1. Create a Pet Resume
A one-page pet resume that includes your pet's name, breed, age, weight, training status, and vet information shows professionalism and reassures the landlord. Include a friendly photo.
2. Provide Veterinary Records
Show that your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and has been spayed or neutered. Neutered pets cause less damage and are generally calmer.
3. Offer a Reference From Your Previous Landlord
A letter from a previous landlord confirming your pet caused no damage is powerful evidence. If you have never rented with your pet before, a letter from a pet sitter or trainer works too.
4. Offer a Higher Pet Deposit
Offering $500–$1,000 instead of the standard $200 deposit shows confidence that your pet is well-behaved and lowers the landlord's perceived risk.
5. Get Pre-Verified as a Reliable Tenant
A Settl Verified Passport shows landlords that you are a financially stable, identity-verified tenant. A strong Settl Verified Passport can help persuade a hesitant landlord to accept your pet application. Get your verification here.
Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals: Know Your Rights
Two types of animals have federal legal protections:
- Service animals (trained to perform specific tasks for a disability) — landlords must allow them under the Fair Housing Act, even in no-pet buildings. No pet deposit allowed.
- Emotional support animals (ESAs) — also protected under the Fair Housing Act for tenants with a verified disability and ESA letter. Landlords must make reasonable accommodation. Pet fees generally do not apply.
If you have an ESA, provide your ESA letter early in the application process. Landlords cannot deny you based on a legitimate ESA letter.
What to Do If You Are Denied Because of a Pet
- Ask if the landlord would reconsider with a higher deposit or pet rent.
- Offer to schedule a "meet and greet" so the landlord can meet your pet.
- Look for individual landlords rather than property management companies — they tend to be more flexible.
- Consider neighborhoods with more single-family homes, which typically have more pet-friendly rentals than apartment complexes.
Finding Pet-Friendly Housing Takes Preparation
The stronger your overall application, the easier it is to negotiate pet acceptance. A Settl pre-verification — with verified income and identity — signals to landlords that they are dealing with a serious, reliable tenant, making them more willing to accommodate your pet.
Settl Editorial
Settl Editorial
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