Renting With Pets: How to Find Pet-Friendly Apartments and Get Approved
The short answer
Renting with a dog or cat is harder than renting without one — but with the right preparation, you can dramatically improve your odds of approval. This guide covers how to find pet-friendly landlords, what fees to expect, and how to present your pet professionally.
Renting With Pets: How to Find Pet-Friendly Apartments and Get Approved
Pets are one of the most common reasons rental applications get rejected. Roughly 70% of renters have pets, but fewer than half of all rental listings allow them. Here's how to navigate this.
Why landlords say no to pets (and how to address each concern)
Property damage: Dogs and cats can damage floors, walls, and appliances. Counter this by offering a larger security deposit or pet damage coverage.
Noise and neighbor complaints: Large or vocal dogs are a liability in multi-unit buildings. If your dog is well-trained, a letter from a dog trainer or previous landlord confirming good behavior helps.
Allergies: Some landlords or tenants in the building have serious pet allergies. This is harder to overcome — focus on buildings where it's less of a concern.
Breed restrictions: Many landlords maintain lists of "restricted breeds" (pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, etc.) due to insurance requirements. If your dog is on a restricted list, an individual landlord is more likely to make an exception than a large property management company.
What to prepare before applying
Pet resume Yes, this is a real thing. A one-page document covering:
- Pet's name, breed, age, weight
- Vaccination records (up to date)
- Spay/neuter status
- Behavioral description and training history
- Reference from previous landlord confirming no damage or complaints
- Reference from your vet
Photos of your pet A clean, well-groomed, non-threatening photo of your pet with you humanizes the situation.
Pet liability insurance Some landlords require renters insurance that includes pet liability. It typically costs $10-20/month and covers damage or injury caused by your pet. Buying a policy before applying shows proactivity.
Finding pet-friendly listings
- Zillow, Trulia, Apartments.com: Filter by "pets allowed" — but always confirm directly, as listings are often outdated
- Craigslist: Individual landlords here are often more flexible than management companies
- BringFido.com: Specifically curated pet-friendly rental listings
- Local Facebook groups: "Renting with pets in [city]" groups often have landlord recommendations
- Walk the neighborhood: Individual landlords who post physical signs are usually more approachable
What to expect to pay
| Fee type | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pet deposit | $200-$500 per pet | Refundable in most states if no damage |
| Pet fee | $200-$500 per pet | Non-refundable one-time charge |
| Pet rent | $25-$100/month per pet | Ongoing monthly surcharge |
California limits the total security deposit (including pet deposits) to 2x monthly rent for unfurnished units. Other states vary.
Negotiating pet terms
If a listing says "no pets" but you're otherwise a strong applicant, it's worth a polite ask:
> "I noticed the listing specifies no pets. I have a 4-year-old, 12-pound Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who has lived in apartments his whole life without incident. I have a letter from my previous landlord confirming no damage and references from my vet. Would you be open to discussing a pet addendum and an additional deposit?"
Small dogs and cats get approved more often than large breeds. Be prepared to offer 1 extra month's security deposit.
After approval: protecting your deposit
- Document the apartment's condition with photos before your pet enters
- Use area rugs over hardwood floors
- Keep claws trimmed
- Address any damage promptly — small repairs are much cheaper than deposit deductions
- Get a professional deep clean at move-out (carpets especially)
Settl Team
Settl Editorial
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