Renting with an Animal
Renting with an assistance animal
Even if a rental agreement says “no pets” or restricts pets, the Fair Housing Act requires that landlords make what is called a “reasonable accommodation” to allow assistance animals. The term assistance animal includes both service animals and emotional support animals.
Q: What’s the difference between an emotional support animal and a service animal?
A: An emotional support animal provides comfort or support for a person’s disability, but does not need specific training. A service animal is individually trained to assist or perform tasks for a person with a disability (e.g., a dog trained to alert a person who is deaf or hard of hearing).
If you are applying to rent with an emotional support animal, you may need to make a written request for a reasonable accommodation if the landlord has a rule or policy that would prevent you from having one. You may also be required to provide documentation that you have a disability and have a disability-related need for the assistance animal.
Renting with a pet
Some landlords are hesitant to allow pets in their rentals out of concern for potential damage and liability issues. A pet resume allows you to highlight your pet’s best qualities as well as your responsibility as a pet owner. Try to address the following areas in your pet resume, and include it in your Rental Application Packet.
Sample Pet Resume (PDF)
What will make you and your pet good tenants?
Age and activity level
There can be a big difference between a 10-year-old dog and a frisky puppy. If your pet is quiet, calm and/or less active, responds well to visitors and does not bark often, point that out. If you have an active dog, explain how you fulfill their exercise requirements.
Personality and training
Share something positive about your animal’s personality and how much you care about your pet. Has your dog been to obedience school or had special training? If your dog has lived in apartments before and is accustomed to it, say so. If you have more than one pet, let the landlord know how well they get along and keep each other company while you are away. If your cat uses a scratching post, say so and also note that your cat is litter box trained.
Health and daily care
Explain how you keep your pet clean and free of fleas. Mention that you always clean up after your dog, and/or dispose of cat litter properly. Let the landlord know if your dog or cat is spayed or neutered. Also note that your animal is up-to-date on their vaccinations, and mention the name of your pet’s veterinarian.
Pet agreement and deposit
Offer to sign a pet agreement and pay a pet deposit. Similar to a security deposit, a pet deposit is a one-time, refundable amount that can be used by the landlord to cover the costs in case your pet causes any damage to the rental unit.
Time away
Describe the arrangements for your pet when you go to school, work, or on vacation.
Supplementary documentation
Along with your pet resume, you may wish to include the following documents in your Rental Application Packet:
- Reference letters from current or previous landlords and/or neighbors.
- Certificates of completion of obedience/training classes.
- References from your pet’s trainer or groomer.
- A health certificate from your vet.
- A photo for identification purposes.