Renting with an Animal

Looking for housing with an animal, whether it is an assistance animal or a pet, will require some additional communication with a landlord or property manager about accommodating the animal.

On this page you’ll find information about...

• Renting with a Pet: Includes tips for renting with a pet, a list of pet-friendly housing options, and a sample pet résumé
• Renting with an Assistance Animal: Assistance animals are in a different legal classification than pets. They are animals that work, assist and/or perform tasks and services for the benefit of a person with a disability or provide emotional support that improves the symptoms of a disability.

Renting with a Pet

A pet résumé provides an opportunity to present potential landlords with a summary of your pet’s best qualities and to indicate your responsibility as a pet owner. Try to address the following areas in your pet resume:

• Mention anything about your pet’s age, activity level, and/or breed traits that help make your dog or cat a “good tenant.” Tell the landlord something positive about your animal’s personality and how much you care about your pet. 
• Give examples of your pet’s good behavior and your responsibility. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Describe the arrangements for your pet when you go to school, work, or on vacation.
• Offer to sign a pet agreement and pay a pet deposit.
• Pet résumé sample (PDF)
• In addition to your pet’s résumé, you should also attach reference letters from current and 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, and a picture for identification purposes.
• See a list of Pet Friendly Housing Options below

Renting with an Assistance Animal

Service animals are categorized as animals trained to do a specific task for their owner. An assistance animal can be a cat, dog or other type of companion animal, and does not need to be trained to perform a service. Even if a lease says "no pets" or restricts pets, landlords are required to make what is called a “reasonable accommodation” to allow assistance animals, which includes animals who provide emotional support. Source: The Fair Housing Act and Assistance Animals; The Humane Society of the United States

For more information...

• When California Landlords Must Allow Tenants to Have Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals; Source: Nolo.com

Pet Friendly Housing Options