Offering a pet-friendly rental can attract more renters and even support higher rent. But it’s wise to set a clear limit on how many pets you’ll allow to keep the home safe and reduce the risk of damage to your investment.
The goal is to find a balance: a policy that welcomes responsible pet owners without creating avoidable wear and tear, noise complaints, or safety issues. Your “right number” will depend on a few practical factors—like the size and layout of the home, whether there’s a yard or shared common areas, the types of pets you’re willing to accept, and any rules from your HOA or insurance provider.
Just as important, a clear pet policy helps set expectations upfront. When tenants know the rules before they sign (and when everything is written into the lease), you’re less likely to run into misunderstandings later. Here are six simple guidelines to help you decide how many pets tenants can move into their new home.
Research Local Laws
Before you set (or change) your pet policy, take a moment to check your local and state laws . Pet-related rules can vary by city or county, so it’s worth doing a bit of research—or talking with a local attorney if you’re unsure.
In some rural areas, you may find fewer local limits on the number of pets allowed. In more urban or suburban communities, rules can be stricter. As the property owner, you can set your own pet limits—as long as they comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Also keep in mind that service animals and assistance animals aren’t treated the same as pets under fair housing rules.
Check with Your HOA and Insurance Company
If your property is in an HOA, review the HOA rules for pet restrictions before you set your own policy. Then check with your insurance agent about coverage and any pet-related exclusions—since some insurers and HOAs restrict certain breeds or weight ranges.
Consider the Size of Your Property
As a good rule of thumb, the smaller the home, the fewer pets you should allow. Too many dogs or cats in a small apartment can lead to excessive noise and lingering odors, and the risk of property damage goes up as the number of animals increases.
Even if you decide to allow pets, you can reduce wear and tear by pet-proofing the unit. For example, skip wall-to-wall carpet and choose durable, easy-to-clean flooring like vinyl (including LVP) or hardwood. If you have outdoor space, consider designating a “pet potty” area and providing trash bins and bag dispensers to help keep the property clean
Choose the Types of Pet
Many rentals—including some HOAs and apartment buildings—have rules about what types of animals are allowed. And the types of pets you permit can affect how many pets make sense. For example, you may feel more comfortable approving an applicant with a goldfish, a hermit crab, and a kitten than one with two large puppies.
Dog restrictions (including breed or size limits) are often driven by HOA rules or insurance requirements. Because policies vary by insurer, check your coverage and clearly list any restrictions in your lease. You can also spell out whether you allow fish, birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other common pets.
Create Size Guidelines
Landlords who allow dogs typically use size restrictions as well. For example, some landlords only allow small dogs under 20 pounds while others are comfortable renting to tenants with dogs under 60 pounds.
Regardless of your decision, detail the rules, expectations, and consequences of your pet policy in your lease. Depending on your local laws, you can include the cost for a pet deposit and pet rent as well.
Require Renters Insurance
You don’t want to be liable for injuries or damage caused by a tenant’s pet, so it’s wise to require renters insurance . Be sure your tenants’ policy covers dog bites and other injuries that could potentially happen on the property.
Reasons to Allow Pets
Although having a pet-friendly rental property may seem risky or intimating, there are definitely plenty of pros including:
- Lease renewals and longer leases
- Extra income
- Tenant satisfaction
- Help pets avoid abandonment and being sent to shelters
- Larger pool of potential tenants
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
Landlords must follow the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which may require you to make a reasonable accommodation for a tenant who has an assistance animal. Assistance animals can include service animals (typically dogs trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability) and emotional support animals (ESAs), which may be other types of companion animals.
If a tenant’s disability and need for the animal aren’t obvious, you may request reliable documentation that explains the disability-related need for the animal. When the request qualifies under the FHA, the animal generally isn’t treated as a “pet,” meaning typical pet rules (like pet fees, pet rent, or breed/weight limits) may not apply. If you’re unsure how to handle a specific request, consider reviewing HUD guidance and/or speaking with a local attorney.
Customize Your Lease and Pet Policy on Apartments.com
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for how any pets you should allow in a rental property. Remember to do your research before making a final decision. Also be clear about any pet policies and restrictions in the lease.
If you generate a lease with Apartments.com, you can customize the agreement to express whatever policy you decide upon. Keep in mind that being pet-friendly has a lot of advantages—besides who doesn’t want to see adorable puppies playing in the community?
FAQs
What pet-related damage should I plan for most often?
Common issues include scratched floors/doors, chewed trim, stains and odors, and lawn/landscaping damage (if there’s outdoor space). Pet-proofing with durable flooring, washable paint, and clear cleaning expectations can reduce problems—along with doing regular inspections as allowed by your lease and local law.
What if my HOA or insurance company restricts certain pets?
Start by reviewing your HOA rules and confirming any insurance exclusions or requirements. If there are limits on pet types, sizes, or breeds, reflect those in your lease and listing so applicants know upfront. When in doubt, get clarification in writing from the HOA or your insurer so your policy stays aligned.
What pet screening questions should I ask before approving a tenant?
Keep it practical and consistent. You can ask for the type/breed, age/weight, vaccination records, spay/neuter status, and whether the tenant can provide a vet reference or prior landlord reference. You can also include basic house rules (leash policy, waste cleanup, noise expectations) so tenants know what you’ll enforce.
Originally published on April 1, 2020 and has been updated.
