Published by Think Realty | August 1, 2025
Welcoming pets is good for business when everyone knows the rules.
For many renters, pets are more than animals. From playful pups to laid-back cats, they’re beloved members of the family. As more renters adopt pets, the demand for pet-friendly rentals is skyrocketing. This creates both an opportunity and a challenge for renters, property owners, and property managers: How can rental properties be welcoming environments for pet owners while still protecting the property itself?
Whether you’re a landlord, a tenant, or someone managing rental homes, navigating pet policies with clarity and cooperation is key. Here are some tips on how to make it work for everyone involved.
A Growing Trend
According to recent data published by Forbes, pet ownership is at an all-time high. In fact, nearly 70% of U.S. households have at least one pet. That’s up from just 56% in 1988. And 96% of pet parents say their pets are a vital part of their lives and considered members of their families. With that number in mind, consider how many of these pet parents are renters. So many that “pet-friendly” is one of the most searched-for terms on rental platforms today.
Why does this matter? Simple: Rental homes that allow pets open the door to a much broader pool of tenants, often leading to shorter vacancies and longer lease terms.
But without the right policies and systems in place, it can also mean potential problems, ranging from property damage to disputes. The good news is that, with the right preparation and follow-through, both property owners and renters can enjoy the benefits of a pet-friendly rental property and avoid many of the common pitfalls.
Tips for Landlords and Property Managers
Here is a list of some of the best practices for property owners and managers of pet-friendly rentals.
Create a Clear Pet Policy. Before you do anything else, get it in writing! A well-defined pet policy sets expectations and keeps everyone on the same page. Be sure your policy outlines what types of pets are allowed, including size and breed restrictions. Specify rules about noise, outdoor access, waste disposal, and where pets are (or aren’t) allowed on the property. Are there limits on the number of pets per unit? Make it clear in your lease documents.
Require a Pet Agreement or Addendum. It can be hard to fit all the details of your pet policy in the lease itself. Consider adding a detailed pet agreement, or addendum, that outlines your pet policy in specific terms. Include consequences for not following the pet agreement as it is written—and the actions you may take as a result. This will help keep all parties accountable.
Charge Fair Pet Fees. Pet-friendly doesn’t mean free-for-all. But if you do plan to charge a pet fee, keep it reasonable. For example, consider charging either a refundable pet deposit and monthly pet rent (above the regular rental rate) or a one-time pet fee, but not both. Pet fees help cover wear and tear or potential cleanup costs.
Ensure your fees comply with fair housing laws. Service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) are not considered pets under federal law and cannot be charged pet-related fees.
Protect Your Property. When it comes to having a pet-friendly rental property, a few small precautions can go a long way. For example, ask your renters for references from prior landlords who’ve seen the pet in action. Some property managers even conduct “pet interviews” to meet the animal beforehand and assess temperament. Beyond assessing the renter and the pet, be sure to require your renters to carry insurance that includes pet liability coverage. This can help protect you and your tenant if the pet causes property damage.
Finally, it’s important to prepare your property for pets by choosing pet-friendly materials during renovations. For example, opting for vinyl or tile flooring instead of carpet is a smart way to go. Materials that are durable, easy to clean, and better suited to paws are ideal for a truly pet-friendly rental home.