Pets are adorable, but they can be a hassle for landlords. Scratched floors, chewed blinds, late-night barking. Thinking of banning pets altogether? That’s risky too! More renters than ever have animals, and most are willing to pay more to live somewhere that welcomes them.
So the real question isn’t, “Should I allow pets?” It’s, “How do I allow pets without damaging my rental?”
This guide will help you set smart, clear pet policies that protect your property and make your tenants feel at home.
Key Takeaways
- Most renters have pets. In 2025, over 94 million U.S. households own at least one, so banning pets cuts your tenant pool in half.
- Pet fees bring in extra cash. You can charge $25–$50 a month in pet rent and around $300 as a deposit.
- Pet owners stick around. They move less, which means fewer vacancies and less turnover hassle for you.
- You can’t say no to service animals. Federal law protects them. No pet fees, no breed bans.
- Smart upgrades go a long way. Think vinyl floors, washable paint, and regular checks. It keeps damage and stress low.
Pet Ownership Isn’t Slowing Down
In 2025, 94 million U.S. households owned at least one pet, according to the American Pet Products Association.
Now think about this: many of those pet owners are renters. If you have a strict no-pet policy, you’re cutting out over half the rental market, and that could mean longer vacancies, lower rent offers, and more turnover.
The Upside of Letting Pets In
Here’s why more landlords are saying yes to pets — with the right policies in place.
- You’ll attract more applicants. More demand gives you more screening power.
- Tenants stay longer. Moving with a pet is a hassle, so they’re more likely to renew.
- You can charge more. Pet rent and deposits help offset risk and boost cash flow.
Is there risk? Of course. But there’s also risk in leaving your unit empty for weeks.
The Flip Side
Pets aren’t all tail wags and belly rubs. You’ve got to watch for:
- Property damage — scratched floors, stained carpet, dug-up yards.
- Noise — barking dogs can wear out neighbors fast.
- Allergies — future tenants might be sensitive to dander.
The goal isn’t to avoid these issues altogether. The goal is to be prepared.
Create a Pet Policy That Holds Up
Let your lease do the heavy lifting. A solid pet policy should include:
- Pet screening. Ask for breed, weight, age, vaccinations, and if they’re spayed or neutered.
- Fees and deposits. Pet rent ($25–$50/month) and a refundable pet deposit (around $300) are standard.
- Rules for behavior. Waste cleanup, noise, leash use — set the expectations up front.
- Breed or size limits. Be careful here. Don’t write anything that could be considered discriminatory under housing laws.
- Penalties. Be clear about what happens if the tenant breaks the rules.
You don’t need to sound like a lawyer. Just keep it simple and specific.
Service Animals Aren’t Pets
This part’s important. You can’t lump service animals or emotional support animals in with regular pets.
Under federal law:
- You can’t charge pet fees for service animals or ESAs.
- You can’t deny housing based on breed or size.
- You can ask for documentation if it’s an ESA — just not medical details.
Skip this step, and you could end up in legal hot water. We’ve seen it happen.
Screen the Pet Like You’d Screen a Tenant
You wouldn’t hand your keys to just anyone. The same should go for pets. A solid pet screening process can catch red flags before they turn into real issues.
Ask your tenant:
- What type of pet do you have?
- How old are they?
- Are they house-trained?
- Are they up to date on shots?
- Have they lived in a rental before?
Pro Tip: You can also request photos, vet records, and maybe even a quick meet-and-greet. Requiring renters’ insurance with pet liability coverage can also be an extra layer of protection for your rentals.
Pet Damage Isn’t Inevitable. Find Ways to Minimize It
Damage isn’t guaranteed just because you allow pets. You just need to be smart about your pet policies.
- Go for tough flooring like vinyl plank instead of carpet.
- Use satin or semi-gloss paint so it’s easier to wipe off paw marks.
- Schedule regular property inspections.
- Recommend pet gates or crates to limit unsupervised access.
- Ask for flea control treatment, especially if your unit has carpet.
This stuff isn’t expensive. It’s just preventive maintenance that works.
Handling Unauthorized Pets
You’ll occasionally run into tenants who sneak in a pet without approval. Don’t panic. Start with a calm conversation. Often, tenants are unaware of the policy or assume it only applies to certain breeds.
If they’re willing to work with you, offer a formal pet addendum. If they’re not, follow your lease enforcement process and document everything. Consistency is key. Tenants need to know the rules apply to everyone.
Why Going Pet-Friendly Pays Off
There are always pros and cons. Yes, pets bring risk. But they also bring rewards. It’s not about saying yes to every animal. It’s about saying yes to the right ones with the right rules in place.
Pet owners:
- Move less often
- Are used to paying a little more
- Appreciate landlords who don’t treat their pets like a problem
If you’ve got the right systems in place, a pet-friendly unit is often easier to rent and more profitable long term.
Keep Pets, Keep Control: Let the Pros Handle the Policy
Allowing pets in your Cypress rental doesn’t have to mean giving up control. With the right lease terms, solid screening, and a little consistency, you can attract more tenants, keep your property protected, and boost your rental income. But if managing all of that sounds like a full-time job — that’s because it is.
At PMI Patron, we take the stress out of managing pet-friendly rentals. Whether you’re dealing with service animal requests, unclear lease terms, or just want a smarter system for screening furry tenants, we’ve got it covered. Our property management services for Cypress landlords include:
- Writing customized leases with clear, enforceable pet clauses
- Screening both tenants and their pets to minimize risk
- Navigating ESA and service animal laws so you stay compliant
- Performing regular property inspections and handling enforcement
We’ve helped countless property owners find the balance between happy tenants and protected investments — and we’re ready to help you, too.
Ready to turn your pet policy into a smart business move? Let PMI Patron help you run your rentals the right way. Protect your property, boost your profits, and keep great tenants — paws and all!
FAQs
Can a landlord change the pet policy in the middle of a lease?
Nope. Once the lease is signed, the pet policy sticks until it ends. You can’t suddenly ban pets or change the rules halfway through. When it’s time to renew, though, you can update the policy or add new terms. If it’s a month-to-month lease, give written notice, usually 30 days. Just don’t blindside anyone. That’s how you end up with misunderstandings.
Can I make tenants get pet insurance?
Yes, and it’s a smart move. You can require renters insurance with pet liability coverage. It’s not legally required, but it helps cover damage or injuries caused by their animal. Just put it in the lease, and ask for proof before they move in. One accident, and that coverage could save you thousands. A practical way to achieve peace of mind in managing rentals with pets.
What kinds of pets do landlords usually allow?
Most are fine with cats, small dogs, fish, and hamsters. Bigger dogs, exotic pets, or certain breeds might get pushback, especially from your insurance company. Some landlords also limit the number of animals. The key is to spell it all out in your lease and not leave your tenants guessing. Just remember: service animals and ESAs follow different rules. You can’t charge fees or deny them like a regular pet.
