Every apartment is unique. Landlords can make unique rules for their property, and unfortunately, these rules aren’t something you have a lot of leeway with. That is, unless you have a legitimate emotional support animal letter for your pet.
If you don’t, you’ll need to be cautious of apartment pet policies. What’s more, you may need to understand them if you have an ESA letter. While there’s a lot to learn, the good news is that we have your back in this guide.
Read on to learn more about apartment pet policies.
Common Apartment Pet Policies
If you plan on living with an animal in an apartment, it helps to understand some of the common apartment pet policies. Now, these policies vary, but there are some common ones that are easy to understand. We cover them below.
Pet Fees
First and foremost, most landlords will charge some type of pet fee. This is a fee that can vary based on the size and type of pet that you have. Some common pet fees range from $50 to $100 per pet.
What’s more, you may have to pay more if your pet damages property.
Types of Pets and Number Restrictions
One of the most common restrictions you’ll find is the number of pets you can have and the type of pet that you can have. For example, some apartments might not allow dogs, whereas others might not allow cats. This can apply to any animal, and it tends to come down to the landlord.
In other words, there is a lot of variation here. Landlords may also determine the number of pets that you can have. For example, you may only be able to have one cat or one dog, or one of each. Make sure you check with your landlord.
Size Restrictions
This one goes hand-in-hand with animal types, but sometimes the restriction may only apply to the size of the animal. For example, animals may have to weigh under 50 pounds. This would allow you to have a dog, but it can reduce the number of dog breed options that you can choose from.
For this reason, you should check with landlords to learn more about the size of the animals you can have. In fact, if you have two animals, combined weight may become a factor.
Behavior Rules
Behavior rules are another important factor to consider. For example, you may need to leash a dog or a cat if you plan on bringing them out in public areas. Moreover, you may need to train them in a specific way, manage noise levels, and clean up after them once they use the bathroom.
Some other common ones include cats being only indoor cats and having smaller animals secured in cages or enclosures.
Health and Documents
Now, you’ll need this if you have an ESA or a regular pet. Landlords can request health and documents pertaining to your dog’s vaccination status. If you don’t have the proper paperwork, they might not be able to live with you in the apartment.
Sometimes, photos of your pet and a recommendation from a previous landlord may be necessary.
Apartment Pet Policies for Emotional Support Animals
Now, if you have an emotional support animal, you might have more leeway when it comes to pet policies in apartments. This is because ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Under the FHA, ESAs that have emotional support animal letters can’t be charged a pet fee or evicted/discriminated against.
That said, there are exceptions. For example, if a pet is causing damage to property or harming other tenants, landlords can take action. What’s more, the ESA letter needs to be signed by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) in the state of residence.
If this is not the case or if the letter has other problems, landlords can also take action and charge pet fees. It’s also important to note that emotional support animals aren’t allowed free-range in the apartment complex. ESAs have to remain in their room or around other areas that are permitted for pets.
Navigating Apartment Pet Policies
If you have a pet, you need to make sure you choose an apartment with pet policies that you can tolerate. That said, if you have an emotional support animal (ESA), you don’t have to worry about apartment pet policies because they’re protected under the FHA.
That said, you’ll need an ESA letter, and we always recommend working with a reputable organization if you need one. Whether it’s a licensed mental health professional you’re already comfortable with or an online provider, always do your homework first.