Housing Rights for Pet Owners
At House Rabbit Society, we understand your pet is a cherished member of your family. Sadly, issues with housing are one of the main reasons pets are surrendered to shelters. Many landlords are hesitant to rent to pet owners due to concerns about property damage or potential disturbances, making it harder than ever to find and keep pet-friendly housing. While not every situation is avoidable, there are steps you can take to ensure your pet remains in your household while renting, starting with knowing your rights as a pet-owning tenant.
Before Moving In
All deposits, pet rent, and pet fees must be clearly outlined in your lease agreement. Landlords are not allowed to charge any fees not stated in your lease.
Never sign a lease that says “no pets allowed,” even if you see other pets on the property.
Landlords must provide specific reasoning for why they deny a specific species/breed, type, or size of pet in the lease agreement. If they do not have a specific reason, they cannot discriminate against your pet.
Make sure to clarify that your pet deposit is refundable. It typically is, but it is important to have this in writing.
Key Terms to Know
Pet Deposit is similar to a security deposit, but specifically intended to cover potential pet-related property damage. It is typically refundable, but it is important to confirm this with your landlord when signing an agreement.
Pet Rent is a recurring, monthly fee paid in addition to your monthly rent.
Pet Fees are one-time, upfront, and typically non-refundable payments intended to cover potential pet-related property damage.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are animals that provide emotional, cognitive, or other similar support to a person with a disability to assist them in managing the symptoms of their disability. They are different from service animals since they are not trained to perform specific tasks, but they are entitled to similar protections in regard to housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act. Landlords are not allowed to discriminate against tenants with ESAs and must make reasonable accommodations unless they can provide specific reasoning that an exception applies. To officially designate your animal as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), you need to obtain an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Pet-owning Tenant Protections by State
Please note that the information provided below was last updated in May 2025. Housing laws may change, so be sure to check the sources linked for your state and substitute with your own research as needed.
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.hemlane.com/resources/alabama-pet-rent-laws/
https://www.legalfix.com/topics/landlord-tenant/pet-deposits-fees-rent/al
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A pet deposit up to one month's rent (separate from security deposit) is permitted. The pet deposit must be refundable.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.hemlane.com/resources/alaska-pet-rent-laws/
https://alaskalawhelp.org/resource/frequently-asked-questions-about-landlord-and
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Pet fees cannot exceed 1.5 times the monthly rent if combined with the security deposit. These fees may be nonrefundable but must be outlined in the lease agreement
Pet rent and pet deposit are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-arizona
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-arkansas
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Pet deposit, combined with security deposit, cannot exceed 2 months rent for unfurnished units or 3 months rent for furnished units.
Pet rent and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://martinezlawcenter.com/california-pet-rent-laws/
https://housinganywhere.com/Los-Angeles--United-States/california-pet-laws-for-renters
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Landlords cannot charge more than $35 per month or 1.5% of the monthly rent (whichever is greater) as pet rent. Additionally, pet deposits are limited to a maximum of $300, and these deposits must be refundable.
Pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-connecticut
https://www.hemlane.com/resources/connecticut-pet-rent-laws/
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A pet deposit up to one month's rent (separate from security deposit) is permitted. The pet deposit must be refundable.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
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Effective Oct. 1, 2025, pet-related fees will be capped. Pet security deposits cannot exceed 15% of a tenant’s monthly rent. Pet rent will be capped at 1% of a tenant’s monthly rent, although, tenants with dogs may be charged 1% per dog.
Sources:
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-florida
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As of July 2024, new limitations set a cap of two times the monthly rent on deposits, including damage and pet deposits, as outlined in the Safe At Home Act. This means that the combined total of all deposits cannot exceed this limit.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-georgia
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Hawaii allows landlords to request a pet deposit, which may be up to one month's rent. This deposit is separate from the security deposit and helps cover potential pet-related damages.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-hawaii
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-idaho
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Bill SB1669 is in process, which would add regulations on pet rent and pet fees. It is not yet law as of April 2025.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-illinois
Status of SB1669: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1669&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
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Landlords in Iowa may charge a pet deposit apart from the standard security deposit. The Iowa security deposit law allows landlords to request this additional deposit, provided that the total does not exceed two months' rent.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-iowa
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Pet deposit cannot exceed one-half month's rent.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-kansas
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-kentucky
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-louisiana
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
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A separate pet deposit is not allowed. Some landlords may choose to raise their security deposit to account for potential pet damage, but the total security deposit cannot exceed one month's rent. Some might choose to ask for a non-refundable pet fee instead.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-massachusetts
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Pet deposits can be included in the security deposit, but the combined total of all deposits cannot exceed one and a half months' rent
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-michigan
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Some people, such as those who live in public housing or are elderly/disabled and living in subsidized housing have the right to own a pet.
Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
Do you have the right to a pet in Minnesota? https://www.lawhelpmn.org/self-help-library/fact-sheet/can-i-keep-pet
The types of pets allowed for protected groups may be restricted: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504B.261
Required Disclosure laws: https://www.leadingagemn.org/news/required-disclosure-of-prohibition-from-pet-fees-for-support-animals-among-several-landlord-tenant-law-changes-to-take-effect-january-1/
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
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Pet deposit, combined with any other security deposits, cannot exceed two months' rent.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.landlordstudio.com/landlord-tenant-laws/missouri-landlord-tenant-laws
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Pet deposits can be included in the security deposit, but the combined total of all deposits cannot exceed one and a half months' rent.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-montana
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The maximum security deposit that a landlord can charge is one month’s rent. An additional pet deposit, which can't exceed one-quarter of a month's rent, may be required. The pet deposit may or may not be refundable based on lease terms.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-nebraska
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Pet deposit, combined with any other security deposits, cannot exceed three months' rent.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-nebraska
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Pet deposit, combined with any other security deposits, cannot exceed one month's rent for unfurnished units or $100, whichever is greater, or two months' rent for furnished units.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.legalfix.com/topics/landlord-tenant/pet-deposits-fees-rent/nh
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-new-hampshire
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The total security deposit, including any pet deposit, cannot exceed one and a half month's rent.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://ocnjdaily.com/news/2024/apr/01/pet-rent-in-new-jersey-a-guide-about-pet-fees/
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Although security deposits are limited by law in New Mexico, pet deposits are not.
Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.bluedoorhomes.net/new-mexico-security-deposit-law
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-new-mexico
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Pet deposit, combined with the security deposit, cannot exceed one month's rent total.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
New York’s 90-Day Pet Law allows tenants to keep a pet in their apartment for 90 days without facing repercussions from their landlord, even if the lease agreement explicitly prohibits pets. This provision gives tenants a window of opportunity to prove to their landlord that their pet is well-behaved and does not cause any disturbances.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-north-carolina
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North Dakota law allows landlords to charge a security deposit of up to one month's rent. For tenants with pets, landlords can impose an additional pet deposit. The total additional deposit should not exceed $2,500 or two months' rent—the greater of the two.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-ohio
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-oklahoma
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According to Oregon Statutes 90.530, landlords cannot charge pet-specific fees, such as a one-time or monthly pet fee. They may bypass this by charging pet rent on top of your standard rent. However, they can charge for damages caused by pets, just as they would for any other type of damage in the rental.
Pet rent and pet deposit are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-oregon
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Landlords may charge a pet deposit in addition to the security deposit, but combined they cannot exceed the legal limits set for security deposits, which for the first year is two months' rent and then one month thereafter.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-pennsylvania
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Pet deposit and security deposit combined cannot exceed one month's rent.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-south-dakota
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-tennessee
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-utah
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Pet deposit and security deposit combined cannot exceed one month's rent.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-vermont
https://www.hemlane.com/resources/vermont-security-deposit-laws/
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Pet deposit and security deposit combined cannot exceed two months' rent.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-virginia
https://www.propertyspecialistsinc.com/virginia-security-deposit-law/
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Pet deposit is capped at $150.
Tenants can keep pets unless the rental agreement states otherwise. Landlords cannot charge additional pet fees unless stated in the lease agreement.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-washington
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
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Pet deposits must be refundable. Landlords cannot charge a non-refundable pet deposit.
Pet rent and non-refundable pet fees are at the landlord's discretion but must be stated in your lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://www.steadily.com/blog/pet-laws-regulations-rental-properties-wisconsin
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Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fees are at the landlord's discretion. There is no specific state regulation at this time. Ensure everything regarding your pets are clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
ESAs are recognized in all U.S. states and territories.
Sources:
https://ipropertymanagement.com/laws/wyoming-security-deposit-collections