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| Meta Title | What Pets are Really Included in a “No Pets” Policy? | ApartmentAdvisor |
| Meta Description | We spoke to property owners and managers and other industry professionals to find out what their no pets policies include, and why. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Home
Lifestyle
What Pets are Really Included in a “No Pets” Policy?
This Post
As a pet owner, finding a living space with pet-friendly policies is
nonnegotiable. And unless you have a certified service or
emotional
support
animal
,
many landlords can turn you away for having a pet or charge you extra
fees (like monthly pet rent or a one-time pet security deposit) for
bringing along a furry friend.
It’s always smart to be transparent with your potential landlord about
whether or not you will be bringing a pet to your new living space — a
best practice that most dog and cat owners will already be familiar
with.
But what if you have another kind of pet — like a bird, rabbit, ferret,
or even a fish? Do you need to disclose that you will be living with a
pet other than a
dog
or
cat
?
We spoke to property owners and managers and other industry
professionals to find out what their “no pets” policies include, and
why.
Do I need to disclose that I have a pet if I don’t have a dog or cat?
Yes. It’s in your best interest to ask rather than assume — even if your
pet is a caged animal that you are certain won’t damage the apartment —
because different landlords have different risk tolerances when it comes
to animals. Plus, if you do have an unauthorized pet, it’s considered a
breach of the
lease
agreement
and can result in
eviction
,
the removal of your pet, or the loss of your
security
deposit
.
Why did you create your no pet policy?
You may be wondering why a rental property you love has a no-pets
policy. We spoke to property owners and managers and other industry
professionals to find out.
Even a Fish Could Cause Damage
“Typically, a no-pets policy is going to include all pets. These
policies are mainly in place for the pets that would create the most
damage or require the most cleanup — like cats and dogs — but it’s
usually easiest to just say no pets in general instead of outlining the
specifics about what is and isn’t allowed. And even the calmest pets
that take up the smallest space could still cause damage! For example,
fish clearly don’t shed or track in dirt. However, a fishbowl or tank is
not immune from getting knocked over, which could cause a ton of
damage.”
—
Brittany Mendez, CMO of short-term rental platform
FloridaPanhandle.com
“For fish tanks, the issue is really one of leaks and spills. We had an
issue at a unit several years ago now where a tenant on the third story
had several large saltwater aquariums. They were taking up his entire
living room. One day, the weight of the water was too much and the whole
floor gave way, completely flooding out the apartment below. That's kind
of an extreme example, but even a spilled 10-gallon tank can create lots
of problems.”
—Â
Leonard Ang, CEO,
iPropertyManagement
Birds Can Lead to Noise Complaints from Other Tenants
“[Our no-pets policy] only applies to dogs, cats, birds, and some
other dangerous animals… I created the policy after complaints from a
few tenants. The noise levels were getting high, and some residents
weren't comfortable.”
—Â
Eli Pasternak, owner,
Liberty House Buying
Group
“We've had instances where bird-keeping on balconies caused problems for
neighboring tenants. Feathers and bird food would sometimes land on
other tenants' balconies. This led to conflicts… We decided to only
allow fish as pets on our properties… They don't cause allergies, make
noise, or create issues in common areas.”
—Â
Jasen Edwards, real estate agent and Chair of the Editorial Board
at the real estate guidance site
AgentAdvice.com
“In addition to cats and dogs, the pets I tend to restrict the most are
birds and fish tanks. Even birds that stay in their cages can be noisy
enough to bother the neighbors, and they tend to be messy creatures,
especially when they're molting.”
—Â
Leonard Ang, CEO,
iPropertyManagement
Snakes Might Scare the Neighbors
“One of my tenants had a pet snake they had hidden in their unit. Snakes
are a part of our no-pet policy. We found out much later when the snake
escaped from their unit and was found frolicking near the building
entrance.” —Â
Eli Pasternak, owner,
Liberty House Buying
Group
A Blanket No-Pets Policy is the Most Straightforward
“I've encountered property owners who prefer a more straightforward
approach by banning all types of pets, regardless of their size or
potential impact. This approach eliminates any ambiguity and leaves no
room for misunderstandings between landlords and tenants. Personally, I
find these unambiguous policies to be efficient in setting clear
expectations from the outset, reducing the likelihood of disputes and
ensuring a hassle-free rental experience for both parties.”
—Â
Pete Evering, Business Development Manager at
Utopia Property
Management
“We have a no-pet policy as a blanket rule. That means any kind of pet.
The scent of cat urine is really difficult to get out, and if they
scratch up furniture, it's going to cost a lot to fix. Dogs have a
tendency to scratch up hardwood floors and carpets. We figure if we're
not allowing either of those, we're not going to allow any pets.”
—Â
Larry Snider, VP of Operations,Â
Casago Santa Barbara Vacation
Rentals
“As a property owner, our no-pet policy includes all animals except
certified service animals. This means that pets such as birds, ferrets,
hamsters, and other non-traditional pets are prohibited. This policy
maintains a consistent and manageable living environment for all
residents. While cats and dogs are commonly associated with traditional
pet ownership, including other animals in the no-pet policy helps avoid
potential conflicts, noise disturbances, allergies, and damage to the
property that can arise from any type of pet.”
— *Chris McGuire, real estate investor and licensed broker, founder
of
Real Estate Exam Ninja
 *
Why is your unit pet-friendly?
Not all property managers prefer a no-pets policy. We spoke with a few
who allow certain kinds of pets in their rental units, and some that
actually believe that renters with pets make for better tenants.
Ferrets, Hamsters, and Guinea Pigs are Harmless
“Ferrets and hamsters aren't included in our no-pet policy… [They] are
harmless animals who don't make a lot of fuss like other animals.”
—Â
Eli Pasternak, owner,
Liberty House Buying
Group
“I believe there are some harmless animals and birds that cannot cause
any damage to the property or neighbors. So, I created a [no-pet
policy] that excludes birds and hamsters from the pet policy.”
—Â
Perry Zheng, real estate investor and CEO of the commercial real
estate investment marketplaceÂ
Pallas
I Prefer Tenants with Pets
“I sincerely believe that tenants with pets are generally better tenants
most of the time. Having an animal that you are responsible for caring
for, feeding, bathing, cleaning up after, etc. is a testament to your
character. Allowing pets is a win-win for my business. We get excellent
tenants that stay forever because no one else will accept their pets
[as we have a major problem with landlords refusing pets in my area],
so I never have to worry about them moving out (and tenant turnover is
the biggest expense landlords face). You can also charge a higher rent
and make your units more profitable.”
—Â
Greg Gaudet, property manager and property owner,
Maui Home
Buyers
 “I have an interesting anecdote to share regarding a tenant who had an
exotic pet – a parrot. This particular parrot was quite unique in that
it was not caged and had an astonishing ability to mimic human speech.
Despite the unconventional nature of this pet, hosting the parrot on my
property didn't pose any unusual challenges or disruptions. In fact, it
added a touch of charm to the community, as many residents enjoyed
interacting with the talkative parrot, which seemed to bring joy to our
shared living space.”
—Â
Anam Gul, landlord and mortgage professional,
RentMe
Can a landlord reject my service animal?
Now that you’ve read through some of the rationale behind no-pet
policies, you may be wondering if a landlord can deny your service
animal (also called an assistance animal) or emotional support animal
(also called an ESA or companion animal). The short answer is: No, they
can’t.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the
Fair Housing
Act
(FHA)
,
a landlord cannot deny you tenancy if you have a service animal or an
ESA, nor can they charge extra pet fees like pet rent. They also cannot
impose breed restrictions — so a service dog that is a pit bull is just
as welcome as one that is a beagle. These are all considered reasonable
accommodations that a landlord must make. However, a landlord may charge
a tenant with an ESA a refundable pet deposit. They will also require
you to have documentation proving that you have a registered service
animal or ESA. Finally, all pets must be kept up to date on their
vaccinations — regardless of their status as an ESA or service animal.
You can file a
housing discrimination
complaint
with HUD, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, if you
feel you were denied reasonable accommodations. |
| Markdown | 
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1. [Home](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/)
2. ›
3. [Lifestyle](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/category/lifestyle)
4. ›
5. [What Pets are Really Included in a “No Pets” Policy?](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/what-pets-included-in-no-pets-policy)
6. This Post
7. ›
# What Pets are Really Included in a “No Pets” Policy?
By [Lilly Milman](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/author/lilly-milman)
Oct 03, 2023
***
As a pet owner, finding a living space with pet-friendly policies is nonnegotiable. And unless you have a certified service or [emotional support animal](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/guide-to-renting-with-an-emotional-support-animal), many landlords can turn you away for having a pet or charge you extra fees (like monthly pet rent or a one-time pet security deposit) for bringing along a furry friend.
It’s always smart to be transparent with your potential landlord about whether or not you will be bringing a pet to your new living space — a best practice that most dog and cat owners will already be familiar with.
But what if you have another kind of pet — like a bird, rabbit, ferret, or even a fish? Do you need to disclose that you will be living with a pet other than a [dog](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/dog-proofing-your-apartment-and-other-tips-for-renting-with-dogs) or [cat](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/how-to-cat-proof-your-apartment)?
We spoke to property owners and managers and other industry professionals to find out what their “no pets” policies include, and why.
Do I need to disclose that I have a pet if I don’t have a dog or cat?
Yes. It’s in your best interest to ask rather than assume — even if your pet is a caged animal that you are certain won’t damage the apartment — because different landlords have different risk tolerances when it comes to animals. Plus, if you do have an unauthorized pet, it’s considered a breach of the [lease agreement](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/what-you-need-to-know-before-signing-a-lease) and can result in [eviction](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/what-to-do-if-you-get-an-eviction-notice), the removal of your pet, or the loss of your [security deposit](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/what-is-a-security-deposit-everything-you-need-to-know).
Why did you create your no pet policy?
You may be wondering why a rental property you love has a no-pets policy. We spoke to property owners and managers and other industry professionals to find out.
Even a Fish Could Cause Damage
“Typically, a no-pets policy is going to include all pets. These policies are mainly in place for the pets that would create the most damage or require the most cleanup — like cats and dogs — but it’s usually easiest to just say no pets in general instead of outlining the specifics about what is and isn’t allowed. And even the calmest pets that take up the smallest space could still cause damage! For example, fish clearly don’t shed or track in dirt. However, a fishbowl or tank is not immune from getting knocked over, which could cause a ton of damage.” — *Brittany Mendez, CMO of short-term rental platform [FloridaPanhandle.com](http://floridapanhandle.com/)*
“For fish tanks, the issue is really one of leaks and spills. We had an issue at a unit several years ago now where a tenant on the third story had several large saltwater aquariums. They were taking up his entire living room. One day, the weight of the water was too much and the whole floor gave way, completely flooding out the apartment below. That's kind of an extreme example, but even a spilled 10-gallon tank can create lots of problems.” — *Leonard Ang, CEO, [iPropertyManagement](https://ipropertymanagement.com/)*
Birds Can Lead to Noise Complaints from Other Tenants
“\[Our no-pets policy\] only applies to dogs, cats, birds, and some other dangerous animals… I created the policy after complaints from a few tenants. The noise levels were getting high, and some residents weren't comfortable.” — *Eli Pasternak, owner, [Liberty House Buying Group](https://www.libertyhousebuyinggroup.com/we-buy-houses-jacksonville-fl/)*
“We've had instances where bird-keeping on balconies caused problems for neighboring tenants. Feathers and bird food would sometimes land on other tenants' balconies. This led to conflicts… We decided to only allow fish as pets on our properties… They don't cause allergies, make noise, or create issues in common areas.” — *Jasen Edwards, real estate agent and Chair of the Editorial Board at the real estate guidance site [AgentAdvice.com](https://www.agentadvice.com/)*
“In addition to cats and dogs, the pets I tend to restrict the most are birds and fish tanks. Even birds that stay in their cages can be noisy enough to bother the neighbors, and they tend to be messy creatures, especially when they're molting.” — *Leonard Ang, CEO, [iPropertyManagement](https://ipropertymanagement.com/)*
Snakes Might Scare the Neighbors
“One of my tenants had a pet snake they had hidden in their unit. Snakes are a part of our no-pet policy. We found out much later when the snake escaped from their unit and was found frolicking near the building entrance.” — *Eli Pasternak, owner, [Liberty House Buying Group](https://www.libertyhousebuyinggroup.com/we-buy-houses-jacksonville-fl/)*
A Blanket No-Pets Policy is the Most Straightforward
“I've encountered property owners who prefer a more straightforward approach by banning all types of pets, regardless of their size or potential impact. This approach eliminates any ambiguity and leaves no room for misunderstandings between landlords and tenants. Personally, I find these unambiguous policies to be efficient in setting clear expectations from the outset, reducing the likelihood of disputes and ensuring a hassle-free rental experience for both parties.” — *Pete Evering, Business Development Manager at [Utopia Property Management](http://utopiamanagement.com/)*
“We have a no-pet policy as a blanket rule. That means any kind of pet. The scent of cat urine is really difficult to get out, and if they scratch up furniture, it's going to cost a lot to fix. Dogs have a tendency to scratch up hardwood floors and carpets. We figure if we're not allowing either of those, we're not going to allow any pets.” — *Larry Snider, VP of Operations, [Casago Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals](https://casago.com/santa-barbara/)*
“As a property owner, our no-pet policy includes all animals except certified service animals. This means that pets such as birds, ferrets, hamsters, and other non-traditional pets are prohibited. This policy maintains a consistent and manageable living environment for all residents. While cats and dogs are commonly associated with traditional pet ownership, including other animals in the no-pet policy helps avoid potential conflicts, noise disturbances, allergies, and damage to the property that can arise from any type of pet.” — \*Chris McGuire, real estate investor and licensed broker, founder of [Real Estate Exam Ninja](https://realestateexamninja.com/) \*
Why is your unit pet-friendly?
Not all property managers prefer a no-pets policy. We spoke with a few who allow certain kinds of pets in their rental units, and some that actually believe that renters with pets make for better tenants.
Ferrets, Hamsters, and Guinea Pigs are Harmless
“Ferrets and hamsters aren't included in our no-pet policy… \[They\] are harmless animals who don't make a lot of fuss like other animals.” — *Eli Pasternak, owner, [Liberty House Buying Group](https://www.libertyhousebuyinggroup.com/we-buy-houses-jacksonville-fl/)*
“I believe there are some harmless animals and birds that cannot cause any damage to the property or neighbors. So, I created a \[no-pet policy\] that excludes birds and hamsters from the pet policy.” — *Perry Zheng, real estate investor and CEO of the commercial real estate investment marketplace [Pallas](https://www.pallashq.com/)*
I Prefer Tenants with Pets
“I sincerely believe that tenants with pets are generally better tenants most of the time. Having an animal that you are responsible for caring for, feeding, bathing, cleaning up after, etc. is a testament to your character. Allowing pets is a win-win for my business. We get excellent tenants that stay forever because no one else will accept their pets \[as we have a major problem with landlords refusing pets in my area\], so I never have to worry about them moving out (and tenant turnover is the biggest expense landlords face). You can also charge a higher rent and make your units more profitable.” — *Greg Gaudet, property manager and property owner, [Maui Home Buyers](https://www.mauihomebuyers.com/)*
“I have an interesting anecdote to share regarding a tenant who had an exotic pet – a parrot. This particular parrot was quite unique in that it was not caged and had an astonishing ability to mimic human speech. Despite the unconventional nature of this pet, hosting the parrot on my property didn't pose any unusual challenges or disruptions. In fact, it added a touch of charm to the community, as many residents enjoyed interacting with the talkative parrot, which seemed to bring joy to our shared living space.” — *Anam Gul, landlord and mortgage professional,* [*RentMe*](https://www.onrentme.com/)
Can a landlord reject my service animal?
Now that you’ve read through some of the rationale behind no-pet policies, you may be wondering if a landlord can deny your service animal (also called an assistance animal) or emotional support animal (also called an ESA or companion animal). The short answer is: No, they can’t.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the [Fair Housing Act (FHA)](https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint), a landlord cannot deny you tenancy if you have a service animal or an ESA, nor can they charge extra pet fees like pet rent. They also cannot impose breed restrictions — so a service dog that is a pit bull is just as welcome as one that is a beagle. These are all considered reasonable accommodations that a landlord must make. However, a landlord may charge a tenant with an ESA a refundable pet deposit. They will also require you to have documentation proving that you have a registered service animal or ESA. Finally, all pets must be kept up to date on their vaccinations — regardless of their status as an ESA or service animal.
You can file a [housing discrimination complaint](https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint) with HUD, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, if you feel you were denied reasonable accommodations.
You may also enjoy...
[How to Find a Pet-Friendly Apartment](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/how-to-find-a-pet-friendly-apartment "How to Find a Pet-Friendly Apartment")
[Guide to Renting with an Emotional Support Animal](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/guide-to-renting-with-an-emotional-support-animal "Guide to Renting with an Emotional Support Animal")
[Dog-Proofing Your Apartment & Other Tips for Renting with Dogs](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/dog-proofing-your-apartment-and-other-tips-for-renting-with-dogs "Dog-Proofing Your Apartment & Other Tips for Renting with Dogs")
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| Readable Markdown | 1. [Home](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/)
2. [Lifestyle](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/category/lifestyle)
3. [What Pets are Really Included in a “No Pets” Policy?](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/what-pets-included-in-no-pets-policy)
4. This Post
As a pet owner, finding a living space with pet-friendly policies is nonnegotiable. And unless you have a certified service or [emotional support animal](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/guide-to-renting-with-an-emotional-support-animal), many landlords can turn you away for having a pet or charge you extra fees (like monthly pet rent or a one-time pet security deposit) for bringing along a furry friend.
It’s always smart to be transparent with your potential landlord about whether or not you will be bringing a pet to your new living space — a best practice that most dog and cat owners will already be familiar with.
But what if you have another kind of pet — like a bird, rabbit, ferret, or even a fish? Do you need to disclose that you will be living with a pet other than a [dog](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/dog-proofing-your-apartment-and-other-tips-for-renting-with-dogs) or [cat](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/how-to-cat-proof-your-apartment)?
We spoke to property owners and managers and other industry professionals to find out what their “no pets” policies include, and why.
Do I need to disclose that I have a pet if I don’t have a dog or cat?
Yes. It’s in your best interest to ask rather than assume — even if your pet is a caged animal that you are certain won’t damage the apartment — because different landlords have different risk tolerances when it comes to animals. Plus, if you do have an unauthorized pet, it’s considered a breach of the [lease agreement](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/what-you-need-to-know-before-signing-a-lease) and can result in [eviction](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/what-to-do-if-you-get-an-eviction-notice), the removal of your pet, or the loss of your [security deposit](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/what-is-a-security-deposit-everything-you-need-to-know).
Why did you create your no pet policy?
You may be wondering why a rental property you love has a no-pets policy. We spoke to property owners and managers and other industry professionals to find out.
Even a Fish Could Cause Damage
“Typically, a no-pets policy is going to include all pets. These policies are mainly in place for the pets that would create the most damage or require the most cleanup — like cats and dogs — but it’s usually easiest to just say no pets in general instead of outlining the specifics about what is and isn’t allowed. And even the calmest pets that take up the smallest space could still cause damage! For example, fish clearly don’t shed or track in dirt. However, a fishbowl or tank is not immune from getting knocked over, which could cause a ton of damage.” — *Brittany Mendez, CMO of short-term rental platform [FloridaPanhandle.com](http://floridapanhandle.com/)*
“For fish tanks, the issue is really one of leaks and spills. We had an issue at a unit several years ago now where a tenant on the third story had several large saltwater aquariums. They were taking up his entire living room. One day, the weight of the water was too much and the whole floor gave way, completely flooding out the apartment below. That's kind of an extreme example, but even a spilled 10-gallon tank can create lots of problems.” — *Leonard Ang, CEO, [iPropertyManagement](https://ipropertymanagement.com/)*
Birds Can Lead to Noise Complaints from Other Tenants
“\[Our no-pets policy\] only applies to dogs, cats, birds, and some other dangerous animals… I created the policy after complaints from a few tenants. The noise levels were getting high, and some residents weren't comfortable.” — *Eli Pasternak, owner, [Liberty House Buying Group](https://www.libertyhousebuyinggroup.com/we-buy-houses-jacksonville-fl/)*
“We've had instances where bird-keeping on balconies caused problems for neighboring tenants. Feathers and bird food would sometimes land on other tenants' balconies. This led to conflicts… We decided to only allow fish as pets on our properties… They don't cause allergies, make noise, or create issues in common areas.” — *Jasen Edwards, real estate agent and Chair of the Editorial Board at the real estate guidance site [AgentAdvice.com](https://www.agentadvice.com/)*
“In addition to cats and dogs, the pets I tend to restrict the most are birds and fish tanks. Even birds that stay in their cages can be noisy enough to bother the neighbors, and they tend to be messy creatures, especially when they're molting.” — *Leonard Ang, CEO, [iPropertyManagement](https://ipropertymanagement.com/)*
Snakes Might Scare the Neighbors
“One of my tenants had a pet snake they had hidden in their unit. Snakes are a part of our no-pet policy. We found out much later when the snake escaped from their unit and was found frolicking near the building entrance.” — *Eli Pasternak, owner, [Liberty House Buying Group](https://www.libertyhousebuyinggroup.com/we-buy-houses-jacksonville-fl/)*
A Blanket No-Pets Policy is the Most Straightforward
“I've encountered property owners who prefer a more straightforward approach by banning all types of pets, regardless of their size or potential impact. This approach eliminates any ambiguity and leaves no room for misunderstandings between landlords and tenants. Personally, I find these unambiguous policies to be efficient in setting clear expectations from the outset, reducing the likelihood of disputes and ensuring a hassle-free rental experience for both parties.” — *Pete Evering, Business Development Manager at [Utopia Property Management](http://utopiamanagement.com/)*
“We have a no-pet policy as a blanket rule. That means any kind of pet. The scent of cat urine is really difficult to get out, and if they scratch up furniture, it's going to cost a lot to fix. Dogs have a tendency to scratch up hardwood floors and carpets. We figure if we're not allowing either of those, we're not going to allow any pets.” — *Larry Snider, VP of Operations, [Casago Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals](https://casago.com/santa-barbara/)*
“As a property owner, our no-pet policy includes all animals except certified service animals. This means that pets such as birds, ferrets, hamsters, and other non-traditional pets are prohibited. This policy maintains a consistent and manageable living environment for all residents. While cats and dogs are commonly associated with traditional pet ownership, including other animals in the no-pet policy helps avoid potential conflicts, noise disturbances, allergies, and damage to the property that can arise from any type of pet.” — \*Chris McGuire, real estate investor and licensed broker, founder of [Real Estate Exam Ninja](https://realestateexamninja.com/) \*
Why is your unit pet-friendly?
Not all property managers prefer a no-pets policy. We spoke with a few who allow certain kinds of pets in their rental units, and some that actually believe that renters with pets make for better tenants.
Ferrets, Hamsters, and Guinea Pigs are Harmless
“Ferrets and hamsters aren't included in our no-pet policy… \[They\] are harmless animals who don't make a lot of fuss like other animals.” — *Eli Pasternak, owner, [Liberty House Buying Group](https://www.libertyhousebuyinggroup.com/we-buy-houses-jacksonville-fl/)*
“I believe there are some harmless animals and birds that cannot cause any damage to the property or neighbors. So, I created a \[no-pet policy\] that excludes birds and hamsters from the pet policy.” — *Perry Zheng, real estate investor and CEO of the commercial real estate investment marketplace [Pallas](https://www.pallashq.com/)*
I Prefer Tenants with Pets
“I sincerely believe that tenants with pets are generally better tenants most of the time. Having an animal that you are responsible for caring for, feeding, bathing, cleaning up after, etc. is a testament to your character. Allowing pets is a win-win for my business. We get excellent tenants that stay forever because no one else will accept their pets \[as we have a major problem with landlords refusing pets in my area\], so I never have to worry about them moving out (and tenant turnover is the biggest expense landlords face). You can also charge a higher rent and make your units more profitable.” — *Greg Gaudet, property manager and property owner, [Maui Home Buyers](https://www.mauihomebuyers.com/)*
“I have an interesting anecdote to share regarding a tenant who had an exotic pet – a parrot. This particular parrot was quite unique in that it was not caged and had an astonishing ability to mimic human speech. Despite the unconventional nature of this pet, hosting the parrot on my property didn't pose any unusual challenges or disruptions. In fact, it added a touch of charm to the community, as many residents enjoyed interacting with the talkative parrot, which seemed to bring joy to our shared living space.” — *Anam Gul, landlord and mortgage professional,* [*RentMe*](https://www.onrentme.com/)
Can a landlord reject my service animal?
Now that you’ve read through some of the rationale behind no-pet policies, you may be wondering if a landlord can deny your service animal (also called an assistance animal) or emotional support animal (also called an ESA or companion animal). The short answer is: No, they can’t.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the [Fair Housing Act (FHA)](https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint), a landlord cannot deny you tenancy if you have a service animal or an ESA, nor can they charge extra pet fees like pet rent. They also cannot impose breed restrictions — so a service dog that is a pit bull is just as welcome as one that is a beagle. These are all considered reasonable accommodations that a landlord must make. However, a landlord may charge a tenant with an ESA a refundable pet deposit. They will also require you to have documentation proving that you have a registered service animal or ESA. Finally, all pets must be kept up to date on their vaccinations — regardless of their status as an ESA or service animal.
You can file a [housing discrimination complaint](https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint) with HUD, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, if you feel you were denied reasonable accommodations. |
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