Learn more about pet fees and policies when applying for one of our rental properties.
As a staff full of fellow animal lovers, we hope we can accommodate both you and your pets whenever possible. However, there may be some restrictions that you will want to be aware of before applying and signing a lease.
If you are an existing tenant, please note that you may request to add a pet to your lease at any time by contacting our office in writing via email. You must submit a request that must be approved before you move in your pet.
Are pets allowed?
We allow most pets at most properties. Requirements vary per property or unit at the discretion of the property owner. You will want to check the marketing remarks on the listing details to see if pets are allowed and what types.
Most often, cats and dogs are allowed, but this will be specified on the listing. Other animals will be considered on a case-by-case basis, although we have some general limitations listed later in this article.
If we get applications from non-pet owners, we may prioritize those. There are extra deposits and monthly fees for pets.
How many pets can I have?
When pets are allowed, there may be limitations to how many pets you will be allowed to have in a single building or a single unit if you're applying to live in a multi-unit building (i.e., buildings with 2+ connected apartments). Those limitations will generally be:
- No more than 4 pets total per building
- For example, if you and your neighbors each have 2 dogs, we will likely not allow more individuals to move into your building with another pet.
- No more than 2 dogs per unit in a multi-family building
- For example, if you have 3 dogs, it's possible you will not qualify for the unit.
These issues are evaluated on a case-by-case basis with the goal of limiting long-term damage in the home.
What are the pet fees?
Pet rent and non-refundable pet deposits are charged for any approved animals living in the property due to the inherent risks for damages that pets may cause to a property. Pet rent describes the monthly charge to allow a pet to live in the leased property, while a non-refundable pet fee is a one-time charge assessed when moving in the pet, which will help cover any damage due to the pet living in the property.
- $350 non-refundable deposit per pet (one-time)
- This is limited to $700 per instance
- $50 per pet monthly fee
- This is capped at $75 per month
For example:
- A new resident has one cat and one dog
- They will be charged a non-refundable pet fee when moving in of $700
- In addition, the resident will owe a monthly pet fee of $75
These fees are non-negotiable, with the exception of emotional support animals or service animals.
What about service or emotional support animals?
In order to comply with the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we waive fees for verified service and support animals. Restrictions on pets may still apply if the animal is neither a cat nor a dog or if pets are not allowed at the property/in the unit.
In order to verify your pet, please provide proof in your application or via. Email to our staff:
- For an Emotional Support Animal:
- An ESA letter or prescription letter from a licensed mental health professional like a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. This should explain that the animal provides emotional support that alleviates symptoms of the person's disability.
- Medical records or letters from a general physician confirming the disability and need for the ESA.
- Documentation confirming the ESA has been specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- For a Service Animal:
- An ID card, certificate, or vest stating the animal is a service animal. These are not legally required but can serve as supporting proof.
- Records of specialized service animal training from a recognized training organization.
- A letter from a healthcare provider stating the person has a disability and explaining the function the service animal performs to assist them.
Verification the animal performs specific tasks directly related to assisting with a person's disability. - Documentation confirming the service animal has been specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Are certain breeds or sizes restricted?
As a company, we do limit certain pet species, breeds, and sizes across all of our properties due to liability and insurability risks. There are some cases where these restrictions can be lifted if the tenant can provide sufficient insurance coverage throughout their lease term. Those restrictions are as follows for all properties managed by our company:
- No more than four pets per building.
- No snakes over 3 feet, venomous animals, or wild animals.
- Dogs over 50 lbs are only allowed with tenant renters and liability insurance.
- Certain breeds like Pit bulls, Dobermans, and Rottweilers are only allowed with tenant renters and liability insurance.
Restrictions may change. Check with us by emailing our staff to confirm before applying.