Finding a pet-friendly rental
Read the listing first. Many listings say whether pets are allowed and whether there are limits on number, size or type. If the listing says pets are considered case by case, ask before you apply. Some homes cannot take certain animals because of the owner's insurance policy or HOA rules, and that is not something a landlord can always change.
Always disclose every animal on your application, including cats that never go outside. An animal that turns up later is a lease violation, and it can cost you the home and part of your deposit.
Build a pet resume
A short pet profile makes approval easier, especially for a large dog. Put it together once and attach it to every application.
- Name, breed or mix, age, weight and a recent photo.
- Proof of current rabies vaccination and recent vet records.
- Spay or neuter status and microchip number. The City of San Antonio requires dogs and cats to be microchipped and registered; check the rules in your own city.
- A reference from a past landlord about how your pet behaved and how you left the home.
- Training or obedience classes completed, if any.
Pet deposits, fees and pet rent
Landlords in Texas can charge for pets in a few ways, and your lease or pet agreement should spell out which ones apply. A pet deposit is refundable and is handled like the rest of your security deposit at move-out. A pet fee is a one-time charge that is not refunded. Pet rent is a monthly amount added to your rent. Some homes use one, some use a combination.
None of these limits what you owe for damage. If your dog chews the trim or your cat ruins the carpet, the landlord can deduct the cost of repairs beyond normal wear and tear from your deposit, and can bill you for anything the deposit does not cover. Read the pet section of your lease closely before you sign.
Assistance animals are not pets
Under the federal Fair Housing Act, a person with a disability can ask for a reasonable accommodation to live with an assistance animal, even in a home with a no-pets policy. Assistance animals include service animals and support animals that help with the effects of a disability. They are not pets, and a landlord cannot charge a pet fee, pet deposit or pet rent for them.
If your disability or the need for the animal is not obvious, a landlord may ask for reliable documentation, usually from a health care provider who knows you, confirming the disability-related need. A landlord is not entitled to your diagnosis or medical records. Certificates or registrations bought online, on their own, generally are not the kind of documentation landlords rely on. You are still responsible for the animal's behavior and for any damage it causes, as you would be for any other damage to the home.
Keeping pets safe in San Antonio heat
Summer in San Antonio is hard on animals and on the homes they live in. A dog left in the yard on a hot afternoon will dig, chew and try to get out. Plan for the heat before it arrives.
- Walk dogs early in the morning or after sunset. Pavement can burn paws.
- Leave shade and plenty of water if a dog is outside at all, and bring it in during the hottest hours.
- Keep the AC set to a safe temperature when pets are home alone, and report an AC failure right away.
- Keep up flea, tick and heartworm prevention year round. Fleas spread quickly in carpet and are a common move-out charge.
- Check the fence line regularly and report loose boards or gaps before your dog finds them.
Living with pets in a rental
Pick up after your dog every day, in the yard and in the neighborhood. Many HOAs fine owners for pet waste in common areas, and that fine can come back to you under your lease. Keep noise down. A dog that barks all day while you are at work is the most common neighbor complaint.
If you want to add a pet during your lease, ask first and get approval in writing before the animal comes home. Your landlord may need to update the pet agreement and add a deposit or pet rent.
Moving out with pets
Most pet charges at move-out come from a short list: odor, stains, scratched doors and floors, chewed trim, holes dug in the yard and fleas. Clean carpets the way your lease asks, often with a receipt from a professional cleaner. Treat for fleas if your lease requires it. Fill holes in the yard and pick up all waste. Then take dated photos of every room. Rothrock compares the home to the move-in photos, so the more care you take, the more of your deposit comes back.
Questions
Can a landlord charge a pet deposit and pet rent in Texas?
Yes, if the lease or pet agreement says so. A pet deposit is refundable and is treated like your security deposit. A pet fee is a one-time, non-refundable charge. Pet rent is a monthly amount added to your rent.
Can a landlord charge a pet deposit for an emotional support animal?
No. Under the Fair Housing Act, assistance animals, including emotional support animals, are not pets, so pet deposits, pet fees and pet rent do not apply. You are still responsible for any damage the animal causes.
Can a landlord ask for documentation for an emotional support animal?
If the disability or the need for the animal is not obvious, yes. A landlord can ask for reliable documentation of the disability-related need, usually from a health care provider who knows you. A landlord cannot demand your diagnosis or medical records.
What happens if I get a pet without telling my landlord?
It is usually a lease violation. You may be charged under the lease's pet terms, asked to remove the animal, or face ending the lease. Ask in writing first; most landlords who allow pets will simply update the agreement.
Why are some dog breeds not allowed in rentals?
Often because of the owner's insurance policy or HOA rules, not the landlord's preference. Ask what the limits are before you apply.
General information about Texas rules, not legal advice. For a specific situation, speak to a Texas attorney.