Can A Landlord Change Their Mind About Pets?

Today, finding an apartment that allows pets is not always easy. That makes it so exciting when you finally find a landlord who does allow animals. So, can a landlord change their mind about your furry friend?

A landlord cannot change their mind about pets until the end of your fixed-term lease. At that point, they can update the new lease and prohibit pets before you sign it. They can also provide 30 days’ notice and prohibit pets if you’re on a month-to-month lease. Landlords can evict tenants for having pets when the lease prohibits them.

If your landlord permits animals, they will likely charge you fees and may increase your rent. Follow along as we explore everything you must know about having pets as a renter.

Can A Landlord Ban Pets If You Already Have Them?

A landlord cannot change their mind and forbid pets if you signed a lease permitting them and you already have them. However, it’s important to note that this primarily applies to year leases and multi-year leases. Month-to-month leases are different, and a landlord can change the conditions after providing 30 days’ notice. In that case, your landlord may say you cannot keep pets in your apartment after the current rental period ends.

Some landlords will try to get away with this during fixed-term leases, which isn’t allowed. They cannot change a fixed-term lease’s conditions until it expires, in most cases. Landlords and tenants must honor the lterms of a ease or either party may face consequences. For example, the landlord may evict you for violating the lease’s terms. However, you can sue them for violating a fixed-term lease and changing the clause about pets.

Can A Landlord Ban Emotional Support Animals?

The Fair Housing Act prevents homeowners from banning emotional support animals (ESAs), which aren’t considered pets, as they’re meant to help people and provide therapeutic support. A landlord can only refuse a support animal if you don’t provide an ESA letter from a mental health professional. Today, obtaining an ESA letter is easier than ever due to the loosening of the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. That said, make sure the mental health professional is reputable and properly licensed. The letter must contain their license number, signature, and the date. Give the letter to your landlord to finalize the process, then bring your support animal home as soon as you get approved. Be aware your landlord can't charge a fee or increase your rent for an ESA. That may be the case with normal pets, but ESAs aren’t considered pets.

Why Do Landlords Charge Pet Fees?

Landlords charge pet fees to cover the cost of any damages your pet may cause. Cats and dogs have accidents and track dirt, mud, and dirty litter through the house. They can also tarnish hardwood floors, scratch walls, and tear carpet fibers apart. Landlords know that tenants won’t likely cover the cost of these repairs, so they must protect themselves. Many landlords charge tenants a refundable pet deposit, similar to a traditional security deposit.

That way, you can get your money back if the landlord doesn’t discover any pet damage when you move out. Some landlords add an extra $25 to $200 per month to your rent. That extra money isn’t refundable, so you must deal with it as best as you can.

What Happens If You Get Caught With A Pet In Your Apartment?

You face fees, penalties, and eviction if you get caught with a pet in a pet-free apartment. The most likely scenario is that the landlord will charge an immediate fee and give you a deadline to remove your pet. However, the extent of the penalties will ultimately depend on the terms of your lease. For example, some leases stipulate that tenants will face eviction for violating the lease terms, including the pet policy.

However, you won’t face eviction if the lease permitted pets, but the landlord updated the pet policy. This only applies if you’re in a fixed-term lease, in which case you can keep your pets until it expires. IIf this happens, you should look for a new place to live before the lease expires. Otherwise, you must get rid of your pets before renewing the lease. The alternative is to keep your pets until you get caught, but the consequences may not be worth it.

How Much Do Landlords Charge For Pets?

Landlords often charge a $200-$500 one-time fee for pets, but others charge a monthly fee. For example, some landlords charge $100 to $200 per pet per month. That said, most landlords only charge $10 to $75 per pet per month. You can also expect to spend up to $600 on a refundable pet deposit.

However, your landlord may also charge a cleaning fee if your pet damages your apartment. In that case, you won’t get your deposit back, and you also must pay a cleaning fee. Some people propose state legislation that would force landlords to either charge a fee or charge pet rent. That way, landlords cannot overcharge their tenants just for having pets. This type of legislation has been proposed in Illinois.

What If Your Lease Doesn’t Mention Pets?

You’re likely allowed to have pets if your lease doesn’t say you can’t. That’s especially true if you and your landlord sign the lease. It should dictate what you are and aren’t allowed to do as a tenant in your new home. That’s especially true with fixed-term leases, which typically last at least 12 months. If they change their mind, they cannot update the lease until the end of the fixed-term, unless you both agree to it. In that case, you can get away with having pets even if your landlord decides they don’t like them.

Summing It Up

A landlord can change their mind about pets, but they can’t do anything about them until your fixed-term lease ends. However, they can quickly change the terms with enough notice if you’re on a month-to-month lease. If you get caught with pets where they’re prohibited, your landlord can fine and evict you for violating the terms of the lease.

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