Pets and animals
Guides on pets and animals, with the actual statute numbers and what to do if your lease crosses the line.
-
Can My Landlord Deny My Emotional Support Animal?
Almost never. Under the federal Fair Housing Act, emotional support animals are not pets — they're a reasonable accommodation for a disability. Landlords can't apply no-pet policies, can't charge pet rent or deposits, and generally can't impose breed or size restrictions. The Act itself is still in force; only HUD's specific 2020 guidance was withdrawn in September 2025, which leaves more interpretation room for procedures but doesn't change the underlying right.
Read guide -
Pet Deposits vs. Pet Rent vs. Pet Fees: What's Legal Where?
Pet deposit, pet rent, and pet fee mean three different things. A deposit is refundable and applied to actual damage. Pet rent is monthly and not refundable. A pet fee is a one-time non-refundable charge. What landlords can charge — and whether they can charge it at all — varies sharply by state.
Read guide