What are California’s pet laws for renters?

Understanding California pet laws for renters is essential when looking for a place to rent with your pet best friend. Let’s talk about renting with a pet in California!

Ellie

4 minute read

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12 Sep 2024

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Renting

It can feel like quite a battle to find a pet-friendly rental in California, with many landlords and property managers preferring to rent to pet-free tenants. If you’re planning to move to cities like Los Angeles, understanding your rights as a pet owner before you explore homes in LA is crucial and can help you find a rental for you and your pet more easily. In this article, we’ll walk you through all you need to know about California pet laws for renters and what it's like to rent with a pet in California.

One of the key concerns for pet owners renting in California is the pet deposit you may be asked to pay when you rent with your pet. Landlords aren’t legally obligated to allow you to rent with a pet, but there’re regulations in place that govern how they handle pet deposits. A pet deposit is a one-time payment you’ll pay on move-in or when you bring a pet into your rental. This deposit is used to cover potential damages your pet may cause.

Your pet deposit and security deposit combined cannot cost more than 2 months rent for an unfurnished rental or 3 months' rent for a furnished rental. At the end of your tenancy, your landlord must have a legitimate reason for withholding part or the entirety of your deposit, they cannot keep your deposit without justification. A pet deposit in California must be handled similarly to a security deposit. Your pet deposit can only be used to repair damages or pay for the necessary cleaning your pet may cause.

Make sure your pet deposit terms and costs are clearly outlined in your rental agreement before you sign. If you bring a pet into your rental during the tenancy, you should ensure that your rental agreement is reviewed to add an inclusion on your pet deposit and any additional fees your landlord may require. You should make this change to the rental agreement (with your landlord) before bringing your pet into your rental.

Pet rent is legal in California, it’s a separate fee from the pet deposit and is typically charged on a monthly basis. Pet rent is an additional amount that landlords may require to cover the potential wear and tear caused by pets. In California, there are no specific laws that govern pet rent, so landlords have the freedom to set this fee as they see fit.

However, the terms of your pet rent must be clearly stated in the rental agreement. This means that landlords cannot add pet rent charges after you’ve already signed the lease. If you bring a pet in during your tenancy with your landlord’s agreement, you should amend the rental agreement before you bring the pet onto the property.

Landlords in California have the right to ban pets altogether from their rentals, but some will simply enforce restrictions on which types, sizes, and numbers of pets are allowed. They can also restrict access to common areas with your pet or require you to accompany your pet in these areas.

Documents required to rent with a pet

To prepare to bring a pet into your rental, you should have certain documents on hand:

• Proof of pet licenses
• Proof of vaccinations
• A pet profile containing their age, size, and breed
• Proof or evidence of training, if applicable

Your landlord cannot deny you having support and service animals in your rental. They’re exempt from all pet deposits, rent, and fees. You’ll need to provide paperwork to verify having your service or support animal.

California's upcoming bill, AB 2216, aims to update pet laws in the state, focusing on improving protections for renters with pets. The bill proposes new regulations that will limit the amount landlords can charge for pet deposits and abolish pet rent.

This bill will also ensure that landlords with more than 15 rental units cannot deny a tenant the right to have a pet in their rental.

So far, the bill has passed voting in the Democratic Assembly, but hasn’t yet been brought into law. It’s good to check for up to date information on this bill as you search for a pet-friendly rental, it may help you in your search once brought into law.

1. Negotiate upfront: Before signing a lease, discuss pet policies with your landlord. Try to negotiate any pet deposit or pet rent charges to a fair amount that aligns with industry standards.

2. Filter your search: If you’re looking for a new place to rent with your pet, be sure to filter for rentals that allow you to rent with a pet. HousingAnywhere’s 'Facilities' filter allows you to narrow your search to only listings where the landlord allows you to rent with a pet. Even cities like LA have plenty of rentals for people with pets. Check it out!

3. Provide references: If possible, provide references or documentation of your pet’s good behavior. You can provide proof of your pet being trained or have previous landlords or roommates write a reference letter. This will reassure your landlord that your pet is well-behaved and reduce their concerns of potential damage or disturbances.

4. Document condition: Before moving in, take photos or videos of the rental property’s condition. This can help you prove that any damage noted at move-out was not caused by your pet.

5. Understand your tenant rights: Familiarize yourself with tenant rights on a state and city level to have a decent grasp of your standing as a tenant. Local authorities may offer additional protections for pet owners.

6. Consider renters insurance: Look into renters insurance policies that cover pet damage. This can provide additional peace of mind and financial protection.

Knowing your rights when renting as a pet owner in California is essential to finding your perfect rental property. Whether you’re about to search homes for rent in Los Angeles or bring a pet into your existing tenancy, knowing what entitlements you and your landlord is important to keep things in order. Now, you can better advocate for yourself and your pet while maintaining a good relationship with your landlord.

If you have issues with your landlord or have questions about your specific situation, talking to a legal professional or tenant rights organization can provide further guidance. With the right information, you can enjoy your rental home and your pet without unnecessary stress.