Breed Restrictions: What Should You Know When Renting With Pets?

Pets are family, and your four-legged buddies are a big factor in major decisions, including renting an apartment. The entire process of searching for the perfect place, applying and anxiously waiting to get approved can become even more of a struggle if the apartment building you’re trying to move into has breed restrictions.

However, there are ways to avoid the disappointment of getting rejected because of your pet. We’ve put together a simple guide to help you understand how apartment breed restrictions work so that you can make sure your doggo can tag along whenever you decide to move.

What are apartment breed restrictions?

Breed restrictions are rules that prohibit certain dog breeds — typically those perceived as aggressive — from many properties. These rules are often in place due to liability concerns and insurance requirements. In fact, many insurance companies still impose breed-specific exclusions, although there is growing pressure for reform.

While not all pets are aggressive or poorly trained, some apartment communities choose to ban certain breeds altogether to minimize risk. This approach is easier than evaluating each pet individually and may be influenced by insurance policies, corporate property management decisions, or even local ordinances.

It’s also worth noting that some cities and counties have breed-specific legislation (BSL), although many areas are now repealing such laws. For instance:

• Miami-Dade County, FL, still bans pit bulls, and violators can face fines.
• New York City, however, does not have a breed ban; that said, individual buildings may still impose restrictions.

In general, not all properties use breed restriction lists. If you’re looking for flexibility, search for “no breed restriction” apartments, which accept all dog breeds (though often still with pet fees and weight limits).

What dog breeds are usually restricted?

Before applying for a rental, check local and state laws and ask the property manager about their pet policies. Commonly restricted breeds (and their mixes) include:

• Pit bull terriers (including American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers)
• Rottweilers
• Doberman pinschers
• German shepherds
• Cane corsos
• Mastiffs
• Akitas
• Great Danes
• Wolf hybrids

Some insurance providers are beginning to shift toward behavior-based assessments instead of blanket breed bans. Still, breed restrictions remain common in many rental communities.

Activists continue to argue that responsible ownership, not breed, should be the basis for acceptance. Blanket breed bans can lead to increased shelter surrenders or abandonment.

How to get around breed restrictions when renting?

Don’t get discouraged. If a rental you like has breed restrictions, you still have options:

• Pet resume: Include photos, vaccination records, obedience class certificates, and a letter from a previous landlord or veterinarian.

• Dog interview: Offer to introduce your dog to the property manager to demonstrate good behavior.

• Pet insurance: Having liability coverage for your pet can reassure landlords and protect you in case of damage or an incident.

• Emotional support animals (ESAs): If your dog is an ESA and you have the appropriate documentation from a licensed healthcare provider, you may be entitled to an exception under the Fair Housing Act. However, documentation must be legitimate — landlords are increasingly scrutinizing ESA letters due to past abuse of the system.

Finding a home for you and your pet

All things considered, renting with a dog these days may still come with extra effort, but it’s far from impossible. Pet-friendly housing is increasingly in demand, and more apartment communities are adapting their policies to attract responsible pet owners. You might get lucky and quickly find the perfect home that welcomes both you and your pet but it’s important to be ready for negative scenarios as well. Do your research before applying to avoid losing the application fee in case the property doesn’t accept certain dog breeds.

Ready to start your search? Head on over to RentCafe.com and browse through our pet-friendly apartments, or if you’ve got more questions about renting with pets, check out our ultimate guide for living with your furry friend.