Pet Screening for Rentals | How It Works for Landlords

Pets are no longer a small part of the rental market. In fact, about 66% of U.S. households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey. That means most landlords will face pet-related decisions again and again. Yet pet screening often feels stressful. Property damage, noise complaints, aggressive behavior, fake service animal claims, unpaid pet fees, and insurance risks can quickly turn a simple lease into a costly problem. Meanwhile, rejecting pets completely can shrink your applicant pool and increase vacancy time. Therefore, smart pet screening has become a critical step for modern landlords who want protection without losing good tenants.

Still, many property owners ask important questions before allowing animals into their rentals:

• What exactly is pet screening and how does it work?
• How can landlords verify pet behavior and vaccination records?
• What about emotional support animals and service animals?
• How can pet screening reduce property damage and liability risks?
• Is there a simple way to automate the entire process?

This page answers those questions clearly and practically. You will learn how pet screening protects your property, supports fair housing compliance, and improves tenant relationships. Most importantly, you will discover how Platuni makes the entire process smooth, digital, and stress-free. Instead of chasing paperwork or guessing about risk, landlords can rely on structured screening tools that collect verified pet information in one secure place. As a result, you gain confidence, reduce disputes, and create a pet-friendly rental process that works for everyone.

Also See: Renters Insurance | What It Covers and When It’s Required

What Is Pet Screening?

Pet screening is the process landlords use to evaluate a tenant’s pet before approving it for a rental property. It helps confirm that the animal meets property rules, health standards, and behavior expectations. In simple terms, pet screening protects the property, other tenants, and the pet owner.

A proper pet screening usually checks:

• Pet type and breed
• Size and weight
• Vaccination records
• Behavioral history
• Previous complaints or incidents

Health verification is important. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that vaccinations protect pets and reduce the spread of preventable diseases. Therefore, checking vaccination records supports a safer rental environment.

Pet screening also covers service animals and emotional support animals. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforces the Fair Housing Act, which requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for assistance animals. As a result, landlords must review these cases carefully to avoid discrimination.

In addition, pet screening helps assess the pet owner’s responsibility. Since about 66% of U.S. households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association, allowing pets can expand your applicant pool and increase rental income. However, proper screening reduces the risk of damage such as scratching floors, chewing fixtures, or noise complaints.

Also See: Property Management SOPs: Templates and Examples

How Does the Pet Screening Process Work?

The pet screening process follows clear and structured steps. Each stage supports fairness, safety, and legal compliance. A well-organized system also protects rental income while keeping tenants satisfied.

Step 1: Define Property Rules

At the beginning, the landlord clearly outlines the pet policy. Written guidelines reduce misunderstandings and protect both parties.

Important rules often include:

• Allowed pet types and breeds
• Size or weight limits
• Number of pets permitted per unit
• Required health and vaccination documents
• Pet deposit, one-time fees, or monthly pet rent
• Lease clauses on leash use, waste disposal, and noise control

Insurance providers sometimes restrict certain breeds. Therefore, landlords must confirm coverage before approval. Clear communication at this stage prevents disputes later and sets professional expectations.

Landlords could create these columns and options to set their pet screening policies on our platform on Platuni property management software, and readily have it available for any incoming tenant to see. We also have a smart system to help manage the whole process. You can download it below;

Download the Platuni Property Manager App Today

• Download the App on the App Store
• Download the App on the Play Store

Step 2: Tenant Submits a Pet Application

Next, the tenant completes a detailed pet screening form. This step creates a documented pet profile that becomes part of the tenant record.

Health documentation matters. The American Veterinary Medical Association explains that vaccinations help prevent the spread of contagious diseases in shared environments. As a result, reviewing medical records improves overall property safety.

Also Read: Chicago Landlord-Tenant Ordinance: What You Need to Know

Step 3: Review and Evaluation

After submission, the landlord carefully reviews the application. This stage focuses on risk assessment and compatibility.

Key review areas include:

• Insurance breed limitations
• Property size compared to pet size
• Past behavioral concerns
• Compatibility with other tenants or pets

In some situations, an in-person pet interview is helpful. Observing how the animal responds to basic commands or reacts in a new environment gives additional insight. However, normal nervous behavior should not automatically result in rejection.

Also Read: What a Landlord Cannot Do in Oregon: Legal Rules

Step 4: Approval With Conditions

If the pet meets the criteria, approval is issued with specific lease conditions.

Approved terms may include:

• Refundable pet deposit
• Monthly pet rent
• Cleaning and damage responsibility
• Noise control requirements

Service animals and emotional support animals must be reviewed under the Fair Housing Act. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires reasonable accommodation for assistance animals. These animals are not treated as ordinary pets, so pet fees may not apply.

Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring

Finally, responsible pet screening does not end at approval. Landlords conduct periodic inspections and maintain open communication.

Ongoing monitoring helps to:

• Detect property damage early
• Address complaints quickly
• Reinforce lease expectations

Early intervention reduces long-term repair costs and protects tenant relationships.

Also See: What Are the Renters’ Rights in Texas? Legal Overview

Are There Any Legal Requirements for Pet Screening in Rental Properties?

Landlords must follow clear legal rules when screening pets to protect tenants and avoid discrimination claims. Pet screening is not just about protecting property, it ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Key Legal Guidelines:

• Fair Housing Act (FHA): Landlords must accommodate tenants with disabilities who require a service animal or an emotional support animal (ESA). These animals are not considered pets and cannot be charged fees or deposits. More details are available at HUD Fair Housing Guidelines.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Service animals, such as trained dogs or miniature horses, must be allowed without additional fees or restrictions. While the ADA primarily covers public spaces, landlords cannot deny housing access for these animals.
• Non-Discrimination: Screening must focus on behavior, health, and safety, not breed, size, or stereotypes. A standardized pet profile helps maintain fairness and objectivity.
• Local and State Laws: Certain cities or states regulate pet ownership, vaccination requirements, or breed restrictions. Following these ensures compliance and reduces risk of legal disputes.

Using a professional tool like Platuni makes staying compliant easier by helping landlords track pet details, fees, and documentation all in one dashboard.

Also See: Multifamily Property Insurance: Coverage Explained

What Are Pet-Related Fees?

Pet-related fees are charges landlords use to offset potential risks and costs of housing pets in rental properties. With 66% of U.S. households owning a pet, implementing clear fees protects property while supporting responsible pet ownership. These fees also help property managers generate additional revenue and maintain compliance with local housing laws.

Common types of pet-related fees include:

State regulations often dictate how much a landlord can charge, and fees must not discriminate against service or emotional support animals under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).

Also Read: What Is Loss of Use Renters Insurance? Explained

How Long Does it Take to Review an Assistance Animal Accommodation Request?

Prompt and fair review of assistance animal requests is required under law. While no exact timeframe is mandated, housing professionals recommend:

• 7–10 business days from submission of all necessary documentation.
• Additional time may be needed for unusual animals or special property adjustments, but landlords must act diligently.
• Requests must be handled separately from standard pets to remain FHA-compliant.

Platuni helps automate reminders and keeps all documentation organized, ensuring timely reviews and legal compliance.

What Are the Benefits of Pet Screening for Landlords?

Pet screening is a structured evaluation of tenants’ pets. It helps landlords manage risk and protect property value while staying legally compliant. Key benefits include:

• Risk Mitigation: Evaluates pets for aggression, noise, or destructive behavior, reducing property damage and neighbor complaints.
• Legal Compliance: Differentiates between regular pets and service/emotional support animals to avoid FHA violations (HUD Guidance).
• Financial Security: Supports fair application fees, pet deposits, and rent to cover potential damage.
• Consistency and Objectivity: Ensures every tenant-pet application is reviewed using the same criteria, reducing bias or disputes.
• Improved Tenant Relations: Encourages responsible pet ownership and attracts tenants committed to following property rules.

Pet screening creates a professional, transparent, and safer rental environment while expanding pet-friendly housing opportunities.

Also Read: Rental Property Excel Templates for Landlords

What Are the Benefits of Pet Screening for Tenants?

Pet screening also benefits tenants, providing access to housing while ensuring fairness and safety. Key advantages include:

• Access to Pet-Friendly Rentals: Verified pets increase approval chances in pet-friendly properties.
• Fair Treatment for Assistance Animals: ESAs and service animals are protected under FHA rules, preventing unnecessary fees.
• Clear Communication: Tenants receive transparent rules about fees, behavior expectations, and lease requirements.
• Faster Approvals: Complete and well-documented pet applications reduce delays in moving in.
• Legal and Safety Assurance: Screening ensures pets are healthy and vaccinated, promoting a safe environment for all residents.

Pet screening balances landlord protection with tenant convenience, ensuring pets, people, and properties thrive together.

Also Read: QuickBooks for Landlords: Setup and Best Practices

Best Practices for Pet Screening

Implementing a structured pet screening process protects property, supports tenants, and ensures regulatory compliance. Key practices include:

• Establish Clear Policies: Define rules for pet types, breeds, sizes, and assistance animals within leases.
• Standardize Screening: Use consistent criteria for all tenants, including vaccination records, behavioral history, and training documentation.
• FHA and ADA Compliance: Assistance animals should not be charged fees or deposits unless they pose a direct threat.
• Transparent Communication: Explain policies, fees, and lease addenda clearly to tenants. Documentation protects landlords if disputes arise.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Track pet behavior and compliance throughout the tenancy to prevent problems early.

Using Platuni’s property management platform simplifies these steps by providing an integrated dashboard for applications, pet records, compliance checks, and tenant communication.

Download the Platuni Property Manager App Today

• Download the App on the App Store
• Download the App on the Play Store