Pets in California rentals: rules for landlords and tenants

Many renters have pets, so a clear pet policy helps you fill vacancies and avoid disputes. California lets landlords set that policy, with important exceptions for assistance animals.

Setting a pet policy

State law doesn't require landlords to accept pets. You can allow them, limit them by type, size or number, or say no. Bills to limit no-pet policies have been proposed in Sacramento, so check for new laws each year. Whatever you choose:

• Put it in writing in the lease or a pet addendum: allowed animals, number, vaccinations and licensing, waste cleanup, noise, leash rules, and responsibility for damage.
• Apply the same policy to every applicant and tenant.
• Check HOA rules and your insurance, which may restrict certain animals.

Pet deposits and pet rent

• A pet deposit is part of the security deposit. Since July 2024, the total of all deposits is capped at one month's rent for most landlords (Civil Code 1950.5). You can't add a pet deposit on top of a full deposit. See our deposit guide.
• Deposits are always refundable. A "non-refundable pet fee" is not allowed.
• Pet rent, a monthly charge, is generally allowed under state law if it's in the lease. For units covered by AB 1482, raising it later counts toward the rent cap.

Assistance animals are not pets

Under the federal Fair Housing Act and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, a tenant with a disability can ask for a reasonable accommodation to keep a service animal or emotional support animal, even in a building with no pets.

• No pet deposit, pet rent or pet fee can be charged for an assistance animal.
• The tenant is still responsible for any damage the animal causes, which can come out of the regular deposit.
• If the disability or the need isn't obvious, the landlord can ask for reliable documentation, but not for medical records or a diagnosis.
• A request can be denied in narrow cases, such as when the specific animal poses a direct threat to others' safety that can't be reduced, or would cause substantial damage.

Emotional support animal letters in California

Since 2022, a California health care practitioner who writes documentation for an emotional support dog must have a client relationship with the person for at least 30 days and complete a clinical evaluation first (AB 468). Instant online letters that skip those steps may not meet California's rules. Handle every request promptly, in writing, and the same way each time, and get advice if you're unsure.

No declawing or devocalizing

A landlord who allows animals can't require a tenant to declaw a cat or devocalize a dog, can't refuse to rent because an animal hasn't been, and can't advertise that way. Violations can bring a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per advertisement (Civil Code 1942.7).

Pet damage at move-out

Scratched floors, chewed trim, stained carpet and odors beyond normal wear and tear can be deducted from the deposit, with an itemized statement and receipts. Dated move-in and move-out photos are what make those deductions stick. Our move-in inspection checklist shows how.

Last checked October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can be stricter, so check the current law or ask a California landlord-tenant attorney before acting.