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Hi, welcome to another tips for landlords and property managers video sponsored by Fast Evict Law Group. In today’s episode, we’ll cover Pet policies and pet laws in California rental property. Please remember, the contents of this video shouldn’t be considered legal advice. Contact us for more information.

Tenants constantly push the boundaries of your rental agreement and your pet policy is no different. Whether you allow pets, have size, type or breed restrictions, or don’t allow them altogether, you’ll always have a tenant or two who try to keep unauthorized pets on your property.
Pet laws in California rental property
Here is what the law allows landlords to do:
Landlords are allowed to enforce their own pet policy in the rental agreement.
Landlords are allowed to ban pets completely.
Landlords can create a pet policy that allows only dogs, or only cats, or both.
Landlords can also limit the size or breed of the pet.
Landlords may choose to require an additional pet deposit, if and when the total amount of the deposit does not exceed two month’s rent or three if the unit is furnished.
The landlord may choose to charge additional rent for any pet if and when the total rent amount does not exceed rent-controlled limits.

Restrictions on pet policies in California are mostly influenced by federal tenant protections. Here are some tenant protections in regards to pets
Landlords may not ask for or require any pets to be devocalized or declawed.
Tenants may request a waiver of exemption to a landlord’s pet policy in case of a service animal or an emotional support animal.
As of June, 2022, If a tenant requests a waiver of exemption, the landlord may ask for proof of the disability or proof that the animal aids the tenant’s daily functions and tasks.
If a waiver is granted, the landlord may not restrict the animal type, size, breed, etc.
How to deal with unauthorized pets
The easiest way to deal with unauthorized pets in your rental property is to ensure your pet policy is clearly defined in your rental agreement. This should include
The section should include rules, regulations and limitations concerning pets on the property.
If you are to have restrictions, clearly state them all on the lease.
If and how any additional charges may apply for pets.
Provide information on how to proceed if an unauthorized pet is found on the property.

If your pet policy is clearly stated in your rental agreement, then any unauthorized pet found on the property is grounds for eviction. You can provide your tenant with a notice to cure or quit and follow the typical eviction process if your tenant chooses to continue in violation of the agreement.

Have you had to deal with unauthorized pets on your rental property? Let us know about it in the comments. Please like, share and subscribe if you have found this information useful. Thanpetk you for watching, we’ll see you on the next one.

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