Which Pets are a No-go with Houston Apartments?

Which pets are a no-go for Houston apartments? If you have animal friends, you’ll want to know before you start looking for a new home to rent here in the city! While life is undeniably better with pals you can pet, certain breeds (and species!) of animal can make finding your dream apartment in Houston much more challenging.

Do apartment pet restrictions in Houston apply to your fur babies? If you aren’t sure, Angel Fultz Realty may be able to help! Our seasoned team of Realtors® comprises decades of expertise in Houston apartment rentals. We know exactly where Houston landlords draw the line when it comes to renting an apartment to a tenant with pets. You might be surprised to learn where that line is!

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Which pets are a no-go for Houston apartments?

There are three kinds of pets that most apartment owners in Houston do not allow tenants to keep in their units. Whether you think these rules are fair or not, unfortunately landlords in Houston stick to them very closely. Very few exceptions are made. If your pets fit into one of these three categories, you may find it very challenging to rent an apartment in Houston:

1. Aggressive Dog Breeds

Aggressive dog breeds are the most common animals that Houston landlords want to keep out of their apartments. If you have one or more dogs that are considered an “aggressive breed,” your apartment search in Houston is likely to be filled with disappointment. Exactly what is considered an “aggressive breed” varies between apartment owners, but pit bulls are ALWAYS considered an aggressive breed by apartment owners. Other common breeds considered aggressive include rottweilers, dobermans, German shepherds, boxers, and even bulldogs. 

As animal lovers ourselves, we here at Angel Fultz Realty know that dogs are not defined by the reputation of their breed. There are sweet and loveable animals from all breeds, including those listed above! However, do not expect a landlord in Houston to make an exception for your animal. They are only concerned about potential damage and liability.

2. Dogs Over 100 Pounds

Even if your dog is not considered an “aggressive breed,” many apartments in Houston still do not allow any animal weighing over 100 lbs. to live inside their units. You can have the sweetest labrador in the world who would never hurt a fly, but if he or she is over 100 lbs., you may consider putting them on a diet before looking for a new apartment! The issue, once again, is one of possible damage and legal liabilities for the apartment owner. Many simply do not want to take the risk, no matter how friendly your dog may be. 

3. Any Animal That’s Not a Cat or Dog

If your taste in pets runs a little more exotic than most, you will likely run into difficulty finding an apartment to rent in Houston. Fish, reptiles, amphibians, ferrets, tarantulas, rabbits, and much more are typically a deal-breaker for most landlords in the city. If you’ve got a lion or tiger in your care, forget about it!

Is this rule fair? Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter. There are no legal protections for pet-owners in Texas when it comes to being denied a lease. Landlords in Houston can and usually do bar exotic pet animal species from their apartment rentals. 

Related: 4 Unexpected Things That Can Prevent You From Buying a Home in Houston

If your pet does not fit into one of these three categories, congratulations, your furry friend will likely present no obstacle to finding an apartment in Houston. If your pet does fit into one of these three categories, you may be out of luck with most apartment landlords. However, you do still have some options! 

First, if you can rehome your animal, you may want to consider it. If that’s not a possibility for you, it may be more advantageous for you to consider buying a home instead of renting. When you own your own home, there is no landlord to police your pets! 

Unfortunately, even an experienced Realtor® can’t help clients who own animals that fit into these three restricted categories find an apartment. We don’t have any tools at our disposal that can convince a landlord or apartment complex in Houston to overlook your pet or change their rules. But if your pets do not fit into one of the three restricted categories, Angel Fultz Realty will be happy to help you find an apartment in Houston, Texas. Contact us today to discuss your apartment rental options!