Pets can bring joy and companionship to our lives, but they can also lead to problems with our landlords. If you're a renter, it's important to know whether or not you can be evicted for having a pet.

Can You Get Evicted for Having a Pet?

What the Law Says

In most states, landlords are allowed to prohibit pets in their rental units. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

For example, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants with disabilities who need service animals. Service animals are defined as animals that are trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. This can include tasks such as guiding the blind, alerting the deaf, or providing emotional support.

In addition, some states have laws that restrict landlords from evicting tenants for having pets. For example, California has a law that prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for having pets that are less than 20 pounds.

What You Can Do

If you're a renter and you're thinking about getting a pet, it's important to talk to your landlord first. Find out if your landlord allows pets in the rental unit and, if so, what the pet policy is. The pet policy may include rules about the type of pet you can have, the size of the pet, and the number of pets you can have.

If your landlord does not allow pets, you may be able to negotiate with them to get an exception. For example, you may be able to offer to pay a higher security deposit or to get pet insurance. You may also be able to find a landlord who is more flexible about pets.

If You're Evicted

If you're evicted for having a pet, you may have some legal options. You may be able to sue your landlord for discrimination or for breach of contract. You may also be able to get help from a housing authority or a legal aid organization.

Getting evicted is a stressful and expensive experience. It's important to talk to your landlord about your pet before you get one and to find out what your rights are if you're evicted.