I'm an Expert at Finding Apartments, but there is a "pet" in the image that I don't think would be accepted

 

        Illustration above 289348498 © Mykola Syvak | Dreamstime.com

I’m an Expert at Finding Apartments, but I think I could find an apartment for all these except 1. Guess which one!

In In Texas, the rules regarding pets in apartments can vary, but here’s what you need to know about keeping unusual pets like snakes and rodents rental properties:

Common Household Pets Allowed:
In general public housing, common household pets are allowed. (No farm animals). These typically include:

•        Dogs
•        Cats
•        Birds
•        Rodents (including rabbits)
•        Fish
•        Turtles (but not snakes, lizards, or other reptiles)

Elderly and Disabled Public Housing:
or elderly and disabled public housing, which has its own regulations, the list of common household pets includes the same animals as above.

State and Local Rules Apply:
If state or local rules specifically ban certain animals as pets, those rules take precedence. So, if there are restrictions on snakes or other reptiles in your area, those restrictions would apply.

Dangerous Dog Breeds:
Public housing cannot ban entire dog breeds as dangerous in Texas. State law prohibits this practice as of May 2023. 

Dogs are designated as dangerous on an individual basis. To be considered dangerous, a dog must: Injure someone unprovoked and outside of a secured area. Act in a way that causes a reasonable belief that the dog will injure someone.

Pet Deposits and Fees:
Public housing facilities can charge both a non-refundable pet fee and a refundable pet deposit for pets.

Assistance Animals:
Assistance animals, which include service animals and emotional support animals, are not considered pets. They have special protections under the Fair Housing Act.

Landlords must generally make an exception for assistance animals as a reasonable accommodation. Assistance animals do not require specialized training or certification. A note from a doctor verifying the disability is usually sufficient.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests:
Tenants with disabilities can request a reasonable accommodation to use and enjoy the rental property just like everyone else. Requests can be verbal or written and may include exceptions related to assistance animals, such as not paying a pet deposit or fee

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Remember to check your specific lease agreement and communicate with your landlord to understand the pet policies for the apartment you’re interested in. If you have any doubts, consult local authorities or legal resources to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

By the way, the pig was the animal in the illustration that I can’t place. Same with a cow, horse, chicken or rooster. But no one has asked either.

 

© Copyright 2024, 24x7 Apartment Find. Remember, John is a Real Estate Broker, #0573534 and not an attorney. None of this is legal advice. It is Real Estate information.