Paws & Leases: Your Guide to Renting with Animals in Texas

Paws and Leases: Navigating Texas Tenant Rights with Animals in Tow

Howdy folks, Todd Knudson here, your friendly neighborhood real estate agent at RE/MAX Southwest, specializing in finding the perfect rental pad for you and your furry (or feathery!) companions. Now, Texas boasts a whole heap of wide-open spaces, perfect for your four-legged friends to roam, but what about when it comes to renting with animals? Fear not, fellow tenants and landlords, because I'm here to unpack the laws around service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) in the Lone Star State.

First things first: Both federal and Texas state fair housing laws protect tenants with disabilities who require service animals or ESAs. This means "no pet" policies don't apply! Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you, charge extra fees, or evict you because of your service animal or ESA.

Now, let's break it down by animal:

• Service animals: These heroes are specially trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, like guide dogs for the visually impaired or hearing dogs for the deaf. Landlords cannot ask about the disability or require training certifications for service animals.

• Emotional support animals (ESAs): These furry friends provide comfort and support for emotional or mental health disabilities. While not trained to perform specific tasks, their presence can significantly alleviate symptoms. Landlords can request verification of the ESA's need through a letter from a licensed mental health professional, but cannot request the nature of the disability.

But hold your horses, partners! There are some limitations:

• Reasonable accommodation: Landlords don't have to allow an animal that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others or causes excessive damage to the property. Think rampaging raccoons, not well-behaved pups.

• Breed and size restrictions: While these don't apply to service animals or ESAs, common-sense rules still hold. A goldfish might not be ideal for a high-rise apartment, and a miniature horse might not fit in a studio.

Remember: It's your responsibility to keep your animal under control, clean up after them, and comply with leash laws and community rules. Being a responsible pet owner is key to maintaining a harmonious living environment.

So, there you have it, folks! Renting with an animal in Texas comes with its own set of rules, but don't let that spook you. With a little understanding and clear communication, you and your furry (or feathery) friend can find the perfect rental home.

Need help navigating the rental market with your animal companion? I'm your guy! I specialize in matching tenants with pet-friendly rentals and understand the nuances of animal-related fair housing laws. Contact me today, Todd Knudson at RE/MAX Southwest, and let's find your dream rental, complete with tail wags (or purrs) of approval!

Remember, knowledge is power, and a good real estate agent is your best friend when navigating the sometimes-wild world of Texas rentals. Let's get you and your animal settled in a place you both love!

Todd Knudson Real Estate

ResidentialCommercialInvesting

RE/MAX Southwest

14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Cell:713-829-1070

email: Tkrealty10@gmail.com

GET YOUR FREE INSTANT HOME VALUATION HERE!