In the Dallas-Fort Worth rental market, tenants aren’t just looking for spacious kitchens or updated appliances—they’re also looking for a place their pets can call home. And in today’s competitive housing landscape, landlords who embrace pet ownership—while maintaining well-structured lease terms—gain a clear advantage.
But allowing pets doesn’t mean giving up control. The key is crafting policies that protect your property while appealing to responsible pet owners. At PMI Premier, we work with landlords across the DFW area to develop enforceable, legally sound pet clauses that reduce risk and increase tenant satisfaction. Still unsure about where you stand? Our recent blog on the pros and cons of allowing pets outlines both sides to help guide your decision.
Key Takeaways
- Pet-friendly leases attract more tenants and reduce vacancies in DFW.
- Charging pet rent and deposits helps offset damage and maintenance costs.
- It’s critical to differentiate pets from service and emotional support animals.
- Routine inspections and preventive measures limit property wear and tear.
- Consistent enforcement builds trust and ensures compliance.
Why More DFW Landlords Are Saying “Yes” to Pets
Across the Dallas-Fort Worth area—from Keller to Arlington and beyond—pet ownership is soaring. And renters with pets tend to stay longer, treat rentals with care, and are often willing to pay higher rent in exchange for pet acceptance.
Here’s what local landlords are finding:
- Increased renewals: Tenants with pets are less likely to move frequently.
- More revenue: Pet rent and deposits boost your bottom line.
- Greater demand: A broader applicant pool means higher-quality tenants.
Of course, every decision has trade-offs—but with strong lease language, pet-friendly rentals often result in better returns over time.
Risks of Allowing Pets (And How to Get Ahead of Them)
Letting pets into your rental property can come with concerns—but most can be managed with the right structure in place.
Common issues include:
- Property damage: Chewed baseboards, scratched flooring, or stained carpet.
- Noise complaints: Barking dogs in multi-unit properties can frustrate neighbors.
- Lingering allergens: Pet dander can affect future tenants with allergies.
The key isn’t to avoid pets altogether—it’s to minimize risks through strong lease terms, screening, and maintenance planning.
Building a Bulletproof Pet Policy
Every solid lease should include a pet addendum that clearly defines expectations, fees, and penalties. If it’s vague or inconsistent, enforcement becomes difficult.
Here’s what to include:
Pet Screening
Before approving a pet, ask for:
- Species, breed, weight, and age
- Proof of vaccinations and licenses
- Spay/neuter status
- Behavioral history, including past rental experience
You can also request photos or meet the animal in person before approval.
Fees and Deposits
A standard DFW policy might include:
- Pet rent: $25–$50 per pet, per month
- Refundable pet deposit: $250–$400, depending on the unit and pet size
These charges help offset cleaning or minor damage repairs.
Clear Expectations
Establish rules around:
- Waste cleanup
- Leash use in shared outdoor areas
- Noise restrictions
- Furniture access or crate training
Setting expectations up front minimizes disputes later.
Reasonable Restrictions
DFW landlords may also enforce:
- Limits on the number of pets
- Breed or weight restrictions (within Fair Housing compliance)
- Prohibitions on exotic or aggressive animals
Need help separating pets from service animals? PMI Premier offers a complete guide to service and emotional support animals to help you stay compliant.
Know the Law: Service Animals and ESAs Are Different
Federal laws protect tenants with disabilities who rely on service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs). These animals are not considered “pets” under housing law, and landlords must handle them differently.
You cannot:
- Charge a pet deposit or pet rent
- Deny the animal due to breed, weight, or size
- Ask for detailed medical records
You can:
- Request documentation verifying the need for an ESA
- Enforce standard cleanliness and behavior rules
- Charge for damages caused by the animal (if outside normal wear)
This distinction must be written clearly in your lease to avoid legal liability.
Why Pet Screening Is Just as Important as Tenant Screening
Would you let a tenant move in without references or a background check? The same approach applies to their pets.
Ask potential tenants:
- Has your pet lived in a rental before?
- Is it house-trained or crate-trained?
- How does it behave around people or other animals?
- Are vaccinations current?
You can also require renters to carry insurance that includes pet liability coverage, which can protect you from injury claims or major property damage.
Reduce Wear and Tear With Preventive Maintenance
With the right pet policy in place, you can still keep your DFW rental in excellent condition. These small upgrades go a long way:
- Scratch-resistant flooring like vinyl plank
- Semi-gloss paint that’s easier to clean
- Routine inspections to identify early signs of damage
- Pet gates or crates are encouraged when tenants aren’t home
- Flea control treatments are required in carpeted units
Preventive care is much cheaper than major repairs—especially when paired with strong lease clauses. To decide if pet-friendly leasing is right for your property, check out our article on whether landlords should allow pets.
Handling Unauthorized Pets the Right Way
Even with good policies in place, unauthorized animals may occasionally show up. Stay calm—and follow these steps:
- Start with a conversation: Some tenants may not realize they’ve violated the lease.
- Offer a pet addendum: If they want to keep the pet, charge applicable fees.
- Document the situation: Keep written records of all communication and violations.
- Enforce fairly: Apply the same rules to all tenants to protect against legal challenges.
Tenants are more likely to respect your property when they see that expectations are consistently upheld.
Responsible Pet Owners Can Be Your Best Tenants
When policies are clear and well-managed, pet owners often prove to be exceptional renters. They appreciate the opportunity to live in a pet-friendly environment and are more likely to renew leases and treat your property with care.
The key is creating a system that allows pets to be responsibly—not without limits.
Property Protection Starts with Smart Policy
Pet policies are more than just a checkbox on a lease—they're a business strategy. When done right, they increase retention, reduce vacancy gaps, and help you avoid the common pitfalls of pet-related damage. PMI Premier partners with landlords throughout the DFW area to craft enforceable pet clauses, screen both tenants and animals, and conduct routine property inspections.
We help protect your investment while keeping your tenants happy—two outcomes every property owner wants.
👉 Get proactive property protection with PMI Premier’s expert leasing and maintenance solutions in DFW.
FAQs
Can I ban pets from my rental entirely?
Yes, but you must still comply with federal laws that protect tenants who need service animals or emotional support animals.
How much can I charge for pet rent in Texas?
While there’s no statewide cap, typical pet rent in the DFW area ranges from $25–$50 per month.
Are emotional support animals treated like pets under Texas law?
No. ESAs are protected under federal fair housing laws, meaning you cannot charge pet fees or deny housing based on breed or size.
Can I require pet liability insurance?
Yes, and many DFW landlords do. It’s a smart move to protect against major property damage or injury claims.
What happens if the tenant refuses to remove an unauthorized pet?
If a tenant violates the lease, you may begin enforcement actions, including notices or potential termination, as long as it aligns with lease terms and state laws.
