Welcoming pets into your rental doesn’t have to be a leap of faith. In a vibrant, lifestyle-focused market like Newport Beach, tenants often consider pet policies as non-negotiable when choosing where to live. That means landlords who know how to accommodate pets smartly—without compromising on property protection—can gain a competitive edge.
Instead of closing the door on a large pool of renters, many landlords are turning to well-crafted pet policies that offer structure, clarity, and peace of mind. And as you build out your leasing strategy, it helps to weigh the benefits and challenges of pet-friendly rentals to make informed decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Newport Beach renters increasingly seek pet-friendly housing and are willing to pay more for it.
- Pet screening helps landlords set expectations and reduce risk.
- Emotional support and service animals are not legally considered pets.
- Upgrades like vinyl flooring and mid-lease inspections can mitigate pet-related wear.
- Strong lease clauses and consistent enforcement are critical to protecting your asset.
Why More Newport Beach Rentals Are Going Pet-Friendly
The coastal lifestyle in Newport Beach isn’t just appealing to humans—many residents come with pets in tow. Denying pet ownership across the board might seem safer, but it could be cutting you off from quality tenants who plan to stay long-term.
Here's what pet-friendly leasing can bring:
- More qualified applicants: You cast a wider net with every listing.
- Higher lease renewal rates: Pet owners value consistency and stability.
- Steady income: Pet rent, fees, and deposits help you recoup maintenance costs.
When paired with clear rules and strong screening, pets can become an asset—not a liability.
How to Build a Rental Policy That Includes Pets Responsibly
Not all animals are a good fit for your property, and not all tenants are prepared to care for pets responsibly. A clearly structured policy sets the tone from day one.
Step 1: Pet Screening is a Must
Before allowing pets into your unit, request:
- Breed, age, and size
- Proof of licensing and vaccinations
- Spay/neuter documentation
- A description of behavior/training history
- A recent pet photo
This process isn’t just about reducing risk—it shows tenants you expect responsible ownership. Many first-time landlords find that this step alone can make a major difference in outcomes.
Step 2: Establish Fees and Deposits
California landlords may charge pet deposits and rent, so long as they’re disclosed clearly and fairly.
Common fee structure:
- Pet rent: $25–$75/month, depending on size or breed
- Non-refundable pet fee: $200–$400
- Refundable deposit: $300–$600
Always document these in the lease agreement and make sure tenants understand when fees are due.
Step 3: Include a Lease Addendum for Pets
Your lease should include a detailed pet policy addendum that covers:
- Leash rules in shared spaces
- Noise restrictions (no persistent barking or disruption)
- Waste cleanup requirements
- Prohibited areas (balconies, pools, etc.)
- Fines or lease consequences for policy violations
This gives you legal and procedural leverage if things go sideways.
Pets vs. Assistance Animals: What You Need to Know
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must differentiate between pets and assistance animals—including service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs).
You Cannot:
- Charge pet rent or fees for assistance animals
- Deny housing based on breed, size, or weight
- Ask for medical documentation from the tenant
You Can:
- Request legitimate ESA documentation
- Hold tenants responsible for cleanliness and damages
- Enforce standard lease rules that apply to all residents
Understanding the law is essential—especially in California, where compliance violations can result in steep penalties.
Protecting Your Property from Pet Damage
Allowing pets doesn’t have to mean signing up for destruction. Preventative upgrades and maintenance strategies go a long way.
Here’s how to reduce wear and tear:
- Replace carpet with vinyl plank or sealed tile
- Use semi-gloss paint for easier cleanup
- Conduct property walkthroughs during the lease
- Require flea treatments and deep cleaning before move-out
- Encourage tenants to use pet gates or crates
By building this into your overall leasing plan, you reinforce care and accountability.
How to Address Unauthorized Pets
Even the best tenants occasionally try to bend the rules. Unauthorized pets should be addressed quickly to avoid long-term issues.
How to respond:
- Refer to the lease and explain the violation
- Offer to process the pet through official screening
- Update the lease and collect necessary deposits/fees
- Document all communications for your records
- Enforce the lease if the tenant fails to comply
Enforcement isn’t just about discipline—it’s about consistency across your portfolio.
Responsible Pet Owners Make Ideal Tenants
Pet owners tend to treat their homes with greater care and are more likely to stay long-term. If your lease sets clear expectations and your screening is thorough, you may actually reduce turnover and complaints.
Benefits include:
- More lease renewals
- Better communication and accountability
- Higher overall satisfaction
When pets are welcomed under structured policies, they become a leasing advantage—not a risk factor.
Make Your Pet Policy Part of a Bigger Strategy
Pet-friendly policies are only one piece of a broader leasing strategy. To truly protect your investment and maximize ROI, you need cohesive processes—from marketing to screening to move-out.
Whether you’re revising your lease terms or evaluating your pet policy, PMI First Choice is here to help you make informed, profitable decisions. For landlords who prefer to stay hands-off, we also offer leasing-only services that take care of marketing, showings, background checks, and more.
🐾 Start building smarter policies with help from PMI First Choice’s experienced team. We make it easy to protect your property while keeping great tenants happy.
FAQs
Can I restrict certain breeds or sizes of pets?
Yes—for pets. However, assistance animals are exempt from breed or weight restrictions under federal law.
Is it legal to charge pet rent in California?
Yes, as long as it is clearly outlined in the lease agreement and does not apply to service or emotional support animals.
Can I evict a tenant for having an unauthorized pet?
If your lease prohibits unapproved pets and the tenant refuses to comply, you may issue a notice to cure or proceed with lease enforcement.
What if a tenant’s pet damages the property?
You may apply the security or pet deposit to cover the damage or bill the tenant directly if costs exceed the deposit amount.
Are there advantages to allowing pets in luxury properties?
Yes. In high-end markets like Newport Beach, pet-friendly policies can attract affluent tenants who expect that flexibility and are willing to pay for it.
