In Contra Costa County, more renters are bringing pets along with them—and landlords who don’t adapt are missing out. Across the East Bay, demand for pet-friendly housing is rising, and rental properties that accommodate animals often lease faster and to longer-term tenants. But a blanket approval for pets isn’t the solution. You need a plan.
By creating pet policies that are both fair and enforceable, landlords can attract more applicants, reduce turnover, and protect their property. At PMI East Bay, we help property owners build smart, customizable lease strategies that strike the right balance between flexibility and control. If you're still deciding where you stand on this issue, our blog on the pros and cons of allowing pets in Contra Costa rentals is a great place to start.
Key Takeaways
- Pet-friendly rentals appeal to a wider tenant pool and reduce vacancy time.
- Setting clear pet fees and rules helps offset maintenance and repair costs.
- Distinguishing pets from service or emotional support animals is legally essential.
- Proactive inspections and pet-proofing reduce long-term property damage.
- Enforcing your lease consistently builds trust and protects your investment.
Why Pet Policies Are Paying Off in Contra Costa
Pet ownership in the U.S. continues to rise, and in communities like Walnut Creek, Concord, and Brentwood, renters with pets are often willing to pay more—and stay longer. For landlords, refusing pets could mean turning away well-qualified applicants and enduring longer vacancies.
Here's what smart landlords are noticing:
- Higher lease renewals from tenants who value pet acceptance
- Added revenue from monthly pet rent or deposits
- Fewer vacancies due to greater rental appeal
Pet-friendly doesn’t mean pet-free-for-all. With proper rules in place, pets can be an asset, not a liability.
Know the Risks—And Get Ahead of Them
Every rental decision comes with risk, and allowing pets is no exception. But you can prepare for common issues with a solid plan.
Common concerns:
- Damage like scratched floors, chewed trim, or stained carpets
- Noise that disturbs neighbors, especially in multi-unit settings
- Lingering allergens that affect future tenants
Anticipating these problems and baking in preventive solutions is the key to protecting your investment.
Drafting a Pet Policy That Works for You
Your pet policy should be clear, consistent, and enforceable. If it’s vague or overly strict, it won’t serve its purpose.
What to include:
Pet Screening Process
Ask for details such as:
- Type, breed, size, and weight of pet
- Proof of vaccinations and licensing
- Age and spay/neuter status
- Rental history and temperament
You can also request a photo or meet the animal before approval.
Fees and Deposits
Most Contra Costa landlords charge:
- Pet rent: Typically, $30–$50 per month, per pet
- Refundable deposit: Around $300 to cover potential damage
This help absorb any wear and tear over time.
Behavior Expectations
Establish rules that encourage responsible pet ownership:
- Waste pickup and disposal requirements
- Leash rules in shared outdoor areas
- Restrictions on furniture access or specific rooms
- Noise management
Making these rules part of the lease helps avoid conflicts later.
Limits and Exclusions
You’re allowed to enforce reasonable restrictions, including:
- Maximum number of pets
- Weight limits or specific breed exclusions (as long as compliant with housing laws)
- Prohibited exotic pets
Pet limits should always be clearly outlined and uniformly enforced. For a broader perspective on industry misconceptions, take a look at our article about rental property management myths.
Service Animals and ESAs: Not Just Another Pet
Federal Fair Housing laws treat service animals and emotional support animals differently from household pets. Missteps here can land landlords in legal trouble.
Here’s what you need to know:
You cannot:
- Charge pet deposits or pet rent for assistance animals
- Deny housing based on breed or weight
- Demand access to confidential medical records
You can:
- Request documentation verifying the need for an ESA
- Require that the animal behave appropriately and not damage property
- Enforce standard lease clauses related to cleanliness and safety
This distinction is crucial and must be reflected in your lease agreements.
Pet Screening Is Just as Important as Tenant Screening
Think of pet screening as an extension of your tenant application process. The same way you check references and credit scores, you should gather insights into a pet’s behavior and suitability for your rental.
Ask tenants:
- Has your pet lived in a rental before?
- Is it crate-trained or housebroken?
- Does it get along with other pets or neighbors?
- Are all vaccines up to date?
You can also require renters insurance with pet liability coverage as an added layer of protection.
Pet-Proofing Tips to Reduce Wear and Tear
Preventive maintenance is one of the easiest ways to extend your rental’s lifespan—even with pets in the picture. Here are some easy strategies that go a long way:
- Use vinyl plank flooring or other scratch-resistant materials
- Choose semi-gloss paint for easier cleaning
- Encourage regular flea treatment in carpeted homes
- Recommend crates or gates to restrict unsupervised access
- Perform routine inspections to identify issues early
To learn more about when and how to conduct property walkthroughs, check out our guide on how often to inspect rental properties.
What Happens When Pets Aren’t Disclosed?
Unauthorized animals are more common than many landlords expect. Fortunately, you can address these situations without immediate escalation.
Steps to take:
- Talk to your tenant—many times it’s a misunderstanding.
- Provide a pet addendum and apply relevant fees if they want to keep the pet.
- Document everything—photos, communications, and lease violations.
- Take enforcement action if needed, following the lease protocol.
Apply your policy consistently, and your tenants will learn to respect the rules.
Pets Can Mean Long-Term Value When Managed Right
Yes, pets come with potential downsides—but with structure and planning, those risks are manageable. Many of the best tenants you’ll ever have are also the most grateful for pet-friendly housing. They’re often more stable, responsible, and willing to pay a premium.
Being proactive, rather than reactive, makes all the difference.
Build Your Lease Like a Pro—with PMI East Bay
Crafting a detailed, legally compliant pet policy isn’t something you want to wing. It requires knowledge of local regulations, best practices in screening, and the ability to set clear expectations that stand up under pressure. That’s where PMI East Bay comes in.
Our team helps Contra Costa landlords create policies that protect property value and attract better tenants. We don’t just check boxes—we build systems that work.
Ready to improve your tenant quality and reduce risk? 👉 Explore our screening services and let PMI East Bay help you lease smarter.
FAQs
Can I ban all pets from my Contra Costa rental?
Yes, but you must still allow service animals and emotional support animals under federal law. Otherwise, you can restrict pets.
Is it legal to charge pet rent and a deposit?
Yes. Charging a monthly pet rent and a refundable pet deposit is a common and legal practice in California.
What happens if the pet causes damage?
You can deduct the cost of repairs from the pet deposit or security deposit, as long as the damages exceed normal wear and tear.
How many pets can I allow in one unit?
You can set reasonable limits, such as one or two pets per unit. Just make sure those rules are included in the lease agreement.
Can I require a tenant to remove a misbehaving pet?
Yes. If a pet causes damage, violates lease terms, or becomes a danger to others, you can require its removal under lease enforcement procedures.
