Here are 4 things rental property owners can do now to help keep people, pets and families together after LA’s historic wildfires.
By The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
In the aftermath of Los Angeles’ extraordinary wildfires that have left thousands of families without homes, one thing is clear: The city’s tight housing market will be strained further. For families with pets, this strain is compounded by breed and weight restrictions and additional fees and deposits for pets in rental housing. According to the Pets in Rental Housing 2025 Outlook from Michelson Found Animals Foundation’s Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative, 80% of rental properties that allow pets still enforce breed restrictions, and 64% impose weight limits. Renters with pets cite additional hurdles, such as refundable pet deposits, monthly pet rent, and nonrefundable pet fees, making housing accessibility even more challenging.
Families with pets seeking rental housing in the aftermath of LA’s wildfires will need true inclusivity for their furry family members, regardless of breed or size. Housing providers who respond to this demand can expect stronger resident loyalty, reduced vacancies, and goodwill in the community. Here’s how housing providers can help meet this need and support families as they recover:
1. Reduce or eliminate breed restrictions
Research shows that an individual dog’s breed is not a reliable indicator of behavior. Factors such as diet, environment, health, training, breeding, genetics, management, and socialization all influence behavior. More importantly, when prospective residents encounter breed and weight restrictions, they may be more likely to hide their pet or falsely declare it an emotional support animal (ESA). This makes it harder to hold all pet owners accountable to community guidelines.
2. Increase pet weight limits or remove them altogether
There is no evidence that larger pets cause more damage to rental units. Instead of relying on outdated stereotypes for pet policies, properties can assess each pet individually by eliminating restrictions and fostering transparency with residents.
3. Reconsider pet fees
Generally, the industry believes pet fees are necessary to cover potential damages and support pet amenities. However, average pet damages occur in less than 10% of pet-occupied units, and some properties lack even basic pet amenities, making multiple fees—like a pet deposit, nonrefundable pet fee, and monthly pet rent—challenging to justify. Specifically in California, the California Apartment Association strongly recommends against charging “pet rent” or similar fees because they are not plainly permitted by law. Finally, considering that 92% of renters consider pets important members of the family, it is no surprise that renters, when faced with pet fees they cannot afford, may be tempted to hide their pets or have them declared ESAs to avoid having to choose between keeping their pets or remaining housed.
4. Welcome more families with pets while prioritizing safety
Properties can adopt a set of pet personality questions and a comprehensive pet agreement to establish clear expectations for all residents with pets. These steps create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.
By implementing these changes, housing providers can meet the needs of renters with pets and foster a pet-inclusive community. Supporting families during such a critical time helps build trust and long-term resident relationships, creating lasting benefits for everyone involved.
In this time of devastation, families need the safety and security of a place they can call home—with their pets. Pets are family, and with simple and immediate changes to pet policies, housing providers can help keep families together while still addressing their business needs.
For more pet-inclusive housing information and resources, visit petsandhousing.org.