No Dog Breed Restriction Apartments in Austin Texas

The goal of this website it to help you find an apartment for your "aggresive" breed dog. While most apartments allow pets, many have restrictions on the breeds they allow. This database will help you pick out the apartment buildings that allow all dog breeds 

While this database will take you far, you may still find yourself overwhelmed in the apartment research process. If you're looking for extra help, you can reach out to me and I'll make you one of my epic spreadsheet reports with pricing/free rent specials/dog policies/anything else you want to know.  

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If you find this database useful, then you can help me out by listing me as your referral when you apply and move into your new apartment complex.  

The following are the most commonly restricted dog breeds

Pit Bulls: This category often encompasses American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Rottweilers

Doberman Pinschers

Chow Chows

German Shepherds

Akitas

Alaskan Malamutes

Siberian Huskies

Presa Canarios

Wolf Hybrids

Mastiffs

Great Danes

Boxers

Dalmatians

 What is an ESA?

An ESA is a pet that provides emotional support to individuals with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other psychological disorders. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not need specialized training to perform specific tasks.

 

How ESAs Help Overcome Breed Restrictions

Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA):

1. Reasonable Accommodation: Landlords and housing providers are required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, which includes allowing ESAs regardless of breed or size restrictions.
2. No Extra Fees: Landlords cannot charge additional pet fees or deposits for ESAs, though the tenant remains responsible for any damages caused by the animal.
3. Breed Restrictions Exemption: Breed, size, or weight restrictions typically cannot be applied to ESAs, as they are considered a necessary part of a person’s treatment plan for their mental health condition.

What You Need to Prove

To qualify for an ESA exemption:

1. Documentation: Obtain an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. The letter should:

• State that you have a mental health condition that substantially limits major life activities.
• Confirm that the ESA is necessary to alleviate symptoms of the condition.
• Be current (typically less than a year old).

1. Communication with Landlord: Provide the letter to your landlord as part of a request for reasonable accommodation.

Limitations and Exceptions

While the FHA protects tenants with ESAs, there are some exceptions:

• Building Type: The law does not apply to small landlords who rent fewer than four units and live on the property.
• Behavioral Concerns: If the ESA poses a direct threat to others or causes significant property damage, the landlord may deny accommodation.

Steps to Take

1. Talk to Your Doctor or Therapist: Discuss whether an ESA is appropriate for your mental health needs.
2. Obtain a Valid ESA Letter: Ensure it comes from a licensed professional.
3. Inform the Landlord: Submit the letter and explain your need for an ESA.
4. Be a Responsible Owner: Keep your animal well-behaved to minimize conflicts.

Why your dog is a good boy/girl and would never do anything to hurt anyone, it is worth knowing why apartments do have breed restrictions in place.

1. Perceived Risk of Aggression

Some dog breeds have a reputation for being more aggressive or dangerous. While these perceptions don’t apply to all dogs of a specific breed, landlords may impose blanket restrictions to minimize potential conflicts or risks involving other tenants or pets.

2. Insurance Liability

Many property insurance policies explicitly exclude coverage for damages or injuries caused by certain dog breeds deemed "high-risk." Allowing restricted breeds could void the landlord's insurance coverage or lead to higher premiums, making it financially impractical for them to permit these breeds.

3. Property Damage Concerns

Landlords worry that larger or more energetic dogs may cause significant property damage, such as:

• Scratched floors and doors
• Chewed fixtures or furniture in communal spaces
• Damaged landscaping or fencing in outdoor areas

4. Tenant Safety and Complaints

Landlords aim to create a safe and harmonious living environment. If certain breeds are perceived as threatening by other tenants, this can lead to complaints, legal disputes, or difficulty renting other units in the building.

5. Simplified Enforcement

Restricting specific breeds is an easier policy to enforce than assessing individual dogs on a case-by-case basis. This blanket approach reduces administrative effort, even though it may unfairly target well-behaved pets of restricted breeds.

6. Local or State Laws

Some areas have legislation banning specific dog breeds (e.g., Breed-Specific Legislation, or BSL). Even if not explicitly required by law, landlords may choose to align their policies with these restrictions to avoid legal complications.