Are Pets Allowed When Renting a Room in Los Angeles?

Question

Accepted Answer

Pet policies vary significantly between landlords and properties in Los Angeles. Only about 25% of rental listings in LA explicitly allow pets, making pet-friendly rooms one of the most searched categories on the market.

What to know about pets and room rentals in LA:

There is no law requiring landlords to accept pets — it is entirely at the landlord's discretion
If pets are allowed, the landlord may charge a pet deposit (included in the overall security deposit cap under California law)
Under California AB 12 (effective July 2024), total security deposits — including pet deposits — cannot exceed 1 month's rent for unfurnished units
Emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals have additional legal protections under the Fair Housing Act — landlords generally cannot refuse them or charge extra deposits

Tips for renters with pets:

Be upfront about your pet in your first message — attempting to hide a pet almost always ends badly
Highlight responsible ownership: offer references from previous landlords, mention your pet's age, breed and vaccination status
Offer to pay for professional carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy