Alabama Pet Rent Laws in 2025: A Guide for Landlords

Introduction

Renting to pet owners is becoming more common as pet ownership continues to rise across the U.S. For landlords in Alabama, understanding pet policies, fees, and tenant rights is essential to maintaining a smooth rental process.

Why Pet Policies Matter

More than 70% of U.S. households own pets, meaning a large portion of renters have animals. Allowing pets can increase rental demand and attract long-term tenants. However, without clear pet policies, landlords may face property damage, liability issues, or lease disputes. A well-defined pet policy helps protect rental properties while keeping tenants accountable.

Key Pet-Related Considerations in Alabama Rentals

Before renting to tenants with pets, landlords should be aware of:

• State laws regulating pet deposits and rent.
• Lease agreement terms that define pet rules and restrictions.
• Eviction laws regarding unauthorized pets or lease violations.
• Legal differences between pets and service animals.

This guide will break down Alabama's pet rental laws, including pet rent, deposits, evictions, and best practices for landlords. Having a well-structured pet policy helps protect your property while maintaining good landlord-tenant relationships.

Legal Framework Governing Pets in Alabama Rentals

Understanding Alabama's rental laws regarding pets is essential for landlords. While the state allows landlords to set their own pet policies, there are legal guidelines that must be followed to ensure compliance and avoid disputes.

Alabama Landlord-Tenant Act Overview

The Alabama Landlord-Tenant Act outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties in a lease agreement. Landlords have the right to set rules regarding pets, including restrictions on breeds, sizes, or the number of animals allowed. However, they must provide clear terms in the lease to enforce these policies.

Tenants are required to follow lease agreements, including any pet-related rules. If a tenant violates the pet policy, the landlord may take appropriate action, such as issuing a warning, charging fees, or initiating eviction if necessary.

Pet Policies in Lease Agreements

A well-structured lease agreement should include:

• Clear guidelines on whether pets are allowed.
• Any restrictions on breed, size, or number of pets.
• Required fees, including pet rent or deposits.
• Expectations for pet behavior and tenant responsibilities.
• Consequences for violating pet policies.

Landlords should ensure tenants sign a pet agreement that outlines these terms. Having a clear policy in writing helps prevent misunderstandings and legal issues.

Evictions Related to Pets

Pet-related lease violations can lead to eviction if tenants fail to comply with rental terms. Some common reasons for eviction include:

• Keeping unauthorized pets in a rental unit.
• Excessive noise complaints from neighbors.
• Property damage caused by pets.
• Failure to pay pet rent or pet deposits.

The eviction process begins with a written notice informing the tenant of the violation. In many cases, landlords must give tenants a chance to fix the issue, such as removing the unauthorized pet or paying overdue fees. If the problem continues, the landlord can proceed with a formal eviction process in accordance with Alabama state laws.

For service animals, eviction can be more complex. Federal laws protect tenants with disabilities, and landlords cannot deny or evict tenants for having a legitimate service animal, even if there is a no-pet policy. However, tenants must provide proper documentation if required.

By understanding these legal guidelines, landlords can create pet policies that balance tenant rights with property protection.

Security Deposits and Pet Fees

Managing pet-related costs is a key part of renting to tenants with animals. Alabama has specific laws regarding security deposits, but landlords also have flexibility in setting additional pet fees. Understanding what is allowed can help landlords protect their property while staying compliant with state regulations.

State Regulations on Security Deposits

Alabama law limits security deposits to the equivalent of one month’s rent. However, there are exceptions that allow landlords to charge additional fees for pets. This means landlords can require pet deposits or pet rent as long as these charges are separate from the standard security deposit.

When setting pet fees, landlords should:

• Ensure charges are reasonable and justified.
• Specify all pet-related fees in the lease agreement.
• Differentiate between refundable pet deposits and non-refundable pet fees.

Implementing Pet Rent

Pet rent is a monthly fee charged in addition to regular rent. Unlike a pet deposit, which covers potential damage, pet rent is a recurring charge that compensates landlords for the additional wear and tear pets may cause.

When deciding on pet rent, landlords should consider:

• The type and size of the pet.
• Potential maintenance and cleaning costs.
• Market rates for pet-friendly rentals in the area.

Pet Deposits vs. Pet Fees vs. Pet Rent

It’s important for landlords to understand the differences between these charges:

• Pet Deposit: A one-time refundable deposit that covers pet-related damages.
• Pet Fee: A one-time, non-refundable charge for allowing a pet in the rental.
• Pet Rent: A monthly charge added to the tenant’s rent for having a pet.

Landlords can choose to implement one or a combination of these fees, but all charges must be clearly outlined in the lease agreement. Having a transparent pet policy can prevent disputes and ensure both parties understand their financial responsibilities.

Service Animals vs. Pets

While landlords have the right to set pet policies and charge pet-related fees, they must understand the legal distinctions between pets and service animals. Service animals are protected under federal law, and different rules apply when renting to tenants who rely on them.

Legal Distinctions

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), service animals are not considered pets. They are trained to assist individuals with disabilities and must be allowed in rental properties, regardless of a landlord’s pet policy. Emotional support animals (ESAs) also have protections under the Fair Housing Act, but they do not require the same specialized training as service animals.

Implications for Landlords

Because service animals are not legally considered pets, landlords cannot:

• Charge pet rent, pet fees, or pet deposits for service animals.
• Deny a tenant housing based on a no-pet policy.
• Impose breed or size restrictions on service animals.

However, landlords can require proper documentation if a tenant claims their animal is a service animal or emotional support animal. This typically includes a letter from a licensed healthcare provider stating that the tenant requires the animal for a disability.

What Landlords Can and Cannot Do

Allowed:

• Request written verification of a service animal or ESA.
• Hold tenants responsible for any damages caused by the animal.
• Establish reasonable rules for behavior, such as requiring the animal to be well-behaved and not cause disturbances.

Not Allowed:

• Charge additional fees for service animals.
• Ask for detailed medical records or demand proof of the animal’s training.
• Refuse to rent to a tenant solely because they have a service animal.

Understanding these laws helps landlords avoid legal issues and ensures compliance with federal housing regulations. While pet fees and rent can apply to regular pets, service animals must be accommodated without additional charges.

Best Practices for Landlords

Having a well-defined pet policy can help landlords minimize risks while keeping their rental property attractive to responsible tenants. Clear guidelines, reasonable fees, and regular inspections can create a balanced approach to allowing pets in rentals.

Crafting a Comprehensive Pet Policy

A strong pet policy should be included in the lease agreement and outline:

• Whether pets are allowed and any restrictions on breed, size, or number.
• Required pet fees, deposits, or monthly pet rent.
• Tenant responsibilities for pet behavior and property maintenance.
• Consequences for violating pet policies, including potential fines or lease termination.

Having these terms in writing helps prevent disputes and ensures tenants understand their obligations.

Setting Fair and Legal Pet Fees

When establishing pet-related charges, landlords should:

• Research market rates for pet rent and deposits in the area.
• Ensure fees are reasonable and comply with Alabama’s security deposit laws.
• Differentiate between refundable pet deposits and non-refundable pet fees.

Setting clear and fair fees makes the property more appealing to pet owners while protecting against potential damages.

Regular Property Inspections

Routine inspections help landlords stay ahead of any pet-related damages. Landlords should:

• Conduct move-in and move-out inspections to document the property's condition.
• Schedule periodic check-ins to ensure tenants are maintaining the unit.
• Address any pet-related issues early to prevent bigger problems.

Providing tenants with proper notice before inspections ensures a smooth process and maintains a good landlord-tenant relationship.

By implementing these best practices, landlords can create a pet-friendly rental policy that balances tenant needs with property protection.

Making Informed Decisions on Alabama Pet Policies

Renting to tenants with pets can be a great opportunity for landlords, but it requires careful planning and clear policies. Alabama law allows landlords to decide whether to allow pets, charge pet fees, and enforce pet-related lease terms. However, landlords must also comply with legal protections for service animals and follow proper eviction procedures for pet-related lease violations.

Key Takeaways for Landlords

• Clearly outline pet policies in the lease, including pet rent, deposits, and restrictions.
• Ensure all fees comply with Alabama’s security deposit laws.
• Follow proper legal procedures for evictions related to unauthorized pets or pet-related damages.
• Understand the legal distinction between pets and service animals to avoid Fair Housing violations.
• Conduct regular inspections and communicate openly with tenants to maintain a well-kept rental property.

By establishing clear pet policies and staying informed about Alabama’s landlord tenant laws, landlords can protect their investments while accommodating responsible pet owners. A well-managed pet-friendly rental can attract more tenants, increase occupancy rates, and foster positive landlord-tenant relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions on Alabama Pet Rent Laws

Does Alabama recognize emotional support animals?

Yes, Alabama recognizes emotional support animals (ESAs) under the Fair Housing Act. While ESAs do not have the same legal protections as service animals under the ADA, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with ESAs, even if they have a no-pet policy.

Can a landlord charge a pet deposit for an emotional support animal in Alabama?

No, landlords cannot charge pet rent, pet fees, or a pet deposit for an emotional support animal. Since ESAs are considered a medical necessity rather than pets, landlords must allow them without additional charges, but tenants are still responsible for any damages caused by the animal.

How strict are landlords about pets in Alabama?

Pet policies vary by landlord, but many rental properties have restrictions on pet size, breed, or number. Some landlords charge pet rent or require a pet deposit to cover potential damages, while others may enforce strict no-pet policies unless required by law to allow service animals or emotional support animals.

What is the 35-9A code in Alabama?

The Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Code 35-9A) outlines the legal rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. It covers lease agreements, security deposits, eviction procedures, and property maintenance, including guidelines for pet policies in rental units.

Are pet deposits refundable in Alabama?

Yes, pet deposits are typically refundable if the pet does not cause damage beyond normal wear and tear. However, Alabama law limits the total security deposit (including pet deposits) to one month’s rent, so landlords must ensure any pet-related fees comply with this regulation.