Are you a property owner that wants to sell their condo, investment property or needs to rent an apartment or retail space in New York City? Call or text me: Sam Moritz, licensed real estate agent, 917-727-4309.
Do you know a property owner that might need real estate help? Refer me! I provide great and professional real estate services across all five boroughs.
When I take an apartment to market for a landlord in NYC, one of the first questions I ask is simple: Are pets allowed?
Whether a renter has a cat or a dog can be a dealbreaker in the New York City rental market, so it’s critical to clarify a landlord’s pet policy upfront. Doing so helps avoid wasted showings and frustration for both landlords and prospective tenants.
Do Dogs Really Damage Apartments?
This is a picture of my parents’ dog, Lucy. I occasionally dog-sit her, and she usually lies on the floor near wherever I’m working or relaxing — typically the couch. She gets excited when I walk into the room and may jump up briefly, but most of the time she’s just hanging out. In all the time Lucy has spent in my apartment, I’ve never seen her cause any real damage. At worst, she might grab a pillow or something that isn’t attached to the apartment.
My family has owned three dogs over the years, and for the most part, they behaved the same way: lounging around, sleeping, and occasionally getting up to eat or go outside. In my experience, this is how most dogs behave in apartments.
Cats are a bit different. While I’ve never owned one myself, I have seen apartments where cat litter ended up scattered across the floor. Every pet — and every owner — is different.
The Bigger Issue: Barking and Noise Complaints
If there’s a real concern with dogs in apartment buildings, it’s usually barking, not physical damage. I’ve walked into NYC apartment buildings where barking echoed through the hallway, which can quickly become an issue for neighbors. Noise complaints often pose a bigger risk for landlords than wear and tear on the unit itself.
NYC Pet Deposits, Pet Fees, and the Security Deposit Law
Another important factor for landlords is the recent change to New York’s security deposit laws. Landlords can no longer charge an additional pet deposit. Security deposits are capped at one month’s rent, even if the tenant has a dog or cat.
Instead, landlords are allowed to charge a one-time pet fee. While this offers some protection, many owners feel it doesn’t fully address the potential risk of allowing pets.
This law change also had unintended consequences. Before the cap, tenants without strong credit could sometimes secure an apartment by offering a higher security deposit. That option is now gone, which can make it harder for some renters to get approved — even if they would have been responsible tenants.
Final Thoughts on Pets in NYC Rentals
At the end of the day, allowing pets in an apartment is entirely up to the landlord. Some owners don’t allow pets at all. Others allow cats but not dogs. Some are open to small dogs but hesitant about larger breeds.
Personally, I don’t believe most dogs cause significant damage to apartments — though it’s certainly possible. Since it isn’t my property, I always defer to the landlord’s preference and make sure expectations are clear before marketing the apartment.
Here’s a link to another article I wrote about what will make your apartment rent quicker and for as much money as possible.
Are you a property owner that wants to sell their condo, investment property or needs to rent an apartment or retail space in New York City? Call or text me: Sam Moritz, licensed real estate agent, 917-727-4309.
Do you know a property owner that might need real estate help? Refer me! I provide great and professional real estate services across all five boroughs.
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