Austin Rental Pet & Animal Policy – Simple, Transparent & Fair
Household pets approved instantly, using our partner, PetScreening
We welcome responsible pet owners! Our goal is a safe, happy community for everyone. Every applicant completes a quick screening for transparency and accountability.
Pet Screening Options
| Option | Approval Time | Fees / Deposits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Pets | Instant | None | Applicants without animals |
| Household Pet | Instant | Standard pet fee + monthly pet fee | Most pet owners |
| Assistance Animal (ESA/Service) | 2–5 business days | No pet fees (per Fair Housing Act) |
Residents with a qualifying disability who need an animal for emotional support |
💡 Most Popular Choice: Household Pet screening gives you instant approval, allowing you to secure your desired Austin rental faster.
1. No Pets or Animals
Choose this option if you will not have any pets or animals at the property.
- Instant approval
- No additional fees
Important Note:
If you wish to add pets at a later time, you must first obtain authorization from Keyrenter. Violations of this rule will result in a fine.
2. Household Pets (Recommended for Most Applicants)
This is the fastest and simplest option for responsible pet owners.
Benefits:
- Instant approval (usually within minutes)
- Up to 2 pets per home (dogs, cats, small caged pets)
- Clear, upfront pet fees and deposit
Pro Tip: Selecting Household Pet helps you beat other qualified applicants and lock in your favorite home faster.
3. Assistance Animals (Service or Emotional Support)
We fully support tenants’ rights under the Fair Housing Act.
If you have a disability-related need for an assistance animal (ESA or Service Animal), please select this option. We will review your documentation in compliance with federal guidelines. Please make sure you are aware of Texas laws for submitting a fraudulent accommodation request.
Important Notes:
- Verification process typically takes 2–5 business days
- No pet fees or deposits apply (per Fair Housing Act)
- During verification, other qualified applicants may secure the property
- We use a secure third-party verification process
- Documentation required from a licensed health professional dated within the past year
Our Full Pet Policy
- There is a limit of 2 Pets per home (some individual properties may vary), including ESA or Companion Animals.
- Household pets under one-year-old and/or over 40 pounds are outside of our pet parameters.
- All household pets must be spayed or neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations
- Current veterinary records and pet references required
- Certain dog breeds may be restricted for insurance and safety reasons
- Household pets require a non-refundable pet deposit + monthly pet rent
- Assistance animals are evaluated separately and are exempt from pet fees and restrictions under the Fair Housing Act
All applicants (even those with no pets) complete basic screening for transparency and to protect the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a household pet and an ESA?
A household pet is a regular companion animal. An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) or Service Animal is prescribed for a disability-related need and is protected under the Fair Housing Act.