Renting With Pets in Atlanta: What You Need to Know Before You Apply

Planning to rent with pets in Atlanta? Learn about typical pet fees, breed restrictions, weight limits, documentation requirements, and how to find pet-friendly apartments or rental homes. Includes real examples and research-backed cost ranges.

Introduction

Atlanta is a famously pet-friendly city, but that doesn’t mean every apartment community is pet friendly in the same way. Each building sets its own rules around pet fees, breed approvals, weight limits, and documentation. Some communities welcome pets easily; others have strict policies shaped by insurance requirements or management preferences.

This guide breaks down what you can realistically expect when renting with pets in Atlanta. It combines research-backed information, general rental standards, and on-the-ground patterns you’re likely to encounter. While every property is unique, this article gives you the clarity you need to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary application fees.

The Real Cost of Renting With Pets (Research-Backed Fee Ranges)

Pet costs vary by community, but there are consistent ranges seen across the rental industry. These are based on landlord surveys, rental market data, and national fee studies.

Pet Deposit (Refundable):
Typical range: $200–$500 per pet
Source: LandlordStudio’s national pet-fee report.

Pet Fee (Nonrefundable):
Typical range: $200–$400 per pet
Source: LandlordStudio.

Monthly Pet Rent:
Typical range: $25–$75 per month per pet
Source: Multiple rental fee studies and industry reports.

Some Atlanta buildings fall on the higher end of these ranges, especially high-rise or luxury communities that offer pet amenities. Garden-style or older buildings may fall on the lower end.

These figures represent common examples, not guaranteed pricing. Always confirm fees directly with the leasing office before applying.

Breed Restrictions Commonly Seen in Atlanta Apartments

Breed restrictions are not created by apartment managers themselves. They are usually tied to property insurance policies and corporate liability rules. While every property has its own specific list, the following breeds are among the most frequently restricted across the rental industry:

Pit Bull / Staffordshire Terrier
Rottweiler
Doberman Pinscher
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Presa Canario
Wolf hybrids
Akita
Husky (restricted in some communities)
Alaskan Malamute
Great Dane (size-based restrictions more common than breed-based)

These breed restrictions are widespread nationwide. Not every Atlanta property enforces every restriction, and some enforce only part of the list. Always verify with the leasing office before paying any application or admin fees.

Weight Limits: What Renters Should Expect

Weight limits vary dramatically. There is no city-wide rule in Atlanta, and limits depend entirely on the building.

Common patterns include:

High-rise buildings: Often limit pets to 40–55 pounds.
Mid-rise or garden-style buildings: More flexibility; limits may reach 75–100 pounds.
Townhomes or private rentals: Frequently have no weight limits at all.

Even when a building allows large dogs, breed restrictions may still apply. Always verify weight allowances for each pet you plan to bring.

Documentation and Pet Screening Requirements

Many Atlanta property management companies now use pet-screening tools such as PetScreening.com. These systems verify:

Vaccinations (rabies, distemper, bordetella)
Spay/neuter status
Pet age
Pet behavior history
Owner compliance with local ordinances

Other communities require:

Pet interviews or temperament checks
Photos or videos of your pet
Vet records
Proof of renter’s insurance with pet liability coverage

These requirements help management screen pets fairly and consistently. They also help owners prepare proof of good behavior before moving in.

How Pets Impact Your Apartment Search

Renters with pets often face different challenges than renters without pets. Understanding these early helps you plan realistically.

Pet-friendly units rent faster.
Buildings with generous pet policies tend to lease quickly, especially those with amenities like dog parks or pet wash stations.

Fewer buildings allow two or more pets.
Renters with multiple animals should expect a smaller pool of options.

Certain floor plans may be unavailable.
Ground-floor or large-floor-plan units may be more pet-friendly but limited in inventory.

Higher upfront costs.
Pet fees, pet rent, and higher deposits can make move-in more expensive.

Restrictions reduce your options.
Breed restrictions and weight limits can significantly narrow available housing.

This is why many pet owners benefit from apartment locating services. Knowing which buildings allow what types of pets prevents wasted money on nonrefundable application fees.

Tips for Renters With Large Breeds

If your dog exceeds 50–60 pounds, here are strategies that help significantly in Atlanta’s rental market:

Look for garden-style buildings.
They tend to have more space, easier access to outdoor areas, and higher weight allowances.

Ask about first-floor or ground-level units.
Large dogs often do better — and buildings are more flexible — with direct outdoor access.

Search for communities with dog parks.
These amenities reflect management that caters to larger dogs.

Ask directly about weight limits before applying.
Do not assume limits based on the website alone.

Be prepared for higher deposits.
Some communities approve larger dogs with higher refundable deposits.

Tips for Renters With Restricted Breeds

Renters with restricted breeds often struggle the most, not because the pet itself is the issue, but because corporate insurance policies limit what buildings can legally approve.

Here are realistic, effective strategies:

Consider rental houses.
Single-family home and private landlord rentals often have fewer breed restrictions. Insurance policies differ, and approval is more case-by-case.

Explore small property managers or independent landlords.
These landlords have more flexibility and may evaluate your pet based on temperament, vet records, and references rather than breed labels.

Provide additional documentation.
Training certificates
Vet records
Temperament evaluation
Photos or videos of your pet
Letters from previous landlords
These materials show responsibility and often increase approval odds.

Offer a higher deposit if you can.
Some independent landlords allow restricted breeds with a higher refundable deposit.

Prepare early.
Pet-friendly inventory goes fast, especially for restricted breeds.

With the right strategy, renters with restricted breeds still find great homes — especially when exploring rental houses and small-property options.

Budgeting for Pet Ownership While Renting

Pet ownership affects your monthly and annual housing budget. Renters should prepare for:

Upfront fees (pet fee or deposit)
Monthly pet rent
Higher utility usage
Replacement of items damaged over time
Move-out cleaning fees
Optional pet insurance
Routine veterinary care
Emergency veterinary care

This is not financial advice — it is simply an outline of common costs renters should expect.

Questions to Ask Before Applying (Pet Approval Checklist)

Use this checklist before submitting any application or paying any fees:

What is the pet fee or pet deposit?
Is it refundable or nonrefundable?
What is the monthly pet rent?
What are the breed restrictions?
What are the weight limits?
How many pets are allowed?
Are there age restrictions?
Is pet screening required?
Are vaccine records required?
Is renter’s insurance with pet liability required?
Are pet interviews or temperament checks required?
Are there pet amenities?
Are there penalties for pet violations?

Asking these questions upfront helps avoid wasted application fees and clarifies expectations quickly.

TL;DR Summary

Pet-friendly housing varies by building. Expect pet fees, monthly pet rent, breed restrictions, weight limits, and documentation requirements. Atlanta buildings commonly restrict certain breeds due to insurance policies. Large and restricted breeds often benefit from garden-style buildings, rental houses, or private landlords. Always confirm pet policies before applying.

Need Help Finding a Pet-Friendly Apartment?

If you tell me your pet’s size, breed, age, and move-in date, I can match you with Atlanta properties that already approve your situation. That means no wasted application fees, no surprises, and no guessing.

Already know what you want? Start your apartment search →