Pets in Rental Apartments: Why Landlords Don’t Want Them

The number of households with a pet in the Czech Republic is increasing every year. Dogs, cats, rabbits, or guinea pigs are becoming full-fledged members of the family – and rental housing is no exception. However, many landlords remain reserved towards animals in their apartments, and some even explicitly forbid them. Why is this the case, what are the landlords’ concerns, and what can happen to a tenant who does not declare a pet?

1. Concern About Property Damage

One of the main reasons why landlords refuse tenants with pets is the fear of damage to the apartment or its furnishings. Cats can scratch floors, sofas, or doors, while dogs can cause damage through accidents in the apartment, chew furniture, or ruin flooring.

2. Noise and Disturbance to Neighbors

Especially with dogs, barking is often a problem, which can disturb neighbors. If the building owner receives complaints about repeated disturbances of peace, this may have legal consequences for both the tenant and the property owner.

3. Allergies and Future Rentals

Some landlords are concerned that after an animal stays in the apartment, hair or odors will remain, which may deter other interested parties – especially those who suffer from allergies.

4. Past Experiences

Many landlords have had bad experiences with previous tenants who left the apartment damaged and did not pay for the damage caused. For these reasons, they prefer to prohibit pets in advance.

Why Do Some Landlords Require a Higher Security Deposit?
If the landlord agrees to allow a pet in the apartment, they very often require an increased security deposit – sometimes in the amount of two to three months’ rent.

The reasons are clear:

• Covering potential damage to the apartment’s furnishings

• Covering the cost of a general cleaning after the tenant moves out

• Protection in case the tenant ends the lease and leaves the apartment in worse condition

However, it is important to remember that the security deposit amount may not exceed three times the monthly rent in accordance with the Civil Code.

What Are the Tenant’s Rights?
From a legal perspective, the landlord cannot prohibit the keeping of a pet without reason, provided that the tenant does not breach their obligations (e.g., does not damage the apartment, does not disturb neighbors, does not cause excessive dirt).

What Does This Mean?

• Keeping a pet in an apartment is possible, but only if neither the property nor the neighbors are endangered.

• The landlord may include a clause in the lease prohibiting pets, but such a ban is not always enforceable if the pet ownership does not interfere with the rights of others.

What Happens If the Tenant Does Not Declare a Pet?
Keeping a pet secretly can have unpleasant consequences for the tenant:

• Breach of the lease agreement – if the lease explicitly states that pets are not allowed and the tenant does not comply, this may be grounds for termination of the lease

• Loss of trust between the tenant and the landlord

• Financial penalties – e.g., deduction from the security deposit to cover damages or additional cleaning

• Legal dispute in the event of a serious breach of the lease agreement

We therefore always recommend being open and fair – declare the pet in advance, agree on the conditions, and, if necessary, sign an addendum to the contract in which everything is clearly stated.

Summary: A Fair Agreement Is the Basis

The presence of pets in rental apartments is a sensitive topic that needs to be addressed individually and with respect on both sides. If you are a tenant with a pet, communicate openly, explain what measures you take to maintain cleanliness, and be willing to accept responsibility for any damage.

If you are a landlord, consider the option of a higher security deposit, clear contractual terms, and, above all – direct communication. Each case is different, and many pets live in rental apartments without problems.