What does pet-friendly mean at a new Houston apartment?
It means the community allows pets, under a written pet addendum. The addendum sets which pets are allowed, how many, and what they cost. New buildings often add pet amenities like a dog park, a dog run or a pet washing station.
Pet costs come in three forms:
| Cost | When you pay | Refundable? | Where it goes on our cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet rent | Every month, usually per pet | No | True monthly |
| Pet fee | Once, at move-in | Usually no | Cash to move in |
| Pet deposit | Once, at move-in | Often, per the addendum | Cash to move in |
We add the monthly part to your true monthly, next to required fees. At 11 board buildings, required fees alone ran $77.62 to $158.06 a month, median $98 (Oct 25, 2026), so pet rent stacks on top of that.
Which limits should I check first?
Check these before you pay an application fee:
- Breed restrictions. Many communities list breeds they don’t accept.
- Weight limits. Some cap weight per pet, others cap the total.
- Number of pets. Two is common, but not universal.
- Pet types. Cats and dogs are standard; others vary.
We list limits as each community publishes them. Some communities allow weight limit exemptions in writing, and we ask about that when it matters.
Ask about the floor, too
A ground-floor unit or one near an exit makes quick walks easier. In lease-up, those units can go fast, so we ask early. We also ask about pet-friendly flooring if you’re worried about scratches or a deposit.
What about assistance animals and service dogs?
Assistance animal requests are reasonable accommodation requests handled by each community under the Fair Housing Act and its own process. Trained service dogs pay no pet fee or deposit under Texas Human Resources Code §121.003(h).
We don’t ask about disability and don’t give legal advice. We connect you with the community’s process for a reasonable accommodation or an assistance animal request, and we keep your information private.
Are build-to-rent homes better for pets?
They can be. Many build-to-rent homes come with a fenced yard, which helps with a dog. Yard rules still apply, like no digging, waste pickup and sometimes limits on outdoor time. We note the yard and pet rules for each community.
How do I get the pet math for my shortlist?
Send us your pets’ types, number and weights, plus your move date and all-in budget. We’ll check each policy, add pet costs to the bill, and read the pet addendum with you before you sign. It’s free to you, and your rent is the same either way.
