Renting with a pit bull

Check before you adopt

• Your lease: look for breed, size or weight limits, not just "pets allowed".
• Your city and county: some places restrict pit bull-type dogs, while a number of states bar local breed bans. Search your city's name with "breed specific legislation", or call animal control.
• Your renter's insurance: some policies exclude certain breeds from liability cover. Ask your insurer in writing.

Getting a yes from a landlord

1. Make a pet résumé: photo, age, spay or neuter, vaccines, training classes, a reference from a past landlord or vet.
2. Offer to meet: a calm dog in person beats a breed name on a form.
3. Show liability cover: a renter's policy that covers your dog, with the landlord named if they ask.
4. Offer a pet deposit where local law allows it.
5. Get any agreement in writing as an addendum to your lease.

Assistance animals

If you have a disability and your dog is an assistance animal, US fair housing rules may require a landlord to make an exception to breed rules. The rules are specific: ask a local fair housing organisation before relying on them.

Searching for housing

Use the pet-friendly filter on rental sites, then ask about breed rules before you apply. Smaller landlords are often more flexible than big management companies.

Find a pittie near you