Can I have a pet if I live with roommates?

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Only if the lease allows it and every roommate agrees before the pet arrives. Check the lease for pet rules, deposits and pet rent, then talk about allergies, noise, cleanup and who pays for damage. A pet one roommate brings in is that roommate's responsibility. Landlord approval comes first. An unauthorized pet can put everyone on the lease in breach, not only its owner. Many leases charge a pet deposit, monthly pet rent or both, and some restrict breeds or sizes. Service animals and emotional support animals are handled differently under fair housing rules, so a landlord usually cannot refuse or charge pet fees for them, but you still need to tell your roommates. Before you agree to a roommate's pet, or ask for yours, cover: Allergies, even mild ones, and whether any rooms are pet-free Who feeds, walks and cleans up, including while the owner is away Who pays pet rent and the pet deposit Damage to shared furniture, floors and the security deposit Noise, crates and what happens when the pet is home alone If you have a pet and are looking for a room, say so in your first message. Stating it upfront saves you from falling for a room you cannot take. Many room posts in housing groups say "no pets" or "pet friendly" in the listing itself. Put the pet terms in your roommate agreement, especially who pays for pet damage when the deposit is split.

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