Tenant Resouces - Pets

Are pets allowed?

The majority of our residential properties are “pet friendly,” but prior approval is required. This means you must request and complete a “pet addendum” which provides the standards and regulations you will be expected to follow by having an approved pet in your rental property. Without prior approval, you would be in violation of the terms of the lease, and you could face significant service fees and even potential eviction. Each listing should state whether cats or dogs (either large or small) are permitted in that particular property. For other animal types, you should contact us to check. Currently, we do not have restrictions on animal breeds, but tenants are required to ensure pets are safe, will not destroy property, and will not disturb others. Current tenants can let us know about new pets by completing an online form.

What are the fees and deposits for having a pet?

For approved pets there is a monthly “pet rent” and a “pet deposit.” Currently, the pet rent is a flat rate of $50 per month for one pet and $70 per month for two pets. The pet deposit is a $250 deposit that is added to your security deposit and may be refunded in the same manner.

As explained in more detail below, we do not assess any pet rent, pet deposits, or any other fees for an approved assistance animal or service animal for a person with a disability. 

How do I add a new pet?

Before you bring a new pet into your house or apartment it is required that you obtain prior approval. We have a simple online form that you can complete to begin the process of receiving authorization for a new pet. After your form is received we will review it and send out a pet addendum for all tenants to sign.

New Pet Form

Why do all my roommates need to sign the pet addendum?

As with all other parts of the lease, all tenants on your lease are responsible for agreeing to the terms in the pet addendum. If one of your roommates is unwilling to agree to the pet addendum we will not be able to authorize your pet.

How do I get approval for an assistance animal or "emotional support animal"?

It is RentAmes Property Management’s policy to comply with federal, state, and local law by permitting an assistance animal or service animal for a person with a disability. In those circumstances, our ordinary “pet” policies do not apply, and we will not charge any extra deposits or fees. For more information, please see our Assistance Animal Policy.

You can make requests for any reasonable accommodation (including for a service animal or assistance animal) at any time by completing an online form. If you need assistance with the form, or you wish to make your request orally, you can call our office.

As explained in our Assistance Animal Policy, if you are requested to provide a statement from a healthcare professional supporting your need for an assistance animal, you can use the form at this link which has been prepared by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for this purpose. If you contact us by phone or email, we will provide a printed copy of the form to you at no cost.

If you have specific questions or concerns about an assistance animal or service animal for a person with a disability, please contact us. Finally, please be warned that it is illegal, under Iowa Code section 216C.3, to intentionally misrepresent an animal as a service animal or a service-animal-in-training.

Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
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