For many people, a pet is a full member of the family. That is why the question of whether a dog or cat can live in a rental apartment has become increasingly relevant in today’s rental market.
At the same time, allowing a pet in a rental property also means additional responsibilities – both for the tenant and the landlord.
In Latvia’s rental market, approaches vary considerably. Some landlords are happy to accept tenants with pets, while others state clearly in their listings: “No pets allowed.”
Why is there such a difference? And what should both parties know to make sure that living with a pet in a rental apartment does not lead to unnecessary problems?
Why do some landlords categorically refuse pets?
While one landlord may be happy to rent an apartment to a family with a dog or cat, another may immediately say “no” when asked about pets. There are several understandable reasons for this.
Risk of damage to the property
Even a very responsible pet owner cannot completely guarantee that a pet will never damage an apartment. A dog’s claws can scratch wooden floors, a cat may damage doors or furniture, while pet hair and odours may require additional cleaning after the tenant moves out.
This can be particularly important in apartments with expensive furniture, natural wood flooring, designer finishes or other materials where repairs or replacement can be costly.
Future tenant preferences
Not every potential tenant wants to live in an apartment where a pet has previously lived. Some people have allergies, while others may simply be sensitive to pet hair or odours.
As a result, a landlord may be concerned that preparing the apartment for the next tenant will require additional time and expense.
Complaints from neighbours
The problem is not always inside the apartment itself. A dog that barks or howls for several hours a day can create conflicts with neighbours. Problems can also arise from a pet’s behaviour in common areas such as staircases, lifts or shared outdoor spaces.
Previous negative experiences
Sometimes a strict no-pets policy is not based on theoretical concerns but on previous experience.
If a landlord has previously had to replace flooring, repair doors or arrange expensive deep cleaning after a tenant with a pet moved out, it is understandable that they may prefer to avoid the same risk in the future.
Therefore, a landlord’s decision not to accept pets does not necessarily mean that they have a negative attitude towards animals. In many cases, it is simply a matter of risk management.
But “a pet” is not a single risk category
At the same time, landlords should ideally consider the individual situation rather than simply the fact that a prospective tenant owns an animal.
A small, calm adult dog that is accustomed to living in an apartment and can stay home alone without problems presents a very different situation from a large young dog with destructive behaviour or severe separation anxiety.
Before signing a lease, it can therefore be useful to discuss:
- what type of pet it is;
- the animal’s age and size;
- whether it is accustomed to living in an apartment;
- whether it regularly stays home alone;
- whether there have been previous complaints from neighbours;
- how the tenant takes care of the pet and the property.
An open conversation often provides much more useful information than a simple “pets are not allowed” policy.
Can a landlord prohibit pets?
This is a matter that should ideally be clarified before the rental agreement is signed.
If a landlord does not want pets in the property, the tenant should know this before entering into the agreement. If the landlord agrees to a pet, the permission should preferably be clearly documented in the rental agreement.
The agreement may specify, for example:
- which type of pet is allowed;
- how many pets may live in the apartment;
- whether the landlord’s prior approval is required for an additional pet;
- the tenant’s responsibility for any damage caused by the pet;
- the obligation to comply with the building’s house rules.
This helps prevent situations where the tenant believes the pet is allowed while the landlord later discovers that an animal has been brought into the property without prior agreement.
What does Latvian law say?
Rental relationships in Latvia are regulated by the Residential Tenancy Law (Dzīvojamo telpu īres likums). The law allows the rental agreement to include additional terms agreed between the landlord and tenant and establishes the tenant’s obligation to treat the rented property responsibly and comply with the terms of the agreement.
This is particularly relevant when a pet is involved. If keeping a pet has been agreed upon, the tenant is still responsible for taking proper care of the rented property and complying with the conditions set out in the agreement.
In certain circumstances, breaches of the rental agreement – including damage to the residential premises or failure to comply with agreed conditions of use – may provide grounds for terminating the tenancy.
At the same time, keeping pets is not governed solely by the rental agreement. Pet owners must also comply with Latvia’s animal welfare requirements.
Therefore, the practical question is not simply “Can I keep a dog or cat in the apartment?”, but also “What conditions have the landlord and tenant agreed upon, and are those conditions being respected?”
A security deposit is not a “dog penalty”
The presence of a pet does not automatically mean that the tenant will cause damage.
However, landlords understandably face additional risks, which is why the security deposit and any other relevant conditions should be discussed before the rental agreement is signed.
It is important to distinguish a security deposit from a penalty for having a pet.
The purpose of a security deposit is to secure the tenant’s obligations. If a pet causes damage, the issue is the actual loss and the cost of repairing it – not a “fine” simply because a dog or cat lived in the apartment.
Normal wear and tear is not the same as damage
This is one of the most common sources of disputes at the end of a tenancy.
A property naturally experiences normal wear and tear during everyday use. However, deep scratches in wooden flooring, damaged doors, torn furniture or other damage caused by a pet may be considered beyond normal wear and tear.
This is why it is highly recommended to document the condition of the apartment with photographs before the tenant moves in.
It is particularly useful to photograph:
- floors;
- doors and door frames;
- walls;
- kitchen surfaces;
- furniture;
- sofas and other upholstered items;
- bathroom fixtures.
This benefits both parties, as it allows them to objectively compare the condition of the property at the beginning and end of the tenancy.
The tenant’s responsibility starts with everyday care
If a dog or cat lives in a rental apartment, the tenant should be prepared to take on some additional responsibilities.
These include practical matters such as:
- regularly trimming the pet’s nails;
- regularly cleaning pet hair and litter;
- maintaining appropriate cleanliness and ventilation;
- addressing any damage promptly;
- taking care to prevent damage to furniture and finishes;
- ensuring that the pet does not cause significant disturbance to neighbours.
Noise is particularly important. A dog that barks continuously can become a problem not only for the landlord, but for the entire building.
Responsibility also extends to common areas
Keeping a pet is not only a matter concerning the apartment itself.
Staircases, lifts, courtyards and other common areas are shared spaces where the interests of other residents must also be considered.
Some people may be afraid of dogs, others may have allergies, while some may simply feel uncomfortable around an uncontrolled animal in a shared space.
Pet owners therefore have a responsibility to ensure that their animal does not pose a risk or cause significant inconvenience to other residents.
A pet-friendly rental project can be a real advantage
Not all rental buildings have the same approach to pets.
Some projects do not allow animals, while others are specifically pet-friendly.
Cēsu Terraces in Riga is an example of a rental project where pets are welcome. This means that people who cannot imagine their life without a dog or cat can also choose a high-quality long-term rental home.
However, “pet-friendly” does not mean “without rules”.
The principle remains simple: the pet is the owner’s responsibility.
This means taking care of the property, respecting the building’s rules, avoiding significant disturbance to neighbours and accepting responsibility for any damage caused by the animal.
What should be done before moving in?
To avoid misunderstandings, both the tenant and landlord should go through a few simple steps before handing over the keys.
For the landlord:
- Clearly state whether pets are allowed.
- Specify the permitted pet and relevant conditions in the rental agreement.
- Document the condition of the apartment before move-in.
- Explain the building’s house rules.
- Clearly define responsibility for potential damage.
For the tenant:
- Inform the landlord about the pet before signing the agreement.
- Make sure permission to keep the pet is documented in the agreement.
- Keep your own photographic record of the apartment’s initial condition.
- Familiarise yourself with the building’s rules.
- Accept responsibility for the pet’s behaviour and any damage it may cause.
A pet is not a problem when the rules are clear
A pet-friendly rental home can be a significant advantage for people looking for long-term accommodation. At the same time, landlords have every reason to protect their property and manage potential risks.
The best solution is therefore usually not simply “yes” or “no”, but a clear agreement about responsibilities.
An open conversation before signing the agreement, clear contractual terms, photographic documentation of the apartment and respect for neighbours can prevent most potential problems.
Ultimately, both the landlord and the tenant have the same goal – for the tenancy to be long-term, predictable and free from unnecessary conflicts.
And sometimes the most important question is not “Are dogs allowed in the apartment?” but rather “Do both sides clearly understand what they have agreed to?”
