A growing number of apartment communities require renters insurance with $100,000 or more in personal liability. The problem: some insurers exclude certain breeds from the liability section, which can leave you uninsured for exactly the risk the landlord cares about.
Check the liability section, not the marketing page
Ask the insurer directly: “Does the personal liability coverage have any breed exclusions?” If the answer is yes, keep shopping. Several national carriers write breed-neutral renters policies, typically for $12–$25 a month.
States that protect you
Some states prohibit insurers from refusing, cancelling or raising rates on a renters policy based solely on breed — including Nevada (SB 103, 2022), Colorado (HB23-1068 and HB25-1207, extended to renters in 2025) and Arizona (A.R.S. §20-1510, 2023). Others, such as New York, Illinois and Michigan, have similar rules. Our state-by-state breed law summaries show the status for every state we cover.
What the leasing office will ask for
- A declarations page showing you as the named insured and the apartment address.
- Personal liability of at least the lease minimum (usually $100,000; sometimes $300,000).
- Often, the property named as an “interested party” so they are notified if the policy lapses.
Make it part of your application
Attach the declarations page to your Pet Resume. A renter who shows up insured, with a vaccinated and trained dog, is the easiest “yes” a leasing manager will see that week.
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