Large dogs and Jersey apartments

Hello! I am moving from Arizona to Jersey City in August and I have been looking at the market and noticed a lot of places don’t list that they take large dogs. I have two 85 lbs German Shepards. They are both ESA certified and they have been their whole lives (one is four and the other is two). I was wondering if anyone had gone through the process of renting in JC with an ESA and also with a large dog or one of the two. How was the process for you? When did you bring up that you have an ESA? Do you have any tips and tricks? Let me know!

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DavidPuddy666 t1_j6nei2l wrote on January 31, 2023 at 3:53 PM

I should also add that being dog-friendly here is so common that landlords only really bother to list when dogs aren’t allowed! Expect to pay some sort of extra fee or deposit to cover the extra wear and tear dogs put on an apartment.

Disastrous_Hour_3746 t1_j6n9f8i wrote on January 31, 2023 at 3:21 PM

If they are both ESA certified there should no issues at any complex. I brought it up when touring, and all I had to do was submit my ESA letter when signing the lease. I only have one dog(50lb pit mix) but I would think as long as the apartment allows for 2 dogs it would be ok as they cannot deny for size or breed.

pmax2 t1_j6nc420 wrote on January 31, 2023 at 3:38 PM

A landlord may allow you to have a pet but is not required to under these circumstances. Check the NJ law against discrimination

blondieboo12 t1_j6pe6ot wrote on January 31, 2023 at 11:19 PM

If they’re ESAs you should be fine renting in a large apartment building. Just make sure you have a letter from your doctor and submit it as an additional document on your rental application. If you’re looking at a smaller building (like less than 4 units) it might be harder, as I don’t think they’re legally required to allow ESAS

podkayne3000 t1_j6osty4 wrote on January 31, 2023 at 9:03 PM

Does someone have contact information for the pitbull lovers' group? Maybe someone there would have ideas about how to find a dog-friendly apartment.

pmax2 t1_j6nbulb wrote on January 31, 2023 at 3:36 PM

According to NJ's Truth in Renting:

The Law Against Discrimination as set forth in N.J.S.A. 10:5-29.2, prohibits discrimination against handicapped, blind, or deaf people in renting or leasing housing accommodations. A handicapped, blind, or deaf person who has a service or guide dog, or who obtains a service or guide dog, shall have full and equal access to all housing accommodations and shall not be required to pay extra compensation. Any lease or rental agreement prohibiting pets shall not apply to a service or guide dog owned by a handicapped, blind, or deaf tenant. The tenant is responsible for any damages done to the premises by the service or guide dog.

imaluckyduckie t1_j6nvn79 wrote on January 31, 2023 at 5:39 PM

An emotional support dog does not qualify as a service dog because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task. Also, for the sake of OP's username, emotional support Llamas also don't count

pmax2 t1_j6p7ui0 wrote on January 31, 2023 at 10:37 PM

Agreed, That's the point I was trying to make and you cut straight to the heart of the matter.

blondieboo12 t1_j6pedyh wrote on January 31, 2023 at 11:20 PM

Except the FEDERAL law allows them, so that negates any nj law