Pets in Rental Apartments — Rights, Taxes, and Obligations

Am I allowed to keep pets in a rental apartment?

Keeping pets in rental apartments is a frequent source of disputes. The basic rule according to BGH ruling (Bundesgerichtshof, Az. VIII ZR 168/12): A general ban on all pets in the rental contract is invalid. However, there are important distinctions:

Small pets — always permitted

You may keep small pets without the landlord's permission:

• Hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits
• Fish, turtles
• Budgies, canaries

The landlord cannot prohibit small pets — regardless of what the rental contract states.

Dogs and cats — case-by-case decision

For dogs and cats, the landlord must decide on a case-by-case basis:

• He cannot blanket prohibit but also does not have to blanket permit them.
• Relevant factors: apartment size, dog breed, number of animals, noise, disturbance to neighbors.
• Tip: Ask your landlord in writing before acquiring a pet. Written permission protects you.

Exotic animals and listed dogs

• Poisonous animals (snakes, spiders) and fighting dogs (defined differently depending on the state) the landlord may generally prohibit.
• For listed dogs (e.g., Pitbull, Staffordshire Terrier), many states impose keeping requirements: competency certificate, temperament test, leash requirement, muzzle requirement.

Hundesteuer — municipal obligation

Anyone who owns a dog must register it with the municipal office and pay the Hundesteuer (dog tax):

• Dog tax is an annual fee.
• Registration deadline: typically 2 weeks after acquisition.
• Failure to register is an administrative offense (fine up to 10,000 €).
• Cats are tax-free in most cities (exception: some rural municipalities).

Hundehaftpflichtversicherung — liability insurance

Canine liability insurance is legally required in many states:

• Mandatory in: Berlin, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia.
• In other states: mandatory only for listed dogs.
• Cost: from approximately 50–80 € per year.
• Recommendation: Get it even if not mandatory! A dog bite can cost damages of 10,000 € or more.

Veterinary costs

Expect regular veterinary expenses:

• Vaccinations (annually): 50–80 € (dog), 30–50 € (cat).
• Neutering/spaying: 200–600 € (dog), 80–150 € (cat).
• Emergency treatment: 200–2,000 € (depending on procedure).
• Tip: Pet health insurance (from about 20–40 €/month for dogs) can be worthwhile for expensive breeds.

Obligations as a pet owner

• Leash requirement in many city centers and parks (varies by city).
• Remove dog waste — fine for violation: 35–150 €.
• Respect quiet hours — constant barking can lead to complaints and in the worst case to lease termination.
• Dog liability insurance and Hundesteuer — both mandatory!
• Microchip requirement — mandatory in many states, required for EU travel (EU pet passport).

Status: March 2026. All information without warranty.