As winter closes its grip on metro Detroit, potential renters and their pets scramble to secure leases before snow complicates things. However, due to pet and breed restrictions from cities, companies and insurance agencies, some folks find it hard to settle into a property that allows their furry family member.
While Michigan has made strides in restricting breed profiling from insurance companies, landlords still maintain the right to prohibit types of dogs, or pets in general from inhabiting a rental property. (Guide dogs are not considered pets). The argument that certain dog breeds have a “propensity toward violent behavior” dictates which breeds are “blacklisted”, so additionally, municipalities across the nation have implemented laws restricting many of these dogs:
- Pit Bull Terriers
- Staffordshire Terriers
- Rottweilers
- Dobermans
- German/Australian Shepherds
- Presa Canarios
- Chow Chows
- Akitas
- Mastiffs
- Cane Corsos
- Great Danes
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Siberian Huskies
- Wolf Hybrids
- Any mix of stated breeds
Restricted breed lists can be slightly different, and in total there are about 35 dog breeds that are banned in Michigan municipalities right now. Renters who otherwise qualify for properties have to look elsewhere when dream rentals prohibit them from moving in with a dog that may have been part of the family for many years.
Sadly, public fear, slanted media coverage, and insurance-deemed liability issues have created these lists that tend to lump together similar-looking dogs into a broad, discriminatory category, despite the fact that dogs are individuals and like humans, are products of both their nature and nurturing. The fact that dog bite-related claims accounted for over 1/3 of all homeowners insurance liability claims paid out in 2013 provides understanding of possible risk, but a better calculation of risk lies in the pet owner’s ability to raise their pooch responsibly.
Michigan pet owners and activists are working to end breed discrimination and enforce responsible pet ownership. The size or breed of a dog in itself does not indicate how it will behave, and too many wonderful dogs disprove the idea that any one breed is wholly dangerous. Despite this, renters and homeowners alike should take pet restrictions into consideration when looking for a rental property, and learn about breed restrictions in any new city you are looking to rent/purchase property.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
