Pet Policy & TailPrint™

Updated January 1st, 2026

Every pet tells a story. TailPrint™ is how we read that story.

At Rice Real Estate & Property Management, we evaluate pets based on real-world behavior (bite history affidavit), veterinary care, and responsible owners. This allows us to make pet approval decisions without relying on pet breed stereotypes. In addition, recent research confirms that a dog’s aggression is more accurately predicted by individual experience than by breed alone.

Note: In the state of Nevada, insurance companies are prevented from discriminating against dog owners based on their dog’s breed (NV SB 103). However, many policies exclude dogs with a bite history, which can negatively affect a homeowner’s insurance for the rental home.

Our policies are consistent with HUD, ADA, and Fair Housing Act standards. Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 426.805 makes it a misdemeanor to fraudulently misrepresent an animal as a service animal or service animal in training. Federal fair housing laws provide specific protections for service animals and other assistance animals, exempting them from pet-related rules and charges. To honor those protections, and to keep expectations clear, each occupant over the age of 18 completes one of three simple declarations:

a pet profile
a no-pet profile
an assistance animal accommodation request

Standard TailPrint Pet Policy+

Tenants may keep up to two (2) pets. To keep a pet, the Tenant and Landlord must execute a Pet/Animal/Service Animal Agreement amendment to the Lease Agreement. Renter’s Insurance liability coverage range from $100k to $300k based on Tailprint™ score.

Monthly Pet Fee

The monthly pet fee varies. *We accept verified assistance animals (ESAs) and service animals with proper documentation. ESAs and service animals are not subject to fees or deposits. Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 426.805 makes it a misdemeanor to fraudulently misrepresent an animal as a service animal or service animal in training.

5 rating = $5 pet fee

4 rating = $5 pet fee

3 rating = $10 pet fee

2 rating = $75 pet fee

1 rating = $100 pet fee

Assistance Animals

Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 426.805 makes it a misdemeanor to fraudulently misrepresent an animal as a service animal or service animal in training. Rice Real Estate & Property Management reviews all tenant requests for accommodations for assistance animals. Rice Real Estate & Property Management follows the Fair Housing Act (FHAct) guidelines on reasonable housing accommodation requests for assistance animals. A letter dated within the year and drafted by any of your medical health care provider(s)/professional(s), may be uploaded via the rental application or our website for review. There is no charge to submit an accommodation request. When an accommodation request is approved, Rice Real Estate & Property Management will not charge you any deposits or fees for the animal. If the accommodation request is denied, the tenant will be responsible for pet fees and deposits outlined in this document and the lease agreement.

Renter’s Insurance – Pet Liability Coverage Requirements

All residents with approved pets are required to maintain active renter’s insurance that includes personal liability coverage for pet-related incidents. Required coverage limits are based on the pet’s Tailprint™ score, which reflects housing-related risk factors.

Required Liability Coverage by Tailprint™ Score:

Tailprint™ Score 1–2 (Higher Risk Pets):
Minimum $300,000 in personal liability coverage
Tailprint™ Score 3–5 (Lower to Moderate Risk Pets):
Minimum $100,000 in personal liability coverage

Additional Requirements:

The renter’s insurance policy must remain active for the entire lease term.
Proof of coverage must be provided prior to move-in and upon request at any time during tenancy.
Failure to maintain the required coverage constitutes non-compliance with the lease and Pet Policy and may result in enforcement action.

This requirement helps protect the property owner, residents, and community while supporting a responsible and well-managed pet-friendly housing program.

Pet Acceptance Fee & Deposits

Note: Unauthorized Pet Fine is $1000.

Every approved pet receives its own TailPrint™.

The focus is not on labels, but on how a pet lives in the home and how responsibly it is cared for.

A Tailprint™ is a 0–5 rating that reflects the housing-related risk of both the pet and the owner responsible for it. This rating determines applicable pet fees and is based on real, measurable factors including behavior history, age, size, vaccination records, and overall pet management. Dogs with a known or documented bite history are not eligible for approval due to increased liability exposure and adverse impact on the homeowner’s insurance coverage. Such history presents an unacceptable liability risk and may not be insurable under the homeowner’s insurance policy.

Rating	Acceptance Fee	Refundable Deposit
5	$100	$300+
4	$100	$300+
3	$150	up to $500+
2	$250	up to $750+
1	$300	up to $1000+
0	Dog Bite History	Dog Bite History

Additional Pets or Excess Weight

If the Tenant has more than two (2) pets, the pet is less than 12 months old, or the pet’s weight exceeds 100 pounds, the request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Pet Fee Surcharges

Puppies and kittens (under one year) may be allowed with an additional surcharge
Any pet or animal over 100 lbs in weight
Three or more pets

+Individual deeded property Owners may have additional restrictions above and beyond the score pricing notification.

Please note that in the State of Nevada, landlord insurance companies can restrict coverage for animals with an aggressive past or bite history. In those scenarios, assume your application to rent will be denied without explicit approval in advance from the property owner or their insurance company. Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 426.805 makes it a misdemeanor to fraudulently misrepresent an animal as a service animal or service animal in training.

🐾 TailPrint™ : A Pet’s Story

Every pet tells a story. Some are calm, trained, and well-managed. Others need closer supervision.

TailPrint™ is how we read that story.

At Rice Real Estate & Property Management, we evaluate pets based on real-world behavior, veterinary care, and responsible ownership. This allows us to make informed decisions about pet approval, deposits, and monthly pet rent — without relying on stereotypes.

The goal is straightforward: safeguard the property, follow Nevada law, and ensure a smooth experience for residents with pets.

How Is a TailPrint™ Determined?

Each pet is reviewed individually using objective, housing-related criteria, along with bite history. Breed alone is never the sole determining factor. This approach aligns with our pet policy and Nevada Senate Bill 103 (2021), which supports behavior-based evaluation rather than breed labels.

These factors determine whether a pet is approved and what deposits or monthly pet rent may apply.

By focusing on measurable responsibility rather than assumptions, Tailprint™ protects the property, meets Nevada legal standards, and sets transparent expectations for residents.

1) Behavior History

We evaluate documented behavior and temperament.

Tenant affidavit reflecting no pet or animal bite history

2) Age & Size

Age and size can affect wear, tear, and supervision needs.

Puppies and kittens may rate lower due to training needs
Larger animals may require additional safeguards
Mature, well-managed pets generally rate higher

4) Veterinary Care & Documentation

Responsible pet ownership is essential.

Current vaccination records
Proof of spay/neuter, when applicable
Ongoing veterinary care: Nevada law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets over 3 months old to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian

5) Owner Responsibility & Management

The pet owner plays a critical role in risk mitigation.

Evidence of proactive pet management
Owner responsibility factors evaluated pursuant to the rental application scoring card framework
Willingness to comply with lease and pet policy requirements

TailPrint™ Levels & What They Mean

Each pet receives a TailPrint™ rating ranging from 5 to 0, which determines applicable fees and approval status:

5 – Excellent: Very low risk, well-trained, well-documented
4 – Good: Low risk, well-trained, well-documente
3 – Average: Moderate risk factors (age, training, size)
2 – Below Average: Elevated risk requiring higher deposits and fees
1 – High Risk: Very Elevated risk requiring higher deposits and fees
0 – Not Acceptable: Pet does not meet minimum housing safety standards (known bite history).

Pet deposits, one-time pet acceptance fees, and monthly pet rent are based on the final Tailprint™ rating.

Important Notes

Service animals and approved assistance animals are not pets and are not subject to pet fees or deposits.
Pets under 12 months, pets over 100 lbs, multiple pets, or pets with prior incidents may require additional review.
Unauthorized pets are a lease violation and subject to fines and enforcement.

Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 426.805 makes it a misdemeanor to fraudulently misrepresent an animal as a service animal or service animal in training.