Pet Addendum to Lease Agreement Template (Free)
Free pet addendum to lease agreement template for landlords and tenants. Covers pet deposit, monthly pet rent, approved pets, damage liability, noise and nuisance clauses, and removal conditions.
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Pet Lease Addendum
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Quick Answer
A pet addendum is a legal supplement to a residential lease agreement that specifies the terms under which a tenant may keep a pet: which pets are permitted, the pet deposit amount, monthly pet rent, damage liability, and conditions under which the pet must be removed from the property.
What Is a Pet Lease Addendum?
Standard lease agreements are silent on pets — or prohibit them outright. A pet addendum is the middle path: it gives tenants the right to keep specific pets under defined conditions, and gives landlords documented protections against damage, liability, and nuisance.
For tenants, a signed pet addendum is the written proof that your pet is allowed — essential if there's ever a dispute with a new property manager. For landlords, it clarifies exactly which pets are permitted, documents the deposit, and establishes the conditions for removal. Without it, both parties are operating on verbal assumptions.
When Do You Need This?
What to Include
1. Approved pets
- Species, breed, and name of approved pet(s)
- Weight limit (common: under 25 lbs, under 50 lbs)
- Number of pets permitted
2. Financial terms
- Pet security deposit amount and refund conditions
- Monthly pet rent (if any)
- Damage liability in excess of deposit
3. Tenant obligations
- Waste disposal requirements
- Noise and nuisance standards
- Vaccination and licence requirements
- Flea treatment before vacating
4. Removal conditions
- Conditions triggering required removal of the pet
- Notice period given before removal is enforced
- What happens if tenant refuses to comply
Legal Notes by State
Service animals and ESAs: Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must permit service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) regardless of a no-pets policy. They cannot charge pet deposits for service animals or ESAs. This addendum is for pets — not service animals or ESAs.
Security deposit limits: Many states cap total security deposits (including pet deposits). CA: 2 months' rent (unfurnished), TX: no statutory cap but must be reasonable, NY: 1 month's rent maximum for most residential leases. Check your state law before setting deposit amounts.
Breed restrictions: Landlords may prohibit specific breeds in most states, but some cities (e.g., Denver) have repealed local breed bans. Verify local law.
The Template
Copy the text below, or use the download buttons. Replace all [BRACKETED FIELDS] with your specific information before use.
PET ADDENDUM TO RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
This Pet Addendum ("Addendum") supplements the Residential Lease Agreement dated [ORIGINAL LEASE DATE] between:
Landlord: [LANDLORD/PROPERTY MANAGEMENT NAME]
Address: [PROPERTY ADDRESS]
Tenant(s): [TENANT FULL NAME(S)]
Property: [FULL RENTAL ADDRESS, UNIT NUMBER]
Lease Term: [ORIGINAL LEASE START DATE] to [ORIGINAL LEASE END DATE]
1. APPROVED PETS
The following pet(s) are approved to reside at the property:
Pet 1: Name: ________ Species: ________ Breed: ________ Approx. Weight: ________ lbs
Pet 2: Name: ________ Species: ________ Breed: ________ Approx. Weight: ________ lbs
No additional pets are permitted without written approval from the Landlord.
Weight limit per pet: ________ lbs. Pets exceeding this limit are not approved.
2. PET SECURITY DEPOSIT
A non-refundable pet fee / refundable pet deposit of $[AMOUNT] is due upon signing this Addendum.
☐ This is a non-refundable pet fee.
☐ This is a refundable pet deposit, subject to deductions for pet-related damages as outlined in Section 4.
3. MONTHLY PET RENT
Tenant agrees to pay an additional monthly pet rent of $[AMOUNT] per pet / for all approved pets.
This amount is included in / added to the monthly rent of $[AMOUNT].
4. TENANT OBLIGATIONS
Tenant agrees to:
(a) Keep all pet waste promptly cleaned up from the property, common areas, and surrounding grounds.
(b) Ensure pets do not cause noise disturbances (excessive barking, howling) that unreasonably disturb other tenants or neighbours.
(c) Keep pets up to date on all vaccinations required by local ordinance and provide proof to Landlord upon request.
(d) Ensure pets are licensed with the city/county as required by law.
(e) Keep pets on a leash in all common areas.
(f) Treat the property for fleas prior to vacating, at Tenant's expense, regardless of whether fleas are present at move-out.
5. DAMAGE LIABILITY
Tenant is responsible for all damage caused by the pet(s) exceeding normal wear and tear. If damage costs exceed the pet deposit, Tenant agrees to pay the balance owed within [NUMBER] days of receiving an itemised statement.
6. REMOVAL OF PET
The Landlord may require the pet(s) to be permanently removed from the property if:
(a) The pet causes documented damage exceeding $[AMOUNT].
(b) The pet causes a verified noise complaint or aggression incident.
(c) Tenant fails to maintain vaccinations, licences, or leash requirements after written notice.
(d) Tenant brings an additional unapproved pet onto the property.
The Landlord will provide [NUMBER] days' written notice before requiring removal, except in the case of an emergency (e.g., pet bite incident).
7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Addendum is incorporated into and made part of the original Lease Agreement. All other terms of the Lease remain in full force and effect.
Landlord Signature: _______________________ Date: ___________
Print Name: _______________________
Tenant Signature: _______________________ Date: ___________
Print Name: _______________________
Tenant Signature (if multiple tenants): _______________________ Date: ___________This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legally binding documents, consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord charge a pet deposit on top of my security deposit?+
In most states, yes — but total deposits (security + pet) are often capped by state law. California caps total deposits at 2 months' rent for unfurnished units. New York caps at 1 month's rent total. Check your state's landlord-tenant statutes for your specific limit.
Can my landlord refuse to allow my ESA or service animal?+
No. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must accommodate service animals and ESAs regardless of no-pets policies and cannot charge pet deposits for them. This addendum is for pets — service animals and ESAs are governed by the FHA and ADA, not a lease addendum.
What happens if I get a pet without telling my landlord?+
This likely violates your lease, which can result in a formal notice to remove the pet or, ultimately, eviction proceedings. Most landlords prefer to negotiate a pet addendum than go through eviction — if you already have a pet, approaching your landlord proactively with a proposed addendum is a better outcome for everyone.