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Free pet addendum to lease template (Word)

Reviewed by Clausery editors · · 3 min read

A lease addendum granting a tenant permission to keep a specific pet (or pets) in the rental unit, setting pet rent/deposit, rules, insurance requirements and tenant responsibility for damage.

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A pet addendum (or pet agreement) is added to a lease when a tenant wants to keep a pet. It describes the pet (species, breed, age, weight), adds a pet deposit or monthly pet rent, spells out rules (leash, waste cleanup, noise, pets off furniture), and confirms the tenant is liable for damage and injury.

Without a written pet addendum, pets may violate the lease and lead to eviction. If the property is in a no-pets building, get landlord permission in writing first. Service animals and emotional support animals are not pets and do not require pet deposits under US fair housing law, though documentation may be requested.

What to include#

  • Landlord, tenant and pet. Landlord name; tenant name(s); property address; pet details (species, breed, name, age, weight, colour, photo, licensing/vaccination status).
  • Permission granted. Landlord consents to the specific pet described; no additional pets or pet-sitting for extended periods without further written consent.
  • Pet fees and rent. One-time pet fee (if any), refundable pet deposit (within legal limits), monthly pet rent, and how they interact with the security deposit.
  • Rules and responsibilities. Leash laws, waste cleanup, noise (barking/disturbance), flea treatment, pet not left alone excessively, pet-damage repair, tenant liability for injury, and renter insurance with animal-liability coverage.
  • Violation and removal. What happens if rules are broken (cure notice, removal of pet, eviction); pet deposit return/inspection terms at move-out.

How to fill it in#

  1. Step 1: Get written permission first

    Never bring a pet in before the addendum is signed; unauthorised pets can lead to eviction.

  2. Step 2: Describe the pet specifically

    Name, breed, weight, age; permission is for this animal only — substitutes need approval.

  3. Step 3: Comply with deposit caps

    Many states cap total deposits (security + pet); ensure the pet deposit is within legal limits.

  4. Step 4: Require vaccination proof

    Ask for current rabies and core vaccinations as a condition.

  5. Step 5: Require renters insurance

    Require the tenant to carry renter insurance with animal liability and name landlord as an additional interest.

Residential lease agreement

The base lease this addendum attaches to.

Room rental agreement

For renting a room (same pet-addendum structure).

Pet sitting agreement

For short-term pet care rather than a permanent resident pet.

Security deposit return letter

Pet deposit is itemised against damage at move-out.

Free landlord forms

Full landlord/tenant template set.

Questions

Are pet deposits legal?

Generally yes but capped in most states (often 1-2 months total deposit including security).

Can a landlord refuse pets?

Yes generally, with exceptions for service animals and emotional support animals under fair housing law.

What about service animals / ESAs?

They are not pets; landlords cannot charge pet deposits/rent for them but can require verification and the tenant remains liable for damage.

Can my guest bring a dog?

Short visits are usually fine; extended stays that violate the pet clause need landlord consent.

What if the pet damages the unit?

Costs are deducted from the pet/security deposit at move-out, and tenant is responsible for damage beyond the deposit.

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These are general templates, not legal or tax advice. Have anything unusual reviewed for your jurisdiction.

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