Landlords who are open to renting to tenants with pets can earn more money and reach a bigger pool of potential tenants. The American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA) estimates that approximately 90% of renters have pets.
However, if a landlord agrees to grant permission for a tenant to own a pet, a proper Pet Addendum to a lease agreement is essential.
What you need to know
What should be included in the Pet Addendum?
A Pet Addendum requires the correct identification of the pet’s species and breed by the landlord. It allows the landlord to evaluate if the type of pet the tenant owns is permitted in the property, as well as provides confirmation that the landlord has physically seen the actual pet itself. This can protect landlords from situations where a small dog is replaced for a larger one.
If the pet listed in the Pet Addendum no longer lives at the property, the tenant must inform the landlord immediately. If the tenant intends to obtain a new pet - a new Pet Addendum should be signed.
The following provides a list of information that should be included in a simple Pet Addendum:
- The date on which the Pet Addendum was created
- Mention of the original lease (if being added)
- Property address
- Name of the landlord or property management
- Names of tenants (including all responsible parties on the lease)
- The pet's breed, gender, age, weight, and name
- License number required by the city
- The date of the pet’s most recent rabies vaccination
- Contact information for the veterinarian
- The pet fee is a one-time, non-refundable application cost for bringing a pet into your home
- Pet rent is the extra monthly rent charged to a tenant who has a pet
- A pet security deposit is a refundable deposit that is refunded to the renter if the pet does not cause any damage other than to be expected by regular wear and tear (note: a pet deposit cannot be charged for tenants who require a service animal)
Can landlords change the pet policy?
Contracts, such as leases, cannot be amended unless both parties agree or unless the lease already contains wording that permits the change.
