Free United States Pet Addendum to Lease Agreement
Pet addendum that becomes part of your existing lease agreement. Both parties sign; all original lease terms continue in effect. Federal FHA protects service animals and emotional support animals.
Free United States Pet Addendum to Lease Agreement — overview
🛡 Federal Fair Housing Act — Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are NOT Pets
Under the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3604) and HUD guidance, service animals and properly documented emotional support animals are reasonable accommodations — not pets. They are EXEMPT from pet fees, pet deposits, pet rent, breed restrictions, and weight limits. This addendum applies only to true pets. Landlords who charge fees on assistance animals violate federal law and face significant liability.
A United States Pet Addendum to Lease Agreement is a bilateral addendum that becomes part of your existing lease agreement, authorizing specific pets while preserving all other lease terms. Both landlord and tenant sign.
Complete the Pet Addendum to Lease Agreement
Complete the form below to generate a comprehensive United States Pet Addendum to Lease Agreement. The form produces a multi-page PDF including pet identification, rules, fee structure, and signature blocks. Both parties must sign for the addendum to take effect.
1. Parties and Property
2. Authorized Pet(s)
List each pet authorized under this addendum. ONLY pets listed below are permitted. Additional pets require a new addendum.
3. Pet Fees and Deposits
State laws vary on what fees are permitted. Some states cap pet deposits within the overall security deposit limit; others allow separate pet deposits, pet fees (non-refundable), or pet rent (monthly). Verify your state’s rules. State law varies on permitted fees and whether they count toward security deposit caps. Verify your state’s rules.
4. Pet Rules and Tenant Responsibilities
- Pet must be leashed/contained at all times in common areas
- Tenant must clean up after pet immediately
- Pet must not disturb other tenants or neighbors
- Tenant responsible for any damage caused by pet
- Vaccinations and licensing must be current at all times
5. Signatures
About the United States Pet Addendum to Lease Agreement
A pet addendum to a lease agreement is the standard way to incorporate pet rules into an existing rental relationship. Unlike a separate pet agreement, this addendum specifically integrates with the existing lease – it modifies only the pet-related terms while preserving all other lease provisions (rent, term, security deposit, maintenance obligations, etc.). The addendum identifies specific authorized pets, sets fees, establishes rules, and allocates responsibility for damage. Once signed by both parties, the addendum has the same legal effect as if it had been part of the original lease.
United States Pet Addendum Framework
- Federal law: 42 U.S.C. §3604 (Fair Housing Act) – applies nationwide
- State law varies on permitted fees and deposits
- Addendum becomes part of existing lease – all original terms remain in effect
- Both parties must sign for the addendum to be enforceable
- Reasonable accommodation required for assistance animals nationwide
What This Document Covers
- Identifies the existing lease that this addendum modifies
- Authorizes specific pets with full identification
- Sets pet-specific fees and deposits
- Establishes pet rules and tenant responsibilities
- Preserves all other terms of the original lease
- Includes federal FHA carve-out for service animals and ESAs
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals — Federal Protections
Under the Federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3604(f)), service animals trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, and emotional support animals prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider, are reasonable accommodations — not pets. They are exempt from pet fees, pet deposits, pet rent, breed restrictions, weight limits, and species restrictions. Landlords may request documentation (limited scope under HUD guidance) but may NOT require special training certificates for ESAs or charge fees. The Department of Justice administers ADA protections for service animals in public accommodations; HUD administers FHA protections for housing.
Best Practices
Always reference the original lease by date in the addendum to avoid ambiguity about which agreement is being modified. Document pet identification thoroughly (photo, microchip, vaccinations). For ESA accommodations, follow the interactive process under HUD guidance – request reliable documentation from a licensed health care practitioner but do not require specific certifications or training credentials. Retain signed copies of both the original lease and the addendum.
Screen pets and their owners properly
Pet-related damage is one of the top causes of security deposit disputes. Tenant Screening Background Check has been verifying renters since 2004 — including pet-owner credit checks, eviction history, and damage-related civil filings to spot risk patterns before signing.
Order United States Tenant Screening →
Published by Tenant Screening Background Check
Established 2004 · 20+ Years · All U.S. States & Territories · Statute-Based · Attorney-Reviewed
A Private Eye Reports™ service trusted by landlords, property managers, and attorneys.
⚖ Legal Disclaimer
This form is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For state-specific landlord-tenant law, visit HUD Tenant Rights. For assistance animal accommodations under FHA, see HUD Notice FHEO-2020-01. Federal law (Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §3604) protects service animals and emotional support animals from pet fees and breed/size restrictions. Consult a qualified United States attorney for advice specific to your situation.
