Free Pet Policy Acknowledgment Form – Fillable Online | Pet Agreement

Pet Policy Acknowledgment

Pet Agreement & Rules Addendum

🐕 Fill Online • 📥 Download PDF • ⚖️ Legally Binding

🐾 Why Pet Agreements Matter

Pet agreements protect landlords from damage, noise complaints, and liability issues while setting clear expectations for pet owners. This document should be signed in addition to the lease agreement.

Property & Tenant Information

Pet Information

📝 Note: Provide complete information for each pet. Undisclosed pets are grounds for lease termination.

Pet #1

Pet #2 (Optional)

Pet Deposit & Fees

💰 Deposits vs. Fees: Pet deposits are refundable (minus damages). Pet rent/fees are non-refundable. Check state laws for deposit limits.

Pet Rules & Policies

Tenant Agrees to the Following:

  • Keep pet(s) under control at all times and prevent excessive noise
  • Immediately clean up after pet(s) on property grounds
  • Not leave pet(s) unattended for extended periods causing disturbance
  • Maintain current vaccinations and licensing as required by law
  • Obtain renter’s insurance with liability coverage for pet-related incidents
  • Repair or pay for any damage caused by pet(s) beyond normal wear and tear
  • Not breed or harbor additional animals without written permission
  • Comply with all local animal control laws and ordinances

Liability & Damage Acknowledgment

⚠️ IMPORTANT LIABILITY NOTICE

Tenant is fully responsible for:

  • All damage caused by pet(s) including carpet, flooring, walls, doors, and landscaping
  • All injuries caused by pet(s) to other tenants, guests, or property staff
  • Professional cleaning required to remove pet odors and allergens
  • Legal fees and costs if landlord is sued due to tenant’s pet(s)

Tenant agrees to hold landlord harmless from all pet-related liability.

Certification & Signature

🛡️ Complete Tenant Screening

Screen tenants thoroughly before approving pets. Get credit reports, background checks, eviction history, and employment verification—same-day results.

Complete Screening – $39.95

Complete Guide to Pet Policies

Pet policies protect landlords from damage while allowing responsible pet owners to rent. This guide covers pet deposits vs. fees, breed restrictions, emotional support animals, common damage issues, insurance requirements, and how to enforce pet policies without Fair Housing violations.

Pet Deposits vs. Pet Fees vs. Pet Rent

Understanding the difference is crucial for both legal compliance and profitability:

  • Pet Deposit: Refundable security deposit for pet damage (returned if no damage). Subject to state security deposit limits. Typical: $200-$500 per pet.
  • Pet Fee: One-time non-refundable fee for additional cleaning/wear. Not counted toward deposit limits in most states. Typical: $200-$400 per pet.
  • Pet Rent: Monthly charge added to base rent. Non-refundable. Accounts for increased wear and tear. Typical: $25-$75 per pet per month.

Recommended strategy: Charge both pet fee AND pet rent. Fee covers immediate costs; rent covers ongoing wear. Example: $300 pet fee + $50/month pet rent.

Breed Restrictions & Insurance Issues

Many landlord insurance policies exclude certain “aggressive” breeds. Check your policy before accepting pets. Common restricted breeds:

  • Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds
  • Chows, Akitas, Wolf hybrids, Presa Canarios
  • Huskies, Malamutes (varies by insurer)

Important: Breed restrictions must be based on legitimate insurance/safety concerns, not personal preference. Document insurance requirements if challenged.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) & Service Animals

CRITICAL: ESAs and service animals are NOT pets under Fair Housing law. You cannot:

  • Charge pet deposits, fees, or rent for ESAs/service animals
  • Apply breed or size restrictions to ESAs/service animals
  • Deny housing due to no-pet policy if ESA/service animal needed

You CAN:

  • Request documentation from healthcare provider (for ESAs)
  • Charge for actual damage caused (just like any tenant damage)
  • Require tenant follows basic rules (waste cleanup, leash laws, noise)

Common Pet Damage & Costs

Pet damage often exceeds deposits. Typical costs:

  • Carpet replacement: $2-$8 per square foot ($1,600-$6,400 for 800 sq ft)
  • Hardwood floor refinishing: $3-$8 per square foot (deep scratches)
  • Door/trim damage: $200-$600 per damaged door
  • Professional odor removal: $500-$2,000+ (ozone treatment, enzyme cleaners)
  • Yard damage: $500-$2,000 (dead spots, holes, destroyed landscaping)
  • HVAC cleaning: $300-$800 (pet dander in ducts)

Pet Screening & Requirements

Don’t just accept any pet. Require:

  • Veterinary records: Proof of current vaccinations (rabies, distemper, etc.)
  • Spay/neuter certificate: Reduces aggression and breeding issues
  • Pet interview: Meet the pet to assess temperament
  • Pet references: Previous landlord feedback on pet behavior
  • Renter’s insurance: Liability coverage for pet incidents (typically $100k-$300k)
  • Pet photo: Documents pet appearance (helps identify unauthorized pets)

Enforcing Pet Policies

Common violations and how to handle them:

  • Unauthorized pets: Issue notice to remove pet or face lease termination
  • Excessive noise: Document complaints, issue warnings, charge fines if in lease
  • Waste not picked up: Charge cleaning fees per lease terms
  • Aggressive behavior: Immediate removal required if pet threatens safety

Related Forms