Free Texas Pet Agreement Addendum
Texas bilateral pet addendum to your lease. Federal FHA protects service animals and emotional support animals – no pet fees, no breed/size restrictions for assistance animals. Customize rules for true pets.
Free Texas Pet Agreement Addendum — 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 Texas Pet Agreement Addendum is a bilateral lease addendum under Texas Property Code Chapter 92 authorizing specific named pets in the rental property with agreed rules and responsibilities.
Complete the Pet Agreement Addendum
Complete the form below to generate a comprehensive Texas Pet Agreement Addendum. 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. Texas permits pet deposits, fees, and pet rent through freedom of contract. No statutory cap on amounts.
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 Texas Pet Agreement Addendum
A Texas pet agreement addendum modifies the existing lease to authorize specific pets. Texas Property Code Chapter 92 governs the broader landlord-tenant relationship, including security deposits (Texas Prop. Code §92.101 et seq.). Texas does not impose specific statutory restrictions on pet deposits, pet fees, or pet rent – these are governed by freedom of contract. The federal Fair Housing Act applies to service animals and emotional support animals, requiring landlords to grant reasonable accommodations (no fees, no breed/size restrictions). Some Texas cities (Austin, Dallas) have local ordinances on pet ownership or breeding that may affect specific properties.
Texas Pet Addendum Framework
- State law: Texas Property Code Chapter 92 (Residential Tenancies)
- Federal law: 42 U.S.C. §3604 (Fair Housing Act) for service animals + ESAs
- Pet deposits/fees/rent: permitted via freedom of contract, no statutory cap
- Reasonable accommodation: required under FHA for assistance animals
- Local ordinances: some Texas cities (Austin, Dallas) have additional pet rules
What This Document Covers
- Identifies specific authorized pets with details
- Sets pet deposit, pet fee, and/or pet rent amounts
- Establishes Texas-specific pet rules
- Allocates responsibility for pet-related damage
- Carves out service animals and ESAs (federal FHA)
- Both parties sign – addendum becomes part of lease
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
Texas landlords have substantial freedom to set pet rules and fees, but must comply with the federal Fair Housing Act for assistance animals. Document the interactive process for ESA requests carefully – improper denial creates significant liability. Verify local pet ordinances for your specific city (Austin and Dallas have detailed pet rules). For true pets, document identification thoroughly at lease signing. Texas allows aggressive enforcement of pet-related damage claims against security deposits under Property Code §92.104.
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⚖ Legal Disclaimer
This form is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For Texas landlord-tenant guidance, visit Texas Real Estate Commission and review Texas Property Code Chapter 92. 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 Texas attorney for advice specific to your situation.
