Use this letter when your lease restricts or prohibits pets and you'd like to request an exception. This letter is for standard pets (not emotional support animals or service animals, which have separate legal protections under the Fair Housing Act). It works best when you can demonstrate responsible pet ownership and offer to mitigate the landlord's risk through deposits, insurance, and a pet addendum.
[YOUR_NAME] [YOUR_ADDRESS] [CITY_STATE_ZIP] [DATE] [LANDLORD_NAME] [LANDLORD_ADDRESS] [LANDLORD_CITY_STATE_ZIP] Re: Request for Permission to Keep a Pet Rental Property: [PROPERTY_ADDRESS] Dear [LANDLORD_NAME], I am writing to formally request your permission to keep a pet at my rental unit at the above address. I have been a tenant since [MOVE_IN_DATE] and have maintained an excellent rental history, including on-time rent payments, careful maintenance of the unit, and respectful conduct. Details of the pet I would like to keep: - Type: [PET_TYPE — e.g., "Dog"] - Breed: [BREED — e.g., "Golden Retriever"] - Name: [PET_NAME] - Age: [PET_AGE] - Weight: [PET_WEIGHT] lbs (estimated adult weight if a puppy) - Spayed/Neutered: [YES/NO] - Vaccinations: Current — records available upon request - Training: [TRAINING_DETAILS — e.g., "Completed obedience training at [FACILITY]" / "House-trained and well-socialized"] To address any concerns, I am prepared to: 1. Pay a reasonable pet deposit of $[PROPOSED_DEPOSIT] (refundable) or a monthly pet rent of $[PROPOSED_PET_RENT], as you prefer. 2. Provide proof of renter's insurance that includes pet liability coverage of at least $[LIABILITY_AMOUNT]. 3. Sign a pet addendum to the lease that includes agreed-upon rules regarding noise, waste cleanup, leash requirements, and any restricted areas. 4. Assume full financial responsibility for any damage caused by the pet beyond normal wear and tear. 5. Ensure the pet is supervised at all times and does not disturb other tenants. I understand that pet ownership in a rental is a privilege, and I take that responsibility seriously. I am happy to introduce [PET_NAME] to you or provide references from previous landlords who allowed me to keep a pet. Please let me know your decision or if you would like to discuss additional terms. I can be reached at [YOUR_PHONE] or [YOUR_EMAIL]. Thank you for considering my request. Sincerely, [YOUR_NAME]
Replace all [PLACEHOLDER] fields with your actual information before sending.
Review your lease's pet policy before sending — know whether pets are prohibited entirely, allowed with approval, or allowed with restrictions.
Be thorough with the pet details: breed, size, age, and training help the landlord assess risk.
Offer concrete terms (deposit, insurance, pet addendum) to show you're responsible and serious.
If your pet is well-trained, mention certifications or training programs completed.
Provide references from previous landlords who allowed you to keep the pet, if available.
Send via email or certified mail and keep a copy of the request and any response.
If this is an emotional support animal (ESA), use the Reasonable Accommodation Request Letter instead — ESAs have different legal protections.
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