Put your pet request in writing, and do it before you sign the lease
Yes. A written request creates a record that protects both you and the landlord. Email or a letter dated and kept in your files means there is no argument later about what was said, who said it, or when. Landlords are more likely to take a written request seriously than a conversation, because it shows you are treating the matter formally.
The timing matters more than the format. The best moment to ask is during the process or lease negotiation phase — before you have signed anything. Once you have signed a lease that says no pets, asking in writing afterward is much harder to win. The lease is the contract, and changing it requires the landlord's agreement in writing as well.
If you are already a tenant and want to add a pet, written request is still your move, but expect a slower answer and a higher chance of refusal. Landlords are more willing to negotiate before you move in than after.
Key Takeaways
- Send your pet request in writing — email or letter — before you sign the lease, with details about the animal, its size, breed, and behavior history.
- Keep a copy of everything you send and any response you receive, because this becomes your proof if a dispute arises later.
- Include a reason for the request if it is relevant: service animal, emotional support animal, or straightforward that the pet is part of your household.
- If the landlord says no in writing, ask them to explain the reason, because some refusals may violate fair housing law if they target a protected class.
- A written agreement to allow the pet should be signed by both you and the landlord and attached to your lease, not left as an email exchange alone.
What to include in a written pet request
Name the animal, its type, age, size, and weight. Include breed if it is a dog or cat. Landlords often worry about liability and damage, so specific details reduce their anxiety more than vague language does. "I have a dog" triggers more caution than "I have a 25-pound, five-year-old mixed breed named Max, neutered, current on all vaccinations."
Describe the animal's behavior and history. If it has lived with you for years without incident, say that. If it is trained, mention it. If it has passed a behavioral assessment, include that. If you have references from previous landlords who allowed the pet, offer to provide them.
State whether you are willing to pay a pet deposit or monthly pet rent. Many landlords will negotiate if you offer to cover the extra cost. Be specific: "I am willing to pay a $300 pet deposit" is clearer than "I can work something out."
If the animal is a service animal or emotional support animal, say so, but understand that the rules differ. Service animals (dogs trained to perform a task for a disability) have stronger legal protection than emotional support animals. If you have a disability-related need, state it plainly, but you may need documentation from a healthcare provider.
When to send the request and to whom
Send it to the landlord or property manager directly, not to a leasing agent or office staff member. Use email if possible — it creates a time-stamped record. If you mail it, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery.
The best timing is during the lease negotiation, after you have been approved but before you sign. At that point, the landlord is motivated to close the deal and may be willing to negotiate. If you are explore for an apartment and already have a pet, mention it in your initial process or during the showing, then follow up in writing.
If you are already a tenant, send the request at least 30 days before you plan to bring the pet home. This gives the landlord time to consider it and respond without feeling rushed. A rushed request often gets a reflexive no.
How landlords typically respond and what to do next
Some landlords will agree in writing right away. If they do, ask them to sign a written addendum to your lease that spells out the terms: the pet's description, any deposit or monthly fee, and any conditions (like keeping it on a leash in common areas). Do not rely on an email alone. A signed addendum is enforceable; an email is not.
Some will ask for more information. Answer promptly and completely. If they ask for references, provide them. If they ask for proof of vaccination or training, get it. The faster you respond, the more seriously they take the request.
Some will say no without explanation. Ask why in writing: "I received your decision to decline my pet request. Could you explain the reason?" This serves two purposes. First, it may prompt them to reconsider if the reason is weak. Second, if the reason is something like "we don't rent to people with dogs" or "your breed is not allowed," that may violate fair housing law in some states, and you will have their refusal in writing.
If they do not respond at all, follow up once after two weeks. If there is still no answer, assume the answer is no and decide whether to look for another apartment or move forward without the pet.
Fair housing protections and breed or species bans
Some landlords refuse pets outright. That is legal in most places. However, a few refusals are not legal. If a landlord refuses a service animal, that is almost always illegal under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. If they refuse an emotional support animal and you have a disability, the refusal may be illegal, though the rules vary by state and the landlord can ask for documentation.
Breed bans are legal in most states, though some cities have banned them. If a landlord says "no pit bulls" or "no large dogs," that is usually enforceable. However, if the ban targets a breed associated with a particular ethnic or national origin group, it may be discriminatory. This is rare but worth knowing.
If you believe a refusal is discriminatory, document everything in writing and contact your state's fair housing agency or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Do not assume you have no recourse just because the landlord said no.
What happens if you get a pet without permission
If your lease says no pets and you bring one in anyway, the landlord can evict you. They do not have to give you a second chance. Even if the pet is well-behaved and causes no damage, the violation is the breach of the lease itself, not the pet's conduct.
Some tenants hide pets and hope the landlord never finds out. This is risky. If the landlord discovers the pet during an inspection, a maintenance visit, or a neighbor complaint, you are in breach. The landlord can file for eviction, and you will have an eviction on your record, which makes renting in the future much harder.
The written request route takes longer but protects you. If the landlord says no and you bring the pet anyway, you are knowingly breaking the lease. If they say yes in writing, you have permission and the landlord cannot later claim surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord change their mind after they say yes to a pet in writing?
Not if the agreement is signed and attached to your lease. Once both of you have signed, it is part of the contract. If the landlord tries to revoke it, that is a breach on their side. Keep your signed addendum in a safe place. If the landlord later claims they never agreed, you have proof.
What if I get a pet after I move in and the landlord finds out?
The landlord can issue a notice to cure or quit, which gives you a set number of days (usually 5 to 10) to remove the pet or face eviction. Some landlords will negotiate at this point if you ask in writing and offer to pay a pet deposit retroactively. It is not may provide, but it is worth trying before the eviction process starts.
Do emotional support animals have the same legal protection as service animals?
No. Service animals (dogs trained to perform a task for a disability) have strong legal protection under federal law. Emotional support animals have weaker protection and vary by state. A landlord can ask for documentation from a healthcare provider for an emotional support animal, and some states allow them to refuse if the documentation is insufficient. Service animals cannot be refused based on breed or size.
Should I mention my pet in my rental process?
Yes, if you have one. Hiding it and revealing it later damages your credibility. Mention it upfront, then follow up with a written request that includes details about the animal. Honesty at the start makes negotiation easier.
What if the landlord wants a pet deposit but the lease says no pets?
That is a contradiction. If they are willing to allow the pet for a deposit, get that agreement in writing as an addendum to the lease, signed by both of you. Do not pay a deposit based on a conversation alone. The written addendum is your protection.