Pets in Rentals

Everyday pet habits

From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• Written approval for every pet, with a copy of the pet addendum kept with the lease
• Vaccinations, licensing and identification up to date, as your veterinarian and local rules recommend
• Pet waste picked up every time, and litter boxes cleaned often
• Washable rugs, furniture covers and scratching posts protecting floors and furniture
• Accidents cleaned right away with an enzyme cleaner made for pet messes, following the label
• Any pet damage, like a scratched door or a stained carpet, shared as soon as it happens
• Hands washed after handling pets, their food, waste or supplies

All done. We hope every pet, and every person, feels at home.

Build a pet résumé

A pet résumé shows a pet is well cared for. Tick each one as you gather it. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; add anything else that helps.

• A photo of the pet
• The pet’s age
• Vaccination records
• Spay or neuter information
• Training classes
• A reference from a past landlord or neighbor

All done. It answers questions before they are asked, and it can make approval much easier.

If a pet causes a problem

1. Take a breath. Pet problems are common, and most can be fixed with a little teamwork.
2. Make sure the pet and everyone nearby are safe first.
3. Clean up and limit any damage right away, like blotting an accident or blocking off a chewed area.
4. Share what happened in writing, with photos, and offer to help make it right.
5. Talk with a veterinarian or trainer if the problem is behavior, like barking, scratching or anxiety.
6. Agree together on next steps and a simple plan to keep it from happening again.

If a pet has an accident on carpet, blot, don’t rub, and use an enzyme cleaner made for pet messes.

For owners: before a pet moves in

From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• A clear pet policy covering allowed animals, number and size, and any deposit, fee or pet rent, following the rules where the home is
• A pet addendum that names each approved pet and describes expectations for waste, noise, leashes and damage
• Helpful details asked for, like age, vaccination records and a reference, applied the same way for everyone
• A move in report with a comment on every item, in any condition, and photos before the pet arrives
• Assistance animals handled under fair housing rules, not the pet policy

All done. A clear, written pet addendum, with each pet named, protects everyone.

For owners: when pet concerns come up

• Listen first, and share concerns kindly and privately, with specifics.
• Look for simple solutions together, like a scratching post, a training class or a change in walk times.
• Respond to neighbor complaints fairly, and check the facts before acting.
• Charge only for actual damage beyond normal wear, with photos and receipts.
• Keep notes of every conversation and agreement, and follow up kindly to see how things are going.

Guides that go well with this one

• Assistance Animals
• Fair Housing Basics
• Carpet Care
• Being a Good Neighbor
• Move-In and Move-Out Inspections

Helpful resources

The guide points to these for details. Rules differ from place to place, so the official pages where your home is are the best guide.

• Humane World for Animals: What to Know When Renting With Pets
• CDC: Healthy Pets, Healthy People