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Guide · Landlords and tenants
How to ask your landlord if you can get a pet
A well-prepared ask is easier to say yes to. Here’s how to write one.
Check your lease first
See what it says about pets, deposits and fees, so you know what you’re asking for.
Ask clearly
Describe the pet and what you’re asking.
Honest and hearable ›What you might want to sayHey, so would it be a huge deal if I maybe got a cat? Just wondering.
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“Would it be a huge deal if I maybe” buries the ask. An indoor-only adult cat, and “would you be open to it?”, says it clearly.
What might land betterI’d like to adopt a cat, an indoor-only adult. Would you be open to it?
Answer their concerns up front
Think about what they’d worry about, like damage, noise or allergies, and address it before they ask.
Understand before answering ›What you might want to sayCats don’t really cause problems.
Porcupine · Show you’re open“Cats don’t really cause problems” waves off their worry. Litter-trained, indoors and on the tile floor answers it.
What might land betterShe’s an adult, indoor-only and litter-trained, and I’ll keep the litter box on the tile floor.
Offer some reassurance
A pet deposit, proof of vaccinations, renter’s insurance or a reference from a past landlord.
Us against the problem ›What you might want to sayTrust me, it’ll be fine.
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“Trust me” asks for faith. A deposit and insurance give them something to rely on.
What might land betterI’m happy to pay a pet deposit and add renter’s insurance that covers pets.
Let them decide
Make it easy to say yes, or to ask questions. It’s their call.
Ask, don’t pressure ›What you might want to sayI’m getting one either way.
Porcupine · Ask without guilt or leverage“Either way” takes the choice from them. “No pressure” gives it back.
What might land betterNo pressure. Let me know if you have any questions.
Get it in writing
If they agree, confirm the terms by email or in an addition to your lease.
What you might want to sayGreat, thanks!
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“Great, thanks!” leaves the terms unwritten. Asking them to confirm by email, with the deposit, gives you both a record.
What might land betterThank you! Could you confirm by email, including the $300 pet deposit, so we both have it?
The common mistake
Getting the pet first, then asking
It’s tempting to ask forgiveness rather than permission, but it can cost you their trust, a fee or even the lease. Asking first, with a plan, is much easier to say yes to.
Honest and hearable ›If it doesn’t go the way you hoped
What they might say, and what you could say back.
If they sayI’ve had bad experiences with pets.
You could sayI understand. What happened? Maybe I can address it, like with a bigger deposit.
If they sayI’ll have to check with the owner.
You could sayOf course. Could I send you the details to pass along?
If they sayNo, sorry.
You could sayThanks for considering it. If anything changes, I’d love to ask again.
Putting it together
The whole message, before and after.
What you might want to sayHey, so would it be a huge deal if I maybe got a cat? Just wondering.
Porcupine · A clear, doable requestThe pet, what you’ll do to protect the place, a reference and a question. It answers their worries before they ask, and leaves the yes to them.
What might land betterI’d like to adopt a cat, an indoor-only adult. I’m happy to pay a pet deposit and add renter’s insurance that covers pets, and I can share a reference from my last landlord. Would you be open to it?
Run a Quills Check on yours
Write what you want to say, however it comes out. I’ll show you if the quills are up, and a version with them down.
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Common questions
What if my lease says no pets?
You can still ask, politely. Some landlords make an exception for the right tenant and terms. Get any change in writing.
What if they say yes, but with a fee?
Ask what it covers and whether it’s refundable, then decide. You can also offer a deposit instead of a monthly fee.
Should I get the pet first and ask later?
No. Ask first. A pet without permission can put your lease at risk.
Know someone this would help?
Send them this guide. The link shows its title and one of its examples.
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Guides are general information, not legal, financial or professional advice. If you’re afraid of how someone might react, put your safety first and talk to someone you trust (Safety first).