Pet clauses in a lease: no-pet rules, pet deposits and pet bonds

What a pet clause covers

If you have a pet or plan to get one, the pet clause may be the most important part of your lease. It usually sets out:

• whether pets are allowed at all

• which kinds, sizes and how many

• any extra deposit, bond or charge

• rules on noise, waste, leashes and common areas

• who pays for pet damage, and any cleaning required at move-out

• what happens if you keep a pet without permission

Sample clause (fictional): "One cat or one dog under 25 lb is permitted with prior written approval. Tenant will pay a pet deposit and is responsible for any damage caused by the pet."

Before you sign, check that your pet is named or described, and that any approval is in writing. A verbal "pets are fine" is hard to prove later.

Assistance animals are a separate category

In many places, assistance animals and service animals are not treated as pets. California's Department of Real Estate (DRE) says assistance and service animals used by people with disabilities are not pets and are not subject to a no-pets policy, and that refusing a reasonable accommodation can violate fair housing laws. British Columbia says certified guide and service dogs aren't pets, and landlords can't charge a pet deposit for them. Victoria excludes assistance dogs from its definition of a pet. In NSW, tenants don't need consent for an assistance animal but should tell the landlord.

If this applies to you, look up the rules in your area. They differ in what evidence a landlord can ask for.

Examples of pet rules from official sources

These are examples only. Check the rules for your own state, province or territory.

United States

• California. The DRE says that, no matter what a payment is called, a pet deposit counts as part of the security deposit. Since July 1, 2024, most landlords can charge no more than one month's rent in total, and there is no exception for pet deposits. The cap is different for some small landlords. The DRE lists whether pets are allowed as one of the terms the lease itself sets.

• New York. The state AG's tenants' rights guide says tenants may keep pets unless the lease prohibits them. In multiple dwellings in New York City and Westchester County, a no-pet clause may be waived if a tenant keeps a pet openly for at least three months and the landlord knew. This doesn't apply to public housing or where the animal causes damage or a nuisance.

Rules on pet deposits and pet rent differ from state to state. Your state AG's office or housing agency can tell you what applies. Our guide to apartment lease fees explains how one-time fees, monthly charges and refundable deposits differ.

Canada (outside Quebec)

• Ontario. The guide to Ontario's standard lease says a term that doesn't allow pets is void, although a landlord can require you to follow condominium rules that may ban certain pets. The Landlord and Tenant Board says a landlord can give notice in some cases based on a pet's behavior, such as when it causes damage.

• British Columbia. The provincial government says landlords can limit pet size, type and number and set reasonable pet rules. A pet damage deposit can be no more than half of one month's rent, and only one is allowed however many pets you have.

Australia

• New South Wales. From 19 May 2025, the NSW Government says landlords can refuse a pet only on permitted grounds, such as unsuitable fencing, too little space, or the pet breaching council or strata rules. They have 21 days to respond to a pet application; with no response, the pet is approved automatically without conditions. Landlords can't require a higher bond or rent, or other security such as insurance, as a condition. You can challenge a refusal or unreasonable condition at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) within 28 days of the landlord's response.

• Victoria. Consumer Affairs Victoria says renters ask using a pet request form, one per pet. A landlord who wants to refuse must apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and tell the renter within 14 days. If the landlord doesn't respond at all in that time, the renter can keep the pet. Landlords can't charge an additional pet bond.

Other states and territories have their own rules. Check your local tenancy authority.

How to ask for permission

1. Ask before the pet arrives. Keeping a pet without approval can breach your lease, even where the rules favor tenants.

2. Use the official form if there is one. Victoria and NSW have pet application processes with deadlines.

3. Describe the pet. Species, breed, size, age, and whether it's desexed, trained or registered.

4. Offer reassurance. A reference from a past landlord, proof of vaccinations, or a plan for when you're away can help.

5. Get the answer in writing, including any conditions.

6. Keep a copy of the request, the date you sent it, and the reply.

Pet damage at move-out

A pet clause often says you'll pay for pet-related damage or professional cleaning when you leave. Some places limit what a landlord can require. Take dated photos at move-in and move-out, and keep receipts for any cleaning you do. If a deduction comes off your deposit later, our guide to normal wear and tear vs damage can help you judge whether it's fair.

Questions to ask before you sign

• Are pets allowed, and is my specific pet approved in writing?

• Is there a pet deposit, pet bond, pet fee or pet rent, and is any of it refundable?

• What happens if I want to add another pet later?

• What pet-related cleaning, if any, is required at move-out?

• Are there building or strata rules I need to follow?

Check your pet clause before you sign

EasyToDecode, launching soon, is being built to read your own lease, quote the pet clause and any pet charges, flag what's missing, such as whether a deposit is refundable, and draft questions for your landlord. See how it works or join the waitlist to hear when it opens.