15 Powerful Tips for Letter to Landlord for Pet Approval (With Examples)

1) Start With Respect (And Keep the Tone Professional)

The first few lines matter more than people realize. A respectful tone signals you’ll also respect the property, the lease, and the building rules. Avoid sounding emotional or defensive. You’re not trying to “win” a debate—you’re presenting a clear request.

A safe opener: “Hello [Name], thank you for considering my application. I wanted to ask about your pet policy and share details about my pet to help you decide.”

2) Include a One-Sentence Pet Summary (Clear, Not Cute)

Landlords want fast clarity. Give them the basics in one sentence: type of pet, age, size, and one calm “risk-reduction” detail like indoor habits or training. Save cute stories for later—if ever.

Example: “I have one adult, spayed indoor cat who is litter trained and kept on a consistent cleaning routine,” or “I have one adult dog (45 lbs) who is house-trained, crate trained, and gets daily exercise.”

3) Acknowledge Common Concerns (Damage, Noise, Odor) Without Over-Explaining

This is one of the most powerful parts of a letter to landlord for pet approval: showing you understand their concerns without sounding anxious. A simple acknowledgment can instantly lower resistance.

Example: “I understand the main concerns with pets in rentals are property damage, noise, and cleanliness. I take those seriously and follow a routine designed to prevent issues.”

4) Offer a Pet Resume as a Helpful Add-On (Not a Demand)

A pet resume makes you look organized, and it gives the landlord something concrete to evaluate. But the key is how you offer it. You want it to feel normal and optional, not like you’re pushing paperwork onto them.

Example: “If helpful, I can provide a simple pet resume with vet records, a photo, and basic training details.” Humane World also recommends presenting pets professionally when renting, which aligns with this approach. You can see their renter guidance here .

5) Mention Vet Care and Spay/Neuter Status (This Signals Responsibility)

Landlords often associate responsible veterinary care with responsible tenancy. It’s a simple signal that your pet is managed and your household is stable. You don’t need to list every vaccine—just confirm regular care.

Example: “My pet is spayed/neutered and receives regular veterinary care. I’m happy to provide records if needed.”

6) Explain Your Damage-Prevention Setup in One Paragraph

This is where you quietly defeat the “scratched floors and chewed trim” fear. Keep it short and practical. Mention the systems you use—not just promises.

Example: “I use protective mats in high-traffic areas, keep nails trimmed, and provide appropriate toys/scratch options. I also do regular cleaning to prevent odors and wear.”

7) If You Have a Dog, Include a Simple Noise-Prevention Plan

Noise is one of the biggest landlord fears in apartments. One calm paragraph showing how you prevent barking is far more convincing than “my dog never barks.” Explain your routine like a responsible adult.

Example: “My dog follows a daily exercise routine and gets enrichment to prevent boredom. I respect quiet hours and address any barking quickly with training and management.”

8) If You Have a Cat, Address Litter + Odor Control Directly

Cat approvals often come down to one fear: lingering odor. Make the landlord feel safe by describing your litter routine and how you prevent smells. Keep it short and confident.

Example: “I scoop daily, use sealed disposal, and keep the litter area clean to prevent odor. My cat is fully litter trained and kept indoors.”

9) Offer to Follow Specific Rules (And Say You’ll Put It in Writing)

Landlords love predictability. Showing you’re open to reasonable rules (quiet hours, elevator etiquette, leash rules, waste disposal) makes approval feel safer.

Example: “I’m happy to follow all building pet rules and include any pet-related terms in writing so expectations are clear for everyone.”

10) Mention a Prior Rental Reference If You Have One

If your previous landlord can confirm your pet didn’t cause issues, that’s one of the strongest trust signals you can provide. It turns “unknown risk” into “proven track record.”

Example: “If helpful, I can provide a reference from my previous rental confirming my pet caused no damage or complaints.”

11) Offer a Deposit Option Only If Needed (And Phrase It Calmly)

Money can help reduce perceived risk, but only when offered correctly. Don’t lead with it. Offer it as an option if it helps them feel comfortable. This makes you look reasonable, not desperate.

Example: “If an additional pet deposit would help address concerns, I’m open to discussing that.”

12) Keep the Letter Short Enough That They’ll Actually Read It

A landlord may be managing multiple inquiries at once. If your letter is a wall of text, it gets skimmed. Your goal is clarity, not a memoir. Aim for 200–350 words for the main message, plus optional attachments.

Use short paragraphs, simple language, and concrete proof. If you have more details, put them into a pet resume attachment rather than bloating the letter.

13) Include a Clear Call-to-Action (Make It Easy to Say Yes)

Don’t end your letter with “let me know.” End with a question that makes the next step obvious. A clear CTA gets you a clear response—and keeps the conversation moving.

Example: “Would you be open to approving one pet if I provide the pet resume and agree to your building rules?”

14) End With Gratitude (But Don’t Beg)

Gratitude is good. Begging is not. You want to end the letter sounding mature, respectful, and stable. That tone helps landlords imagine you as an easy tenant.

A safe ending: “Thank you for your time and for considering my request. I’m happy to provide any additional info that would help.”

15) Use a Copy-Paste Template (Then Personalize 3 Details So It Sounds Real)

Templates are helpful, but landlords can tell when something feels generic. The best approach is to use a solid structure, then personalize three details: your pet summary, your routine, and one risk-reduction detail that fits your situation.

Below, you’ll find a copy-paste template you can use immediately, plus short variations for dogs, cats, and “reconsideration after a no.”

Subject: Request for Pet Approval – [Your Name]

Hello [Landlord/Property Manager Name],

Thank you for considering my application for [Apartment Address / Unit]. I wanted to ask about your pet policy and share details about my pet to help you decide.

I have [one dog/one cat] who is [age] and [weight/size]. [He/She] is [spayed/neutered], kept [indoors / on-leash outdoors], and receives regular veterinary care. I understand the common concerns with pets in rentals are property damage, noise, and cleanliness, and I take those seriously.

I follow a consistent routine to prevent issues: [1–2 lines about exercise/enrichment for dogs OR litter/odor routine for cats]. I’m careful about protecting floors and keeping the unit clean. If helpful, I can provide a pet resume with vet records, a photo, and references from previous rentals.

Would you be open to approving one pet for this unit if I provide the pet resume and agree to the building’s pet rules?

Thank you for your time and for considering my request. I’m happy to provide any additional information that would help.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]