A pet-friendly tenancy can run beautifully for years. The ones that go wrong almost always start with vague expectations on day one.
Write the pet into the agreement
Named pet, simple obligations on the tenant: kept under control, professional carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy, any damage caused repaired.
Photograph the property without the pet at check-in
Clean, baseline photos before the pet arrives are the easiest defensible record.
Mention the pet in every inspection report
A line in every visit report — “pet appears well-controlled, no damage noted” — builds a friendly, consistent record that protects both sides.
A pet conversation handled clearly at the start is rarely a difficult conversation at the end.
