New Pet Request - Bunny

[Maegan King]

Good morning,

We have a tenant who requested to add a bunny to their lease. They currently have two dogs, and our lease includes a two-pet maximum policy. However, one of the dogs is designated as an ESA, so it does not count toward the pet limit.

Based on this, the tenant asked to add a bunny to their pet list. After review, I informed them that we are unable to approve the request. They have since responded, expressing frustration with the decision and asking for a specific reason for the denial.

How would you recommend responding in this situation? Am I legally required to provide a reason for denying their request?

Thank you for your time and guidance.

[Maranda Tucker]

You're not legally required to provide a reason for denying a pet request in most jurisdictions. But how you respond here matters more than whether you technically have to.

The tenant has one countable pet (the non-ESA dog) and is asking to add a bunny, which would bring them to two countable pets within your stated policy. If your lease says two-pet maximum and the ESA doesn't count toward that limit, the math says they're eligible. So if you're denying it, you need to be clear on why, even if the law doesn't require you to explain.

Here's where landlords get into trouble: denying a request that appears to fall within the lease terms without a documented reason. The tenant already sees the gap in your logic, which is why they're pushing back. If your denial is based on something specific like property damage concerns, a restriction on pet types in the lease, or a policy that excludes caged animals, say that. If your lease doesn't specifically address animal types beyond dogs and cats, this is a good time to tighten that language for future leases.

What I'd do: go back to your lease and check whether it defines "pets" broadly or specifies types. If bunnies aren't excluded and the tenant is within the pet count, you're holding a position that's hard to defend if challenged. A frustrated tenant who feels like they're being treated unfairly, especially one who already navigated the ESA process correctly, is more likely to escalate, file a complaint, or simply not renew.

The practical move is to approve the bunny with a pet addendum that includes a deposit or pet fee, specifies the animal must be caged, and outlines damage liability. You stay within your own policy, the tenant feels heard, and you've documented everything. If you genuinely want to restrict animal types going forward, update the lease language at renewal so you have clear grounds next time.

Pick the outcome that protects the relationship and your position, not the one that wins the argument.