Whether a tenant needs consent for a visiting pet depends almost entirely on the exact wording of the lease and how long the “visit” lasts.
If the lease uses the words ‘not to keep pets…‘ the contract only prohibits keeping a pet, this generally means the animal cannot live at the property full-time. A short afternoon visit from a friend’s dog usually won’t breach this clause.
If the leases uses the words ‘not to bring or allow animals on the property…‘ the contract forbids bringing or allowing any animal into the premises at any time, then technically, even a brief visit requires the landlord’s written consent.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet. While this law specifically covers pets living at the property, it means landlords are generally expected to be more reasonable about animals overall.
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