What is the point of a non-refundable pet deposit?

A pet fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee for allowing pets on your property and covering potential costs. Think of it as the one-and-done price of admission for tenants who want to live in pet-friendly rentals. You could charge a flat rate, requiring the same amount regardless of the number of pets.

How do you get around paying a pet deposit?

If you want to avoid paying pet rent, you can off-fur to pay a larger pet deposit (so you can get your money back if no damage is incurred and your landlord still has a way to pay for any damages that do occur). You can also offer to sign a longer lease (the less time your unit is vacant, the better for your landlord).

Do you usually get your pet deposit back?

Pet deposit. The deducted are funds are usually used to clean or replace carpets, refinish or repaint walls, or buff scratches out of hardwood. This can be refunded after move-out, but only after appropriate charges have been deducted based on what repairs were made.

Why do you pay a pet deposit?

The general purpose of the deposit is to ensure that a landlord has money for repairing damage caused by tenants and covering unpaid rent. A few states specifically allow landlords to charge an additional pet deposit (usually capped at a certain amount) to cover any damage caused by the pet.

How much should a pet deposit be?

Pet deposits and fees vary, but typically range from $200 to $500. Landlords may also charge a monthly rate of $25 to $100 for pet rent. Be aware that some states or municipalities have laws that limit the amount you can charge.

What is the purpose of pet rent?

Just like a pet fee, pet rent is intended to cover additional wear and tear on the unit. It also accounts for damage on the surrounding property, like hallways, common areas, or additional yard maintenance that a pet-friendly rental property may require.

Can landlords stop you from having pets?

Landlords can still stop tenants from keeping pets but must offer a reasonable excuse for refusal in writing within 28 days of the tenant’s request. Reasonable excuses would include a ban in smaller homes or flats where owning a pet might be impractical, said the minister.

What is a typical pet deposit?

A study from PetFinder revealed that the average pet deposit was between 40 and 85 percent of the rent. This means if the rent is $2,000 a month, the pet deposit would run you anywhere from $800 (40 percent of $2,000) to $1,700 (85 percent of $2,000).

What is a fair pet deposit fee?

What is a reasonable pet fee?

Pet fees are typically priced in the same range as a pet deposit, and may span from $100 to $300. If the fee is too great and a tenant decides to challenge it, a judge has full discretion in enforcing the charge.

Can a landlord charge a pet deposit for damage?

A few states specifically allow landlords to charge an additional pet deposit (usually capped at a certain amount) to cover any damage caused by the pet. Depending on the state, these deposits might truly be deposits, because landlords must refund whatever amount they don’t apply toward repairs.

What’s the difference between a pet deposit and a pet fee?

The biggest difference between these charges is refundability: A pet deposit is a one-time, refundable amount that a tenant pays to cover the costs of damage to the rental property caused by pets. A pet fee is also a one-time charge, but it’s a non-refundable amount that a renter pays upfront for the privilege of having a pet in the rental.

Should you add a pet deposit on top of security deposit?

Check your specific state’s landlord-tenant laws to be sure. In addition, adding a pet deposit fee on top of the security deposit, first month’s rent, rental application fee, and any other costs can overwhelm and deter ideal tenants. What is the Average Pet Deposit?

Is it legal to charge a pet deposit for emotional support animals?

In all states, it is illegal under federal law (the Fair Housing Act and Fair Housing Amendments Act, among others) to charge tenants with disabilities a pet deposit or pet fee for service or emotional support animals.