Do I have to pay a pet deposit for an ESA?

ESAs are not pets. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects people with disabilities from being discriminated based on the fact that they have a disability, and therefore, need to live with their ESA. Even then, you won’t have to pay that pet deposit. An ESA is not a pet.

What is the difference between a pet fee and pet deposit?

A pet fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee for wear and tear and property damage. Pet rent is a monthly fee to allow pets and cover wear and tear and property damage. A pet deposit is a one-time, refundable fee that covers property damage.

Can a landlord charge pet rent for an ESA?

Federal Laws Landlords may not prohibit a service animal or emotional support animal from living in the unit. Landlords may not charge the tenant extra “pet” rent or “pet” security deposit for a service or emotional support animal.

Do ESA have to pay rent?

2. Do I have to pay additional rent for my ESA? (NO) Generally, a landlord is entitled to charge a deposit for a pet to cover any resulting damage to the property. But, if a pet is more appropriately characterized as a service animal, the tenant should be exempt from the deposit.

How much pet rent should I charge?

Generally, landlords charge anywhere from $25 to $100 per month for pet rent. It largely depends on animals allowed, number of pets on the property, and the overall size, value, and condition of the home (meaning how much damage those pets could possibly do). Unlike a pet deposit, pet rent is nonrefundable.

Can a landlord evict me for having a pet?

If a tenant is found to be keeping a pet despite the tenancy agreement stating that they can’t, the landlord has the right to evict them from the property as it is considered a breach of contract. After all, you may lose money from your decision to evict if you cannot replace the tenant soon enough.

Can a landlord charge a pet deposit for an emotional support animal in Texas?

Texas apartments must allow emotional support dogs to live with their owners. Not only can they bring animals into no-pet facilities, ESA owners are also free from paying pet deposits or fees. That is, unless the animal causes material or other damage. In that case, the owner must pay for the damage.