Everything You Need to Know About Pet Fees When Renting
Have you ever searched for an apartment only to come across a hefty non-refundable “pet fee” that gives you paws? You’re not alone. As both pet ownership and rental living increase, many landlords now charge these additional costs for tenants with furry friends. But what exactly are pet fees, what do they cover, and how high could they be? This article will explain it all so your pup or kitty doesn’t get you in hot water financially.
What is a pet fee?
Simply put, a pet fee is an extra cost that landlords charge tenants who live with pets. It’s intended to cover potential damages pets may cause to the property like scratches on floors, stains on carpets, odors that need treatment, or other issues. From my experience as a renter, these fees are usually one-time non-refundable charges paid upfront or added to the security deposit.
How much are pet fees?
Pet fees can vary significantly depending on the size and number of pets, as well as your location. But on average, expect to shell out a few hundred dollars. Here are some common ranges:
- $25-100 per small pet like hamsters or birds
- $100-300 for cats
- $200-500 for small dogs under 25 lbs
- $300-750 for medium/large dogs 25-100 lbs
- $500+ for extra large or multiple pets
Landlords may also charge additional monthly pet rent on top of the fee. Rent could be $10-30 per pet each month depending on size. I’ve even seen some charge per pet per year! Ultimately, costs vary greatly so be ready for anything within those averages. It all comes down to negotiating with your landlord.
Are pet fees refundable?
In most cases, no – pet fees are non-refundable as they are intended to offset long-term damage risks rather than a security deposit that’s returned. However, some landlords may apply a partial fee towards repairs if needed. Your lease should specify if any portion could be refunded upon move-out depending on the property’s condition.
How do I avoid a massive pet fee?
If big pet charges are giving you paws, here are some tricks I’ve used to potentially reduce fees:
- Negotiate the fee amount citing your good references, your dog’s obedience training certificate, or plans to professionally clean carpet.
- Offer a higher refundable security deposit instead of a fee.
- Inquire if fees are lower for smaller or elderly/hypoallergenic pets.
- Check if properties with fenced yards or “pet friendly” status in ads have lower rates.
- Ask about monthly installments rather than one lump sum upfront.
It never hurts to kindly ask! Landlords want reliable tenants, so flexing on the fine print could get your furbaby approved at a lower cost. Simply proving you’re responsible may go a long way when negotiating.
Are pet fees legal?
In most areas across the US, pet fees are legal as long as they are addressed in the rental agreement or lease. However, there are some restrictions under the federal Fair Housing Act.
Landlords cannot charge pet fees or deny pets based solely on breed. So no bans just for having a pit bull, for example. They also must waive fees for service or assistance animals with proper documentation. Some cities and states also have ordinances further limiting or capping pet costs that tenants can reference as bargaining chips. Ultimately, know your rights under local tenant laws.
Additional considerations with pet fees
Aside from the monetary aspect, be aware that agreeing to pay a pet fee usually means consenting to regular property inspections or potential fines if your pet violates rules. Landlords have rights too, so make sure you strictly follow lease terms regarding noise, waste removal, leash laws, etc. Basically, agreed-upon fees buy access and privileges – but also responsibilities as a pet parent.
At the same time, weigh if adding a pet is worth potential hassles down the line. Landlords have grounds to retain your entire fee or deposit anytime there are issues, even minor ones. As an alternative, consider waiting until becoming a homeowner to adopt pets. That provides ultimate freedom and no landlord drama, ya know?
Final thoughts on dealing with pet fees
All in all, pet fees are basically the cost of doing biz when you wanna cuddle critters and live the rental life at the same time. Make sure to adequately budget them and negotiate strategically. Prove you’re equipped to prevent problems through training, supplies, preventive care, and open communication. Hopefully, landlords will see pooches and tabbies can be good tenants too. With a lil’ charma and compromise, you and your pet pal should find your furever home in no time!
I hope this overview helped shed light on all the notable stuff about pet fees. Let me know if any other burning questions come up. With persistence and prep, there’s no need to get down in the dumps over rental policies. With furry friends by our sides, positivity will guide us forward. Wishing you happy housing hunting!
Common Pet Fee Policies
| Property Type | Typical Pet Fee |
|---|---|
| Apartment | $300-$500 |
| Condo | $250-$400 |
| Single Family Home | $200-$300 |
| Townhome | $150-$250 |
| Studio | $100-$200 |
| Non-Refundable? | Usually non-refundable |
| Limit on Pets? | Typically limit of 2 pets |
FAQ
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What is a pet fee?
A pet fee is an extra cost that landlords charge tenants who bring pets into a rental property. It’s kind of like a deposit for having an animal.
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Why do landlords charge a pet fee?
Landlords charge a pet fee for a few reasons. Mainly, they want to cover potential pet damage to carpets, floors, or furniture. Pets can cause wear and tear that regular tenants without animals do not. The fee helps pay for repairs if needed when the tenant moves out.
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“Is a pet fee refundable?”
It depends on the landlord. Sometimes the pet fee is like a security deposit and gets refunded after the tenant leaves if there’s no pet damage. However, other landlords keep the whole fee as compensation for the risk of renting to tenants with animals.
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“How much is a typical pet fee?”
Pet fees can vary based on the size of the pet and landlord policies. But on average, you may see non-refundable fees of $200-300 per pet. Large breed dogs might have higher $400+ fees. Condos and apartments usually charge more than single-family home rentals.
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“Can I negotiate the pet fee?”
It’s worth asking the landlord if they will go lower on the pet fee. Reference good rental history, pet training classes, or your pet’s breed reputation. Perhaps offer to pay an extra security deposit amount instead. The landlord may compromise so as not to lose your rental application. Stranger things have happened!
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“Are emotional support animals exempt from pet fees?”
Technically yes, under fair housing laws. But some doctors dish out emotional support animal prescriptions too easily. Landlords have caught on and want certification. Otherwise, they will likely still charge the fee and argue it covers costs rather than penalizing a disability.
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“Is it unfair that pet fees only apply to cats and dogs?”
That’s a good point. Birds, rodents or reptiles can also scratch furniture or be loud. However, cats and dogs are more likely to cause damages through chewing, scratching or accidents. Landlords have to draw the line somewhere to protect their property investment. Perhaps fees should vary based on an animal’s size and type instead of a blanket fee for just cats and dogs.