Pet fee and monthly payments

[Nadir M.]

Hi Everyone,

So I had a recent turnover and my property was left in very bad shape. One of my biggest problems was the odor and damage that was left from the tenants dogs. Now in my lease, I do include a $250 non refundable pet fee and give preference to tenants with no pets but will allow a small dog <25 pounds. Obviously this tenants dogs cost way more in damage than both the pet deposit and original deposit. What is everyones take on pet deposits? Are you also charging a monthly on top of the non-refundable fee? I know I’m NE it’s 1/4 of the monthly rent for a fee but non sure if we can also add a monthly charge. 

[Greg Scott]

We charge pet rent, pet fee and an extra deposit for a pet.

FWIW, you could have hit their security deposit for the cleanup costs.