When renewing a lease, do you have tenant pay pet deposit again?

Question

Tenant paid the pet deposit when they moved in a year ago and would like to renew the release.  Do you typically have them pay a pet deposit again upon renewal?

Nathan Gesner · Answer

No, it's a one-time deal.

For clarification: pet deposits are collected as additional security against damages (just like the security deposit) but are generally refundable. Many states require you to refund anything labeled as a "deposit".

A pet fee or pet rent can be charged for the right to have a pet in the home and these funds are generally retained by the Landlord.

Pet fees and pet rent should be clearly disclosed as non-refundable in the lease agreement to avoid confusion.

Alan Pederson · Answer

That fee is for up to 2 pets. That's all I allow and the pet can't be anything over about 35lbs.

Alan Pederson · Answer

My mom paid a pet fee when she had her dog in Colorado Springs. I think it was about $15 a month. My 3 kids and my niece also got stuck with this same pet fee thing when they rented apartments in the DFW area. I was originally going to just charge a deposit for people that had pets but decided to charge a one time non-refundable pet fee $100 and a $15 a month charge to anyone who has pets. I know I'm going to have to spend more on cleaning when they move out and pets do cause wear and tear to the yard and interior of a house. It also brings in $180 a year, every year. I haven't heard one complaint yet about it.

John Thedford · Answer

You can if you like however, you might run off a good tenant. What I do see some BP member do is charge more monthly if the tenant has a pet. Now that can help raise your return. Think $25/ month is $300 a year each and every year. I have not tried this approach nor have I met one person whose landlord does this. They just purchased and moved and one complaint they made before doing so was the recurring monthly fee for their pet.

Kyle J. · Answer

No.  You should still have the original deposit.  No reason to collect another one.

When renewing a lease, do you have tenant pay pet deposit again?

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