Pet fee, what would be reasonable?

Question

I do not intend to charge my tenants a pet deposit or monthly pet rent. Was thinking of a pet fee in the amount that a deep clean would cost? Carpet cleaning and house cleaning. Would $250 be reasonable and if the cleaning goes above $250 can I deduct the additional amount? This is a single family home. Good tenants who are responsible

Cordell Martin · Answer

@Nam Trang

Have used $200  additional deposit, pet rent of $25/month per animal, dogs up to 25 lbs and no cats.

Cole Simpson · Answer

@Nam Trang

We do 300 one time and then $25 a month

Jimmy Chao · Answer

I've seen pet deposits from $50 to an additional security deposit, which is up to 2 months rent in my state. $300 is on the low side of average. Please note whether the people you're renting from use that money as a source of funding for pet-related damages. Despite the term "pet deposit" suggesting the money is for damages, you may still be charged for damages your pet does when you move out, and the "pet deposit" is really a fee that they take because they can. Extra insult is when they have a non-refundable pet fee and then charge $20-$50 per month for each pet.

Sharlene Mulchandani · Answer

I suggest charging a one time, non-refundable pet fee - most landlords usually charge anywhere between $50-$500 for pet fees, which you can use for any damages. You can charge this fee, depending on the amount of risk presented by the pet.
Pet fees are not legal in every state, so I suggest you refer to your state laws as well.

Account Closed · Answer

@Nam Trang

Market dependant. I get $100-150 monthly for a dog, $50 for a cat. And cats suck.

Dustin Morris · Answer

@Nam Trang we charge pet fee monthly of 25 per month and stay away from the pet deposit as it’s one more deposit to maintain and inspect to just. If you only charge a one time fee and the damages are more than that fee you could be losing out if the tenants stay for a couple years. Just my two cents

Suzanne Player · Answer

Charge whatever the law and the market will allow, because pets cause extra cleaning costs and often do damage.  You’ll need to shampoo any carpets when your tenants leave, before showing the unit to prospective new tenants.  Get some quotes on carpet cleaning in your area to calculate your potential costs.  Hardwood floors may become stained, and dogs sometimes chew off molding at the corners of walls.  Animals can add additional scuff marks to walls.

Nicholas Ludwiczak · Answer

I looked at what other landlords were charging in my area until I found a system and amount I thought was fair for me and the renter. What I came up with was small dogs and cats in lower units (max 2) only cats in upper units. $25 for the first, $15 for the second. I figure that covers meteral cost for carpet in one room per year to account for the extra wear and tear. If there was more than "normal" wear and tear, I would take it from the security deposit.

I had a cat that peed in a room once. The carpet was old but I didn't plan on replacing it either. I replaced the carpet myself and I used clear odor stopping primer to seal in the smell under the carpet and walls. I only charged them meterals out of the security deposit since it did it myself. I got new carpet and they paid about half the costs to have a professional do it.

Corby Goade · Answer

The type and amount of fee that is appropriate is typically market specific. What are other property managers in your market charging?

Pranav G. · Answer

We  do usually $25 to $50 per month fees and one time nonrefundable pet deposit

Pet fee, what would be reasonable?

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