Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Atlanta Real Estate Forum
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated about 5 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

41
Posts
21
Votes
Grace A.
  • Investor
  • FL
21
Votes |
41
Posts

Reasonable Pet Deposit in Atlanta

Grace A.
  • Investor
  • FL
Posted

Hi all,

I'm inheriting tenants (month-to-month) in a deal i'm working on. They have a dog but didn't put down a pet deposit when they initially moved in a few years ago.

Wondering what's a reasonable pet fee to charge as well as deposit in Atlanta. Property is SFR with a big outdoors space but the pet was in the home when I did a walk-through which suggests they'll have the pet inside the home pretty often.

Thank you!

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

32
Posts
21
Votes
Todd Ortscheid
  • Property Manager
  • Senoia, GA
21
Votes |
32
Posts
Todd Ortscheid
  • Property Manager
  • Senoia, GA
Replied

I strongly advise against pet deposits. If a pet destroys the carpet, that $250 deposit you have won't mean much to you. Instead, charge a monthly pet fee based on the type, age, and size of the pet. You'll collect much more money during the term of the lease to cover any costs you'll have, and it isn't refundable so you get paid either way. As far as the amount of the fee, remember:

  1. Puppies cause more damage than adult dogs
  2. Big dogs tend to cause more damage than small dogs
  3. Cats cause more damage than dogs

Charge your fee accordingly. And keep in mind, people will pay a lot more than you think they will for their pets.

    Loading replies...