How much pet fee per pet?

Question

Hi everyone!

An interested tenant wants to lease our furnished home. 3 dogs and 4th is an ESA. Based on experience, we usually have 1 dog/family or tenant.

How much is a reasonable non refundable pet fee? Usually we charge $150/month Based on comps. and it should be per pet, i am assuming. (For a midterm stay)

I am not sure if this matters, they’re Mutts and American bully.and just in case they want to do a long term route, how much is the reasonable charge?

thanks everyone!

Tim Miller · Answer

We have a 2 pet max rule, not 2 dogs and 2 cats, 2 pets period! We charge $300 per pet nonrefundable fee and $50 per pet a month rent. We would reject this applicant and you have a furnished home, reject them. I wouldn't roll the dice on this one.

Jonathan R McLaughlin · Answer

4 dogs in a furnished home? I would look for a better tenant. you will certainly be looking for new furniture...

Conner Olsen · Answer

@Catherine Javier I would tweak Brett's advice and ask for a $500 deposit. 4 dogs can wreck some furniture.

John Morgan · Answer

I make all mine pet friendly and don’t charge for pet fees or pet deposit. I just ask market rate and keep it high. It’s less of a headache and so far I’ve never had an issue.

Alecia Loveless · Answer

@Catherine Javier I just wouldn’t rent to that many dogs. My limit is 2 pets.

Brett Deas · Answer

The way I run my pet fee is as follows:

Refundable pet deposit of 200$ and a monthly pet rent of about $25-$50 depending on the pet. The reason my deposit is refundable is it incentivizes the tenant to take care of the place, because once your deposit is non-refundable the tenant doesn't have an incentive to keep it nice regarding the animal. And the monthly rent offsets the cost for the extra cleaning.

I feel like 150 per pet can be really pricey if the have 3 pets, and do you really need that much?

Bill J Fay · Answer

All great recommendations above. One other thing to consider, pay attention to state/local laws regarding pet fee and deposits. In Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 23-1068 into law in June. This limits pet security deposits to $300, and they must be refundable. Also limits any pet fee to $35 or 1.5% of the rent, whichever is higher. Your state may vary, but I see other states following this trend.

Julien J. · Answer

I limit the # of pets and depending on the property & insurance, the bread and size.

$250 non refundable, $50/mo per pet.

Keep in mind those ADA laws.

Mackenzie Reyes · Answer

I really like this idea! It gives both security to the owner and the tenant! Thanks for sharing Brett!

Catherine Javier · Answer

Thank you @alecia! We just turned down the tenant…

How much pet fee per pet?

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