Renting with dogs
What are pet rent and pet deposits?
Pet rent is an additional monthly charge on top of your rent, typically $25 to $100 in the US, specifically for keeping a pet. A pet deposit is a refundable upfront amount, usually $200 to $500 in the US, held against pet damage. In the UK, the Tenant Fees Act caps deposits at five weeks' rent and requires that amount to cover all damages including from pets, making a separate pet deposit unlawful.
Pet rent in the US
Pet rent is a monthly charge added to the base rent for the duration of the tenancy. It is typically between $25 and $100 per month per pet. Unlike a deposit, pet rent is non-refundable and does not go toward actual damage costs; it is a surcharge for the landlord allowing an animal in the property. Some landlords charge pet rent in addition to a pet deposit. The total additional cost of a dog over a 12-month lease at typical rates can run from $300 to $1,200, on top of the deposit.
Pet deposits in the US
A pet deposit is a specific refundable amount held at the start of the tenancy against pet-related damage. The landlord deducts documented repair costs from the deposit at the end of the tenancy and returns the remainder. Amounts vary from $200 to $500 typically, though some landlords charge higher amounts for larger dogs. State law caps on security deposits vary, and some states include pet deposits within the overall security deposit cap. Check the rules for your specific state.
The UK position
In England and Wales, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 caps security deposits at five weeks' rent for tenancies below £50,000 per year. This is the maximum a landlord can hold against all potential damage including pet damage. A landlord cannot charge a separate pet deposit on top of the standard deposit. Any additional charge for pets within the tenancy, beyond the capped deposit, must be structured as pet rent rather than a deposit, and even that has restrictions under the Act. Scotland has similar deposit rules under the Private Housing (Tenancies) Act.
Non-refundable pet fees in the UK
Some UK landlords try to charge a non-refundable pet fee, a one-off payment on top of the standard deposit. Under the Tenant Fees Act in England, a non-refundable payment in connection with a residential tenancy is generally prohibited unless it falls within the defined list of permitted payments. A non-refundable pet fee is not on that list and is unlawful in most cases. If a landlord asks for one, seek advice from a tenants' rights organisation before paying.