When apartment shopping, finding a pet-friendly apartment that is a good fit for both you and your furry best friend is critical.
During a tour, the on-site dog park may capture your eye, but it’s vital to know what to anticipate when renting with a pet.
WHAT ARE PET DEPOSITS AND WHY DO I NEED THEM? WHAT IS COVERED BY PET DEPOSITS?
A pet deposit is a one-time payment made after the lease is signed on move-in day. Landlords will remove money from your pet deposit, just as they would from a conventional deposit, to cover the cost of any damage your pet does to the flat. The following are some types of pet damage for which a landlord could utilize a pet deposit:
- Stains from urine and feces
- Carpet ripped up
- Scratches on the walls or floors
- Walls with holes in them
- Appliances that have malfunctioned
- Infestations of fleas
- Odor of a pet
- Overabundance of pet hair
WHAT DOES A PET DEPOSIT COST?
The value of a pet deposit is usually between $100 and $500, however it might be smaller or more. Some jurisdictions have a restriction on how much a landlord may charge a renter for a pet deposit, so check the rules in your region to see how much you’ll have to pay.
CAN PET DEPOSITS BE REFUNDED?
Deposits for pets are refundable. Your landlord should reimburse your pet deposit in full if your furry companion does not cause any harm. If the pet deposit is used to cover damage, your landlord will provide you with an itemized breakdown of repair expenses as well as an explanation for their deductions. Request an itemized list if your landlord does not give one. Remember to utilize a walk-through checklist and take photographs and videos of any anomalies so you can challenge them when you move out.
CAN A LANDLORD CHARGE A PET FEE AND A DEPOSIT FOR A PET?
Landlords in certain states can impose a pet fee, monthly pet rent, and a pet deposit. Many states also have a limit on how much landlords may charge for each. Other states do not need a pet deposit, but instead require a non-refundable pet charge and pet rent. Look into what your state requires for pet payment because the regulations differ by state.
FEES AND PAYMENT FOR MULTIPLE PETS
It’s typical for landlords to charge per pet or a higher price if you have many pets. For example, the monthly pet rent rate is sometimes set by the number of pets in the unit. The sort of pet you have might also have a role. Renters who have one cat may be charged less than those who have two dogs. Keep in mind that pet-friendly rental regulations differ from state to state. Make sure you’ve done your homework so you know what to anticipate.
DO I HAVE THE RIGHT TO ASK MY LANDLORD TO INCLUDE A PET ADDENDUM IN MY LEASE?
Because the landlord owns the rental property, he or she has the final say on whether or not to allow dogs. Whether your landlord doesn’t have a pet policy, it doesn’t harm to ask if they may write an amendment to your lease. You might try to negotiate the amount if your landlord already has a pet policy in the lease and charges pet rent.
If you want to avoid paying monthly pet rent, for example, you may offer to sign a longer lease (landlords want to avoid rental vacancies). You may also offer to pay a bigger pet deposit, which may persuade your landlord to accept your offer because they will have money set aside in case of damage.
A pet policy or pet addendum will contain numerous regulations and expectations, such as breed and weight limitations, in addition to the cost of the pet deposit. The cost for pet rent and the pet charge, if applicable, will also be included. Pet rent, pet fees, and pet deposits are not applicable to service and aid animals.
Pets are more than simply cuddly companions for many people; they’re family. Make sure you understand the regulations and limits, as well as any pet fees you’ll have to pay, before signing a lease.
While pet deposits are an additional cost when relocating with dogs, our canine companions aren’t flawless, and damage is always a possibility.
Besides, the convenience of having your furry best friend by your side every day is definitely worth the extra money.