Pet Deposit

Full Definition

A pet deposit is an extra sum collected from tenants who keep animals on the premises, intended to cover damage the pet may cause beyond ordinary wear and tear. In most states a pet deposit is refundable, meaning the landlord must return any unspent portion after the tenant vacates. Some landlords instead charge a non-refundable 'pet fee,' which is treated like a service fee rather than a deposit -- its legality depends on state law. Pet deposit caps vary: some states fold the pet deposit into the overall deposit cap (meaning it counts against the one- or two-month limit), while others have no specific limit for pets. A critical exception applies to assistance animals, including emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals: under the Fair Housing Act, landlords may not charge a pet deposit or pet fee for a documented assistance animal, even in a no-pets building.