Pet Fees Checklist: What to Ask Before You Move In

What to ask your landlord or property manager about pet fees

Before you sign a lease with a pet, you need to know exactly what you will pay and when. Most landlords charge more than one fee — a deposit you might get back, a monthly pet rent you will not, and sometimes a non-refundable fee just for having the animal. The difference between these matters because one comes out of your move-in money and another comes out of every rent check.

The checklist below covers the questions that prevent surprises. Print it, email it to your landlord, or ask it in person. If a landlord will not answer these clearly in writing before you sign, that is a warning sign about how they handle other lease terms.

Key Takeaways

• Ask whether the pet fee is refundable (you might get it back) or non-refundable (you will not), because this changes how much cash you need upfront.
• learn about you pay monthly pet rent in addition to any upfront fee, and whether it increases if you have more than one pet.
• Confirm the breed, size, and weight limits in writing, because "no large dogs" means different things to different landlords.
• Ask what damage or behavior would cause you to lose a pet deposit, so you know what the landlord is actually insuring against.
• Request the pet policy in writing before you move in, so you have proof of what was promised if a dispute arises later.

The questions to ask about upfront pet fees

Start with the money you pay when you move in. Ask your landlord: "What is the pet fee, and is it refundable or non-refundable?" A refundable pet deposit works like a security deposit — you pay it upfront and get it back if your pet causes no damage. A non-refundable pet fee is money you keep paying for, no matter what. Some landlords charge both.

Write down the exact dollar amount for each type of fee. Then ask: "If I have two pets instead of one, do the fees double?" Some landlords charge per pet; others charge one fee for any number of pets up to a limit. This matters if you are thinking about getting a second animal later.

Ask whether the pet deposit is separate from your security deposit or combined. If combined, confirm the total amount and what portion applies to pet damage versus general lease violations. This affects how much you might recover when you move out.

The questions to ask about monthly pet rent

Many landlords charge pet rent — a monthly fee added to your lease that you pay for as long as you have the pet. Ask: "Is there a monthly pet rent, and if so, how much?" Write down the exact amount. Then ask: "Does the pet rent increase over time, or if I add another pet?"

Confirm whether pet rent is waived if your pet dies or you rehome it during the lease. Some landlords will stop charging immediately; others require written notice and may charge through the end of the month. Ask when the charge stops and what proof they need.

learn about pet rent is separate from your base rent or included in the total. This matters for your budget — if your lease says $1,500 rent plus $50 pet rent, you are actually paying $1,550. Some landlords list it separately on the lease; others roll it into one number.

The questions to ask about pet restrictions

Ask your landlord to describe the pet policy in writing, including: breed restrictions, size limits, and weight limits. Do not accept vague answers like "no aggressive breeds" — ask for a specific list. Some landlords ban pit bulls, German Shepherds, or Rottweilers by name. Others use weight cutoffs like "no dogs over 50 pounds." Get the exact rule.

Ask whether the restrictions apply to mixed breeds and what happens if your dog is part of a restricted breed. Some landlords require a DNA test; others go by appearance. Ask: "If my dog is part pit bull but looks like a lab, what do you need from me?"

Confirm the number of pets allowed. Ask: "Can I have one dog and one cat, or is it one pet total?" Ask whether the limit includes fish, birds, or reptiles, or only dogs and cats. Some landlords allow unlimited fish but only one dog.

The questions to ask about damage and liability

Ask your landlord: "What counts as pet damage that would reduce my deposit?" Common answers include stains, scratches, odor, or destroyed flooring. Ask for specifics: "If my dog scratches the door frame, is that normal wear or damage?" This helps you understand what the landlord is actually protecting against.

Ask whether the pet deposit covers all damage or only certain types. Some landlords use it only for damage beyond normal wear; others deduct for any pet-related issue. Ask: "If my cat scratches the carpet and it needs replacing, do you deduct the full replacement cost from my deposit, or just the damage portion?"

Confirm who is liable if your pet injures someone or damages another tenant's property. Ask: "If my dog bites someone or damages a neighbor's apartment, is that covered by my pet deposit, or am I responsible for additional costs?" Many landlords require renters insurance that covers pet liability.

The questions to ask about move-out and disputes

Ask your landlord: "How do you inspect for pet damage, and when will I get my deposit back?" Most landlords inspect within 30 days of move-out and send a check or itemized deduction list. Ask whether you can be present for the inspection and whether you get photos of any damage they claim.

Ask: "If you deduct from my pet deposit, will you provide an itemized list showing what was deducted and why?" This is required by law in many states, but not all landlords follow it. Knowing the rule in advance prevents disputes later.

Confirm the timeline for getting your deposit back. Ask: "If there is no pet damage, how long does it take to receive my refund?" Some landlords send it within two weeks; others take 30 to 45 days. Ask whether they mail it or require you to pick it up.

Putting it in writing

After you get answers to these questions, ask your landlord to send you the pet policy in writing before you sign the lease. This should include the fee amounts, monthly rent, breed and size restrictions, damage definitions, and the refund timeline. Do not rely on verbal promises.

If the landlord refuses to put the policy in writing or changes the terms after you move in, you have a record of what was promised. Keep this document with your lease and your move-in photos. If a dispute arises about your deposit, this written policy is your proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord charge both a pet deposit and monthly pet rent?

Yes. Many landlords charge an upfront non-refundable fee (or refundable deposit) plus monthly pet rent. The upfront fee covers the cost of allowing the pet; the monthly rent is ongoing. Ask your landlord whether both apply to your lease.

What if my landlord says the pet policy is "standard" and will not put it in writing?

Push back. A standard policy should be easy to write down. If your landlord refuses, ask them to email you a summary of the fees, restrictions, and damage rules. If they still refuse, consider whether you trust this landlord to honor verbal agreements about your deposit.

Can a landlord keep my entire pet deposit for minor scratches?

It depends on your state and lease. Most states require landlords to deduct only the actual cost of repairs or cleaning, not the full deposit for minor damage. Ask your landlord upfront what counts as "damage" versus normal wear, so you know what to expect.

What if the pet fee is not listed on my lease?

Ask your landlord to add it in writing before you sign. If they say it will be added later, get that promise in an email. Do not move in without a written record of what you agreed to pay — verbal agreements are hard to prove if there is a dispute.

Do I have to pay pet fees if my pet is an emotional support animal?

Federal law may allow you to have an emotional support animal without paying pet fees, but only if you have documentation and your landlord is covered by fair housing law. This is complex and varies by state. Consult a local tenant rights organization or attorney before assuming you are exempt.