05/02/2022
Renting with Pets: Pet Rent, Pet Fees & Pet Deposits Explainedđ±đ¶
Many tenants are pet owners, especially in recent years, in which pet ownership has skyrocketed due to the pandemic. However, the rules regarding pets can sometimes be difficult for both landlords and tenants to grasp.
đ°What Is Pet Rent?
If youâre a renter in Canada, youâre in luck: charging pet rent is prohibited here. Moreover, the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act prohibits âno petsâ clauses in rental agreements. Other provinces, such as Alberta or Quebec, give landlords a bit more leeway, so make sure to check the lease and building rules on whether pets are allowed or not.
đ¶What Is a Pet Deposit?
Similar to the security deposit, a pet deposit is a one-time, refundable fee charged to cover the cost of property damage caused by a tenantâs pet. However, unlike pet rent, it is paid upfront as a lump sum rather than having it spread out in smaller installments throughout the lease. It is calculated as a percentage of the monthly rent and usually ranges between 40% and 85%.
A pet deposit is used by the landlord to cover things like scratched floors, damaged carpets, broken furniture or appliances, or even damage caused by chewing. However, it cannot be used to pay for wear and tear.
In the U.S., Pet deposit laws vary from state to state. In some cases, no separate pet deposits are allowed. Additionally, some states can cap the pet deposit to a quarter of the monthâs rent, while others place the cap at $2,500.
đWhat Is a Pet Fee?
A pet fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee charged upfront to allow pets on the property and cover any damage they may cause. Some landlords may prefer charging a pet fee rather than a deposit, not necessarily because itâs non-refundable, but because it can also be used to cover wear and tear, such as cleaning the carpets and upholstery after the tenant has moved out.
âïžReference: https://cutt.ly/iGFjbiB