Pet Deposit Laws By State
If you’re a landlord that allows pets, then you need to know pet deposit laws.
Some states have different laws than others, so location may dictate how much you charge and how you charge the fee.
And the last thing you want to do is run afoul of the law.
In this article, we’re going to take a quick look at what you need to know about each state’s pet deposit rules.
Alabama
Landlords in Alabama may ask for a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
Alaska
Landlords in Alaska can charge a pet deposit for an animal. The pet deposit can be in addition to the standard security deposit and cannot be more than one month’s rent.
Arizona
Landlord in Arizona may choose to charge a pet deposit. If they charge one, the total deposit must not be greater than one and a half months’ rent.
Arkansas
Landlords in Arkansas may ask for a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
California
Landlords in California can charge refundable pet deposits, but non-refundable pet fees aren’t allowed. However, the total deposit amount, including the pet deposit, can’t exceed two months of rent in total. This limit increases to three months’ rent for furnished properties.
Colorado and Connecticut
Landlords in Colorado and Connecticut may ask for a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
Delaware
Landlords in Delaware may ask for a pet deposit as long as it doesn’t exceed one months’ rent.
District of Columbia
Landlords in District of Columbia may ask for a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
Florida
Florida law doesn’t specifically address non-refundable fees. That being said, landlords in Florida may ask for a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
Georgia
Georgia law doesn’t specifically address non-refundable fees. That being said, landlords in Georgia may ask for a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
Hawaii
Landlords in Hawaii cannot charge non-refundable pet fees. Only the first months’ rent and security deposit can be collected.
Idaho, Illionois, Indiana, and Iowa
Landlords in Idaho, Illionois, Indiana, and Iowa may ask for a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
Kansas
Landlords in Kansas may ask for a pet deposit as long as it doesn’t exceed one half months’ rent.
Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Missouri
Landlords from all these states may ask for a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
Montana
Landlords from Montana cannot charge non-refundable pet fees. The pet deposit must be refunded unless there are legitimate deductions due to damages.
Nebraska
Landlords in Nebraska can charge a pet deposit as long as it doesn’t exceed a quarter of one month’s rent.
Nevada
Landlords in Nevada may ask for a pet deposit, which is usually between one to two months’ rent.
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York
Landlords from all these states may ask for a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
North Carolina
Landlords in North Carolina can charge non-refundable pet fees and deposits, but they must be reasonable in amount.
North Dakota
Landlords can raise the security deposit to $2,500 or 2 months’ rent (whichever is larger) if a pet is present.
Ohio and Oklahoma
Landlords from all these states may ask for a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
Oregon
Landlords in Oregon can charge a non-refundable pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Carolina
Landlords in these states can charge a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
South Dakota
Landlords can charge a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
Tennessee and Texas
Landlords in these states can charge a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
Utah
Landlords in Utah can charge a non-refundable pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount. It’s customary, though not required, that landlords disclose in writing if any part of the security deposit is non-refundable when a written agreement is used.
Vermont and Virginia
Landlords in these states can charge a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
Washington
Landlords in Washington can charge a non-refundable pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount and indicated in the lease as non-refundable.
West Virginia and Wisconsin
Landlords in these states can charge a pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount.
Wyoming
Landlords in Washington can charge a non-refundable pet deposit as long as it’s reasonable in amount. However, the landlord must disclose in writing if any part of the deposit is non-refundable. The lease must also indicate this as well.
Conclusion
Most of these states don’t have statues regarding charging a pet deposit. Thus, it’s common for tenants and landlords to come to an agreement on their own. If there isn’t a limit specified by law, then a reasonable amount is typically understood as common practice.
