Pet deposit : ezLandlordForms

D

Dee M

started a topic almost 14 years ago

Are there Iowa state guidelines governing how much can be charged for pet deposit and if you can charge an additional monthly fee. What are the usual rates for this?

m

Michele K

said about 9 years ago

How do I check the laws in Hawaii???

K

Kimberley M

said about 9 years ago

This is the same problem I ran into in Montana. If you say "deposit", it is considered a refundable item. I never called mine a deposit either,( 100.00 non refundable pet fee) but had someone go all crazy on me( they weren't even renting from me, they jumped onto my on line advertisement and started misquoting a lot of state statues...but I ended up calling an attorney to make sure I was not doing anything illegal. I was told that you can charge a refundable pet deposit ( you have to check with your state, but in Montana it can be up to 1500.00) and then I also am charging a 100.00 pet administration (or application) fee per pet.

T

Trumbull R

said about 9 years ago

I charge a one-time, $100 "pet fee", not a pet deposit, so it's non-refundable and there has not been any confusion with my tenants requesting reimbursement.

P

Patty H

said about 9 years ago

In my opinion pet deposits should never be refundable, however check your state and city laws there are a few states that require the pet deposit to be treated like a security and is refundable. If you search your states name and landlord-tenant law pet deposit you should come up with the actual laws for your state.

L

Linda M

said almost 11 years ago

It would be 3 months rent. 2 months rent for the security deposit and the first months rent to move in. They get it all back when they move out if there is no damage from the pet. Whatever we don't need to use if there is damage gets returned to the tenant. I think I will make some calls to see what other landlords are charging in this area.

D

Daryl J

said almost 11 years ago

It may be allowed by law but not sure the market will allow it. If I am understanding your post correctly you would require upto four months rent in the form of the 1st months rent and security deposits for a tenant with pets to move into your property. That is a bit excessive. You would be better off just saying pets not allowed.

B

Bob R

said over 12 years ago

Check your State law. Not all States treat deposits the same. Example: In CA, ALL deposits are refundable. However, there is a way to work around the law. . -----Disclaimer: Since I’ve been answering a lot of questions, I thought I would make the following statement. I’m not affiliated with EZlandlord Forms. I’m just here (not sure how long) to help those that have questions. Having 40+ yrs with Rental Property and done well, it’s my way of “Pay it Forward (check out the movie).” However, it is up to you to become familiar with your State/Local laws. I always like to know if the suggestions I offer are helpful. Feel free to comment anytime. Thanks in Advance.

T

Teyneil F

said over 12 years ago

Its your choice. I made mine non-refundable

T

Tabatha K

said over 12 years ago

no if you do a non refundable deposit for pets ..

D

Dawn A

said over 12 years ago

Yes if there is no damage caused by the pets.

J

Jess S

said almost 13 years ago

(California, Hawaii and Montana) prohibit nonrefundable fees altogether.

B

Bob R

said about 13 years ago

Diane, all deposits, including dog deposits, in CA ARE refundable. There is no such thing as non-refundable deposits in CA.

B

Bob R

said about 13 years ago

If you don’t charge a pet deposit, you’re (1) a renter with 1 or more pets and had /have a hard time finding a place, (2) you’re a 1st time landlord and never rented to anyone with pets and (3) possible never inspected the rental since renting to someone with pets. As to “rents to pets” – hotels. Smoker? Moot point! CA law state Landlords are not required to rent to smokers. Insane? No, experienced Landlord.

M

Melissa B

said about 13 years ago

I didn't charge a pet deposit and low and behold I had to replace subfloors and ALL the carpet in the entire apartment due to dog piss and cat piss... not to metion my apartment was infested with fleas. There is a big differance between a responsible pet owner who has vet records and takes care of their pets. To those who do not take their pets to the vet they ar flea infested. I feel if pet owners don't want to pay a pet deposit - Buy your OWN house and let your animals destroy your house!!

T

Thomas C

said about 13 years ago

Pets leave hair, dander, saliva, and fecal deposits behind that may not be completely cleaned up by their owners, not to mention the extra wear & tear such as caused by running pets digging their nails on wood floors and any number of kinds of damage that pets owners run into. Some people will not rent unless it's been a pet free environment, just like most people prefer a smoke free environment. To say it's pure greed is avoiding the issues.