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Pet Deposit Calculator

Estimate pet deposits and monthly pet rent against typical state limits before you sign a lease with animals.

Use calculator Pet addendum

Your Pet Details

Leave blank to use monthly rent amount
Some landlords charge monthly pet rent in addition to deposit

Understanding Pet Deposits and Fees

Types of Pet Fees

  • Pet Deposit - Refundable, covers potential damage
  • Pet Fee - Non-refundable, one-time charge
  • Pet Rent - Monthly recurring charge
  • Pet Insurance - May be required by landlord

Common Restrictions

  • Weight limits (often 25-50 lbs max)
  • Breed restrictions (varies by property)
  • Number of pets allowed
  • Species restrictions (dogs/cats only)
Service Animals: Landlords cannot charge pet deposits or pet rent for service animals or emotional support animals with proper documentation.

How this calculator works

Total pet move-in = pet deposit + first month pet rent (if charged). Annual pet cost = (monthly pet rent × 12) + non-refundable pet fees. State caps may limit deposit amounts separately from rent deposits.

Inputs

  • Pet type and count — some landlords charge per pet or by weight/breed tier.
  • Pet deposit — refundable or non-refundable charge at lease signing.
  • Monthly pet rent — recurring pet fee added to base rent.
  • State — checks whether pet deposits are capped or combined with security deposit.

Assumptions

  • Landlord allows pets via pet addendum or lease clause.
  • Service and emotional support animals follow fair housing rules, not pet fees.
  • Deposit refundability follows lease terms and state law.

Limitations

  • Breed restrictions and insurance requirements are not modeled.
  • Some states treat all move-in pet charges as part of total deposit cap.
  • HOA pet rules may be stricter than landlord rules.

Example calculation

  1. Texas rental, one dog, $300 pet deposit, $35/month pet rent.
  2. Move-in pet charges: $300 deposit + $35 first month pet rent = $335.
  3. Annual pet cost: ($35 × 12) + $300 if deposit non-refundable = $720+.
  4. Verify Texas total deposit cap includes pet deposit with security deposit.
Result: $335 move-in pet charges; ~$420/year ongoing pet rent

Pet rent is recurring and rarely refundable. Deposits may be refundable if the unit is returned without pet damage beyond normal wear.

Common mistakes

Paying pet fees for assistance animals

Fair housing laws generally prohibit pet fees for qualifying service or assistance animals. Do not agree to illegal charges.

Exceeding combined deposit caps

States like California cap total security deposits including pet portions. Landlords cannot stack unlimited pet deposits.

Skipping a written pet addendum

Verbal pet permission creates disputes at move-out. Put pet terms in a signed addendum.

Frequently asked questions

A pet deposit may be refundable for damages; pet rent is a monthly non-refundable fee for allowing the animal.

Often yes, if tied to damage. Some landlords charge a non-refundable pet fee instead—read your lease carefully.

In most states, yes if disclosed in the lease. Total move-in charges may still be capped by deposit limits.

Landlords set their own schedules. Dogs often carry higher deposits due to size and liability concerns.

Only for actual pet-related damage beyond normal wear. Routine cleaning cannot be deducted in many states.

Many leases require it. Renters insurance with pet liability can reduce out-of-pocket damage claims.

Disclaimer

LeaseCraft provides document automation and general information — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Calculator results are estimates for planning only. Consult a licensed attorney, accountant, or housing counselor for advice about your situation.

Pet policies must comply with fair housing laws for service and assistance animals. Pet deposit and fee rules vary by state and may be subject to total deposit caps. This tool is for estimation only—not legal advice on accommodation requests or breed restrictions.

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Pet addendum