Laws for pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent vary from state to state—and sometimes between towns and cities with city codes and ordinances that address these charges.

A pet deposit is a one-time payment designed to protect the landlord and the leased premises against damages that may be caused by a tenant’s pet. Pet deposits are usually refundable, depending on the terms of the lease agreement and any applicable state or local laws.

Pet fees are usually a one-time payment required of a tenant to allow the tenant’s pet to stay at the property. Pet fees are usually nonrefundable.

Pet rent is a recurring monthly charge for the tenant’s pet to stay at the property and will often vary depending on the size and number of pets that stay at the property.

Laws regarding pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent are usually located in a state’s statutes—and sometimes towns and cities have additional laws (city codes and ordinances) that govern a landlord’s ability to require additional charges for tenants with pets.

In Alabama, the laws regarding pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent are not specifically regulated at the state level, meaning there is no state statute that explicitly governs these charges. Instead, these matters are typically addressed in the lease agreement between the landlord and tenant. Landlords in Alabama have the discretion to require pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent as they see fit, as long as the terms are clearly outlined in the lease and do not violate any other applicable laws, such as anti-discrimination laws. Pet deposits in Alabama are generally refundable if no damage is caused by the pet, while pet fees are usually nonrefundable. Pet rent is an additional monthly charge. Tenants should review their lease agreements carefully and may consult with an attorney to understand their rights and obligations regarding pet-related charges. Additionally, local ordinances in various towns and cities may impose further regulations, so it is important to check for any local laws that might apply.