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 Arizona, landlords have the discretion to charge pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent as part of their lease agreements with tenants. A pet deposit in Arizona is typically a refundable fee that serves as a security for any damages caused by the tenant's pet. The amount and terms of the refund are usually stipulated in the lease agreement. Pet fees in Arizona are generally nonrefundable and are paid to the landlord for the privilege of having a pet on the premises. Pet rent is an additional recurring fee that tenants pay monthly for their pets. The Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act does not specifically regulate the amounts that can be charged for pet deposits, fees, or rent, leaving it to the discretion of the landlord and tenant to agree upon these terms in the lease. However, landlords must comply with the federal Fair Housing Act, which includes provisions for reasonable accommodations for service animals and emotional support animals without extra charges. Local ordinances may also have specific regulations regarding pet-related charges, so it is important for both landlords and tenants to be aware of any city or town-specific laws that may apply.