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 California, landlords have the right to charge a pet deposit in addition to the security deposit, as long as the total amount does not exceed the state's limit for security deposits (which is two months' rent for unfurnished units and three months' rent for furnished ones). The pet deposit is generally refundable if there are no pet-related damages to the property. However, California law does not specifically address pet fees or pet rent, leaving these charges to the discretion of the landlord. Landlords may choose to implement a nonrefundable pet fee or a monthly pet rent, but these charges should be reasonable and outlined in the lease agreement. It's important for tenants to review their lease documents and local city codes and ordinances, as some localities may have specific regulations regarding pet-related charges.