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 Iowa, 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 Iowa is typically a refundable payment that may be required by a landlord to cover potential damages caused by a tenant's pet. The amount and terms of the pet deposit are usually stipulated in the lease agreement, and the refundability is contingent upon the condition of the property at the end of the lease term. Pet fees in Iowa are generally nonrefundable one-time payments that grant permission for a tenant's pet to reside on the property. Pet rent is an additional recurring monthly charge that a tenant pays for their pet's residence. The specific amounts and policies regarding these charges can vary by landlord and are not strictly regulated by state law. However, landlords must comply with the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which requires that any deposits, including pet deposits, be reasonable and that landlords provide an itemized list of damages if they retain any portion of the deposit. Local ordinances may also apply, so tenants and landlords should check for any city or county-specific regulations regarding pet-related charges.