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 New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire is typically a refundable sum that may be required by a landlord to cover potential damages caused by a tenant's pet. The terms of the refundability should be clearly outlined in the lease agreement. Pet fees in New Hampshire are generally nonrefundable payments that a tenant pays to have their pet reside in the rental unit. Unlike pet deposits, these fees are not meant to cover damages but rather serve as a one-time charge for the privilege of having a pet on the premises. Pet rent is an additional recurring monthly charge that a tenant pays for their pet's stay at the property. The amount of pet rent can vary based on factors such as the size and number of pets. It's important for tenants and landlords in New Hampshire to review their lease agreements and any local city or town ordinances that may impose further regulations on pet-related charges. There are no specific state statutes in New Hampshire that govern pet deposits, fees, or rent, so these matters are largely dictated by the lease terms agreed upon by the landlord and tenant.