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 Jersey, landlords have the right to charge pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent, but these charges are subject to certain regulations. The pet deposit is typically a refundable sum that may be required by landlords to cover potential damages caused by a tenant's pet. The amount of the pet deposit and the conditions for its return should be clearly outlined in the lease agreement. Pet fees in New Jersey are generally nonrefundable payments that grant permission for a pet to reside on the property. Pet rent is an additional monthly charge that tenants pay for their pets to live with them. It's important to note that New Jersey does not have a specific state statute that governs pet deposits, fees, or rent, so these charges are largely at the discretion of the landlord and should be agreed upon in the lease. However, the total amount of security deposit (which may include the pet deposit) a landlord can charge is regulated by state law and cannot exceed one and a half month's rent. Local ordinances may also apply, so tenants and landlords should check for any city or town-specific regulations regarding pets.