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 Oregon, landlords are allowed to charge a pet deposit in addition to the standard security deposit to cover any potential damages caused by a tenant's pet. The pet deposit is typically refundable if there are no pet-related damages to the property at the end of the lease term. Oregon law does not specifically limit the amount a landlord can charge for a pet deposit, but the total deposit (including the pet deposit) may not exceed the equivalent of two months' rent for unfurnished units or three months' rent for furnished ones, with some exceptions for additional deposits for pets. Pet fees in Oregon are generally nonrefundable one-time charges that a tenant agrees to pay for the privilege of having a pet on the premises. Unlike pet deposits, pet fees are not intended to cover damages. Pet rent is an additional recurring monthly charge that a tenant pays for having a pet in the rental unit. The amount of pet rent is not regulated by state law and can vary. Local ordinances may impose additional regulations or restrictions on pet deposits, fees, and rent, so it is important for both landlords and tenants to be aware of any city-specific rules that may apply.