Pet fee and pet deposit? (Phoenix, Glendale: apartments, leasing, house)

[MountainGuy74]

This past weekend we spent some time looking at apartments in the Phoenix, Glendale and Surprise areas and we noticed a common fee when it came to pets. Each leasing office we spoke with showed us a list of fees expected upon move in and the two most common fees were a pet fee and a pet deposit as well as pet rent. Now I'm totally aware of paying a deposit in case your pet damages the apartment while you occupy it but what the heck is the difference between the fee and deposit? I was told the deposit was refundable but the fee was not. No one could explain exactly what the difference was other than that no matter who I asked. It just seemed like a double charge to me. The pet rent was something I also found ridiculous. How is my cat going to pay their half of the rent if they can't hold down a job? Damn lazy bum just sleeps all day.

Anyone have any insight on these fees and can explain to me what they are?

[Ohky0815]

Pet deposit is a dollar amount to cover the costs of pet damages. You would get it back assuming your pet doesnt do damage.

Pay $100 deposit, youll get $100 back at move out.

Pet Fee is a dollar amount to allow you to have a pet. You do not get it back.

Pay $25 per pet.

Ive never heard of pet rent. I have dogs and cats myself but have never heard of that.

[theoaks]

I don't know the reason for the animal rent, but asking the question on this web site will give you the answer.
Some of their properties may exclude all animals entirely, or, have limitations on species or size.

Moderator cut: incorrect link

[johnp292]

I had an apartment like that in PA once. There was a one-time registration fee, a refundable deposit and an extra 10 or 20 bucks a month on the rent.

I believe that particular complex would replace the carpets after a pet owner moved out.

[SageCats]

Originally Posted by theoaks

I don't know the reason for the animal rent, but asking the question on this web site will give you the answer.
Some of their properties may exclude all animals entirely, or, have limitations on species or size.
Moderator cut: incorrect link

I think you posted the wrong website link. I found the correct one

Moderator cut: This is still the incorrect link. incorrect link

[goolsbyjazz]

The pet deposit is usually refundable, the pet fee usually is not and the pet rent is a monthly fee to have a pet on the property.

[Jkgourmet]

Pet deposit is refundable. It's purpose is to correct any damage caused by your pet.

Pet fee is NOT refundable. It's supposed purpose is to deep ckean the apartment against dander so that a tenant with allergies can move into it. Particularly common with carpeted apartments.

Pet rent is NOT refundable. It's purpose is to increase the profits of the landlord. (Sorta like the baggage check fee on airlines.)

All are very common. I paid them when I rented in Scottsdale in 1989 and again in Raleigh in 2012.

[yukon]

Consider using an apartment locator service. There are several good ones in the metro and they can help you find complexes that don't charge pet rent. I have pets, I don't mind the pet fee, and I don't even mind a pet deposit per pet. I draw the line at pet rent though. When the complex starts charging child rent, I'll be happy to pay pet rent.

[ElleTea]

I have never paid pet rent, and I refuse to. I think it is a ridiculous way to milk more money out of a tenant. Keep looking. There are places, and private owners, that do not charge such a thing.


I also came across things such as $200 deposit per pet. No big deal if you have 1, but I have 4 (2 cats, 2 small dogs). When dealing with private owners I found that when I told them what my 4 were (2 dogs that weigh less than 25 pounds combined) they would come way down on the deposit.

[ScottsdaleMark]

I don't think it's ridiculous. Lots of landlords do not allow pets. Therefore, there is a lower supply of accommodations willing to put up with pets. Why shouldn't they charge more in exchange for offering something many people are not willing to offer?

I know that saying anything against pets falls under the category of "famous last words," but I think we can all agree that pets are not ephemeral creatures. Even the cleanest, best-behaved pet is going to have some impact on a property, just as the number of people living there has an impact no matter how fastidious they are. In other words, I can go into any person's house and find human hair, and if they have a pet, I can find pet hair. It's just how it is, this is an imperfect world and no one can be perfectly clean, unless they're a world class compulsive cleaner and spend hours a day cleaning.

Personally I'm just glad that pets aren't a protected class yet, although the recent trend of people declaring emotional support animals to get around no-pets rules and restrictions shows that things are trending in that direction. Maybe in 20 years it will be illegal to refuse to rent to pet owners. Perhaps that's something pet owners can look forward to.