In Practice
Pet rent is a monthly charge for each pet, added to base rent. It is separate from a one-time pet fee and a refundable pet deposit, and it is not returned at move-out.
It appears in the pet addendum and as its own line on the ledger, and the income is tracked as ancillary income. Properties price it per pet and often set a cap on number, size or type under the pet policy.
Example: a resident has two cats, and the pet addendum lists a monthly amount per pet. You post the charge each month with rent and keep the addendum in the lease file.
The common mistake is charging pet rent for assistance animals. Under federal fair housing rules, service animals and emotional support animals are not pets, and you generally cannot charge pet rent, fees or deposits for them. State and local rules also vary on total fees. Check local law or ask counsel.
Audit your pet charges once a quarter against your pet addenda. Mismatches between what the lease says and what the ledger charges are easy to fix early and costly to fix late.
Not to Be Confused With
Pet rent is a monthly charge that is kept by the property. A pet deposit is a one-time refundable amount.
Pet Rent: Common Questions
What is pet rent?
A monthly charge for keeping a pet, added to the resident's rent.
Pet rent vs pet deposit: what is the difference?
Pet rent is a recurring monthly charge that is not returned. A pet deposit is a one-time refundable amount held for damage.
Can you charge pet rent for a service animal?
Generally no. Service animals and emotional support animals are not pets under fair housing rules.
