Now more than ever, pet-friendly properties are in high demand. In a 2022 study sponsored by Statistica, 14% of respondents in the United States reported buying or adopting a new pet post-COVID. With over 40 million Americans currently renting, property owners will need to reevaluate their pet policies if they want to serve the greatest number of renters possible.
A pet-friendly policy does more than widen your customer base. These pet-related fees can actually boost your property’s revenue in unexpected ways.
When/if you decide to permit pets on-premises, you’ll need to answer the following questions:
- What types of pets will you allow? Dogs? Cats? Small Rodents?
- Will I charge tenants who own these types of pets additional fees?
- If so, will I enforce a one-time pet fee, a pet deposit, or monthly pet rent?
We’ll help you answer these questions (and more).
Key Takeaways
While property owners who allow pets assume a certain level of risk (chewed walls, scratched floors, stained carpets, set-in odors, etc.)– there are steps you can take to minimize said risk:
Take these pro tips from real-life landlords:
- If you choose pet fees (over pet rent), research what properties in the area charge monthly for pet rent. Then multiply this number by 12 months. Ideally, your pet fee amount should be 50% of this total number.
- (EX: $25/month x 12 / 2 = $150)
- Install high-quality, scratch-resistant LVP flooring (In this case, the splurge is worth it).
- Draft a comprehensive pet policy with contingencies for severe damages (damaged doors, severe carpet damage, severe wall dents, etc.)
Understanding the Terminology: Pet Rent vs. Pet Fee vs. Pet Deposit
If you want to make the best financial decision for your multi-family or rental property, it’s important to understand the differences between pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent.
A pet fee is a one-time charge issued to pet owners. This fee is intended to cover any wear-and-tear-related costs and is paid with the understanding that pet-related damages are a give-in in most situations, and the funds to cover costs must be collected ahead of time.
Pet rent, on the other hand, is a monthly charge for pet occupancy. When you charge pet rent, you, as the property manager, have anticipated that the longer a pet occupies a unit, the more wear-and-tear your property will incur.
Unlike pet fees and rent, a pet deposit is a security deposit paid for potential pet-related damage. It is refundable if the property doesn’t sustain any damage, whereas the pet fee and pet rent are both nonrefundable.
| Charge Type | Purpose | Refundable Status | Common Amount Range |
| Pet Fee | One-time charge to cover pet-related costs and wear and tear | Non-refundable | $200 – $500 |
| Pet Rent | A monthly charge for pet occupancy to offset ongoing costs | Non-refundable | $20 – $50 per month |
| Pet Deposit | Security deposit for potential pet-related damage | Refundable (if no damage) | $200 – $400 |
Pet Rent vs. Pet Fee: Revenue Generated Over Time
Pet rent that’s collected as a monthly fee is a better long-term income producer, overall.
Average pet rent prices for a standard rental property hover around $30 per month. Compared to a one-time pet fee of $300 per unit, pet rent produces an extra $60 in revenue in the first year.
This strategy will be especially fruitful for property owners when renting to long-term tenants (someone who rents for 24+ months). Now, we see $720 in revenue for the pet rent and still just that one-time $300 for the pet fee.
| Property Size | Pet Rent ($30/month per unit) – 12 Months | Pet Rent ($30/month per unit) – 24 Months | One-Time Pet Fee ($300 per unit) |
| 5 Units | $1,800 | $3,600 | $1,500 |
| 50 Units | $18,000 | $36,000 | $15,000 |
| 500 Units | $180,000 | $360,000 | $150,000 |
Pros and Cons of Pet Rent vs. Pet Fees
Pet rent is a profitable way to charge pet fees, protect your property, and generate additional income. Allowing pets, however, brings risks that property owners need to safeguard against—such as carpet damage, scratched flooring, and lingering odors that may require extra cleaning. In some cases, excessive pet hair and stains can also affect a unit’s marketability for future tenants.
While pet rent provides higher recurring income, there are both pros and cons to consider when deciding between pet rent and one-time pet fees.
Pros of Pet Rent
- Recurring Revenue Stream: Pet rent provides an ongoing source of income that continues month after month, adding up over time, especially for long-term tenants.
- Adjustable Rates: You can increase the pet rent amount to match inflation or shifts in demand.
Cons of Pet Rent
- Potential Deterrent for Some Tenants: Pet-owning tenants, especially those with multiple pets, may find monthly pet rent less appealing.
- Challenges with Service Animal Policies: Tenants with service animals may have legal exemptions from certain fees, which can complicate pet policies and reduce potential income from these units.
Common Pet Fee and Pet Rent Rates Nationwide
If you charge a one-time non-refundable fee that increases the total amount that tenants are responsible for on a monthly basis, this can result in issues with vacancy and tenant retention.
The key is to research standard pet fees and pet rent rates across the country to ensure your pricing is aligned with your competitors.
Here are some examples, but you must also check local competition in your immediate geographic area.
| City | Common Pet Deposit Range | Common Pet Rent Range (Monthly) |
| New York, NY | $400 – $700 | $40 – $75 |
| Chicago, IL | $250 – $500 | $25 – $50 |
| Atlanta, GA | $200 – $400 | $20 – $45 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $350 – $600 | $35 – $60 |
| Dallas, TX | $150 – $350 | $15 – $40 |
| Miami, FL | $200 – $450 | $20 – $50 |
| Denver, CO | $300 – $500 | $25 – $55 |
Creating a Pet Policy: What to Include in Your Rental Agreement
After deciding between a pet fee, a pet deposit, and a pet rent, you’ll need to draft a very clear pet policy.
Start by setting basic wear and tear guidelines. Then, put additional rules in place for more severe pet damages that one-time pet deposits or fees won’t cover (at least in their entirety).
Note that a traditional security deposit won’t properly protect you from the associated costs of having a tenant with a pet.
Next, check state and local laws for compliance issues related to emotional support animals and service animals.
Having a pet policy in place will help keep disagreements to a minimum and ensure pet-owning tenants are made aware of additional expenses of pet ownership before they officially move in. Most pet owners expect to pay a fee, but they need to be made aware of the pet addendum prior to moving in to ensure compliance.
Final Thoughts
Pet-friendly apartments are on the rise. To keep up with local competitors, you may need to adjust your existing policy to allow pets like dogs and cats.
Today, pet rent expenses and fees are one of the most popular ancillary revenue sources for multi-family properties. On-site parking is yet another popular ancillary revenue stream.
If you have a surplus of vacant parking spaces, consider renting them out to non-residents, especially during periods when vacancy rates are high. Listing your vacant parking spaces on Neighbor can generate thousands of dollars in ancillary revenue per month. All you have to do to join our neighborhood of commercial partners.
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