For many renters, their pets are like members of the family. However, in the search for an apartment, the companionship comes with an unexpected cost. Pet rent is becoming increasingly common in rental properties across the United States.
Many rental properties are increasingly charging pet fees and even non-refundable pet deposits. Even though these are normal charges in the rental industry, they mean that the tenant will have to pay thousands of dollars for renting an apartment.
For the tenant to make the right financial decision in renting an apartment, they need to understand the pet fees and the laws surrounding emotional support animals.
Why Pet Rent Has Become So Common in Apartment Housing
Property owners justify pet rent as a way to cover potential damage costs that might result from the pet.
In many apartment listings today, renters may encounter multiple pet-related charges, such as:
- A pet deposit collected at move-in
- A non-refundable pet fee
- Ongoing monthly pet rent
According to the Humane Society of the United States, pet rent is becoming more common in pet-friendly properties. Pet rent differs in various properties.
Although the pet rent of $25 or $40 might not seem like a lot, it adds up over time.
The Real Cost of Renting With Pets in Apartments
Renters frequently pay multiple pet-related fees, which show up in a variety of forms.
Pet Deposits
A pet deposit is usually refundable and designed to cover the damage caused by animals. These deposits can range from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the property.
Monthly Pet Rent
This is the most neglected expense. Many apartments charge $20 to $50 per pet each month. Over time, that recurring charge becomes a significant addition to housing costs.
Non-Refundable Pet Fees
Some properties also require a one-time, non-refundable fee, often between $200 and $400, simply for allowing pets in the unit.
A 12-Month Cost Breakdown for Renters With Pets
To understand how quickly these charges add up, consider a simple example.
Example scenario:
Base rent: $1,500 per month
Additional pet-related costs:
- Pet deposit: $300
- Non-refundable pet fee: $250
- Monthly pet rent: $35
Total first-year cost for the pet alone:
- Deposit: $300
- Fee: $250
- Monthly pet rent: $420 annually
Total additional cost in year one: $970
For renters with two pets, that number can easily exceed $1,500 annually. The overall cost of pet rent over several years in the same apartment can equal several months’ worth of base rent.
How Emotional Support Animals Fit Into Housing Law
Housing policies are frequently different for tenants who depend on emotional support animals.
Under the Fair Housing Act, emotional support animals are classified as assistance animals rather than pets. Housing providers must generally make reasonable accommodations when a tenant provides documentation from a licensed mental health professional verifying a disability-related need. In most cases, tenants may need proper documentation, such as an ESA Letter for Housing, issued after evaluation by a licensed mental health professional to verify that the animal provides emotional or psychological support related to their condition.
This differentiation is important because it means:
- Pet rent typically cannot be charged for an emotional support animal
- Pet deposits or pet fees generally do not apply
- Landlords may request reliable documentation supporting the need for the animal
These accommodations are part of federal fair housing rules meant to accommodate people with disabilities, according to HUD’s policy on assistance animals.
What My ESA Therapist Says About ESA Housing Rights
Mental health practitioners who work with emotional support animal documentation often see how housing costs affect renters. Professionals connected with My ESA Therapist claim that many tenants looking for emotional support animal accommodations are also dealing with rising rental expenses and limited pet-friendly housing options.
They note that while pet rent has become common in many apartment complexes, emotional support animals fall under different housing protections when properly documented.
Practical Tips for Renters Navigating Pet Fees
Knowing the housing laws before you sign a lease will help you avoid unforeseen costs, whether you have a pet or an emotional support animal.
Here are a few practical tips:
Determine the Pet Rent’s Long-Term Cost
Consider the total cost of a lease rather than just the monthly charge.
Carefully Read the Lease
Some properties include monthly pet rent in addition to a pet fee.
Inquire Early About Pet Policies
Different apartment buildings have different fee structures.
Recognize Your Housing Rights
Renters may be eligible for reasonable accommodations for assistance animals if they have a qualifying disability.
Organize Your Documentation
Having the right documentation can make it easier to communicate with housing providers if you have an emotional support animal.
Final Thoughts: Understanding the True Cost of Pet-Friendly Housing
The demand for pet-friendly housing remains high, but so do the associated costs. For renters, the cost of pet rent can quietly drive up the cost of the apartment beyond the advertised monthly cost. Calculating the costs of such and understanding the differences between pets and assistance animals can help renters make informed decisions about the housing they choose.
One of the most valuable things that renters have in this changing environment of housing policy is the understanding of the financial and legal costs.
