Determining how much should a pet deposit be is not that easy. There are also things you can do which may affect the deposit you pay. I often tell pet lovers to offer a non-refundable pet deposit even if the home says no pets allowed. It rarely works but if the home has remained un-rented for a month or so it may.
As a property management company, we want them to pay for the cleaning after the tenant moves out and possibly cover some damage. The next tenant may well have a pet allergy (my daughter in-law does) and ask if the previous tenant had a pet. A professional cleaning will be more likely to appease them than a tenant cleaning.
We all know pets can destroy things. Carpet stains, carpets and doors being damaged from cats being kept in rooms with the doors closed etc. You see and hear all kinds of things when you inspect properties after a tenant moves out. Some of the cutest and smallest dogs will bark and howl as soon as the last person leaves the home or occasionally at night.
There are several things you can try. Above all be honest and not like the 10% of tenants who will admit to concealing the fact they had a pet or the number of pets.
Show proof of obedience school, show documentation from your veterinarian that your pet is spayed or neutered and has all of its vaccinations. Maybe even provide evidence that your previous rental had no pet damage. You might also get a renters policy that covers pet damage.
Many Landlords and property managers also have pets. One thing you do not want is to get caught with a pet after saying you do not have one. There is a good chance your neighbors will report you if you do. They may well know the owner of the home. Generally, in Florida the pet deposits start around $200 and go up to around $500. These deposits are very likely going to be non-refundable. If your curious contact us about being your property management company. We can assist you with choosing the fee to charge for different pets and numbers of them. We hope this helped explain how much a should a pet deposit be.
