[GreatWhiteEbola]

Originally Posted by Frank MetaMusil

I would just take a refundable pet deposit for whatever I think it will cost to fix the place if they wreck it. I don't know if landlords are in a position to dictate all of the terms they want with the housing market the way it is.

On the other hand, these couples should look at buying a place. They would probably end up saving themselves a bit of money every month, and also save themselves from the hassle of a landlord vs. dog war.

Originally Posted by Rerun

Isn't there a limit on how much you can ask for in a damage deposit? 4 dogs can do a lot of damage.... torn carpet, scratched doors, holes in the backyard, dead grass as a result of urine, etc.... not counting the wear and tear 4 adults would put on a place.

Originally Posted by website

Even if the security deposit includes items such as a refundable deposit for having a pet, for having keys, or for damage to the premises, the total amount can never be more than one month’s rent.

If however, there is a separate non-refundable, one time payment for something like having a pet in the premises, that does not form part of the security deposit. It is important to read the lease contract carefully, or to understand any oral agreement you have, so that you can determine what is security deposit and what is not.

For example, if your rental agreement says that you have paid $100 refundable deposit for possible damages that your dog might do, then that would likely be part of the security deposit and you may receive all or part of that deposit back when you leave. However if your rental agreement says you must pay a fee of $100 in order to be allowed to keep a pet in your apartment, that is a one time, non-refundable payment, and you won’t get any of it back. The non-refundable fee is not part of the security deposit.

http://www.landlordandtenant.org/mov...cts/limit.aspx

With a non-refunable fee ($100/ dog) and a walk through every 30 days, I might rent to them.

Thankfully, I have good non-pet owning tenants now.