Laws for pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent vary from state to state—and sometimes between towns and cities with city codes and ordinances that address these charges.

A pet deposit is a one-time payment designed to protect the landlord and the leased premises against damages that may be caused by a tenant’s pet. Pet deposits are usually refundable, depending on the terms of the lease agreement and any applicable state or local laws.

Pet fees are usually a one-time payment required of a tenant to allow the tenant’s pet to stay at the property. Pet fees are usually nonrefundable.

Pet rent is a recurring monthly charge for the tenant’s pet to stay at the property and will often vary depending on the size and number of pets that stay at the property.

Laws regarding pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent are usually located in a state’s statutes—and sometimes towns and cities have additional laws (city codes and ordinances) that govern a landlord’s ability to require additional charges for tenants with pets.

In Mississippi, there are no specific state statutes that comprehensively regulate pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent for residential properties. These matters are generally left to the discretion of landlords and tenants to negotiate and agree upon within the lease agreement. Landlords may require a pet deposit to cover potential damages caused by a tenant's pet, and this deposit may be refundable if no damage occurs. Pet fees in Mississippi are typically nonrefundable and are charged to tenants as a one-time cost for allowing pets on the property. Pet rent is an additional recurring charge that tenants may pay monthly for having their pets in the rental unit. It is important for tenants to review their lease agreements carefully to understand the terms regarding pet deposits, fees, and rent. Additionally, local ordinances in various towns and cities within Mississippi may have their own regulations regarding these charges, so tenants and landlords should also be aware of any local laws that may apply.