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 North Dakota, landlords have the discretion to charge pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent as part of their lease agreements with tenants. A pet deposit in North Dakota is typically a refundable sum that may be required by a landlord to cover potential damages caused by a tenant's pet. The amount and terms of the refund are usually stipulated in the lease agreement. Pet fees in North Dakota are generally nonrefundable payments that a tenant must make to have their pet reside in the rental property. Pet rent is an additional recurring monthly charge that a tenant pays for their pet's stay at the property. The specific amounts and conditions for pet deposits, fees, and rent are not regulated by state law and can be determined by the landlord, but they must be reasonable and outlined in the lease agreement. Tenants should also check for any local city codes or ordinances that may impose further regulations on pet-related charges.