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 Ohio, there are no specific state statutes that regulate pet deposits, pet fees, or pet rent. These charges are generally left to the discretion of landlords and must be agreed upon in the lease agreement. A pet deposit in Ohio is typically a refundable payment that may be used to cover damages caused by a tenant's pet, provided that the terms of the lease allow for its return after assessing for any damages at the end of the tenancy. Pet fees in Ohio are usually nonrefundable and are paid to the landlord for the privilege of having a pet on the premises. Pet rent is an additional recurring charge that tenants pay monthly for their pets. It's important for tenants to review their lease agreements carefully to understand the terms regarding any pet-related charges. Additionally, local ordinances in various Ohio cities or towns may have specific regulations regarding these fees, so it's advisable for both landlords and tenants to check for any local laws that might apply.