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 South Carolina, the laws regarding pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent are not specifically regulated at the state level, meaning there is no statewide statute that explicitly governs these charges. Instead, these matters are typically left to the discretion of landlords and are governed by the terms of the lease agreement between the landlord and tenant. Landlords in South Carolina may require a pet deposit, which is generally refundable if there is no pet-related damage to the property at the end of the lease. Pet fees in South Carolina are usually a one-time, nonrefundable charge, while pet rent is an additional recurring monthly charge. Tenants should review their lease agreements carefully to understand their obligations regarding pet deposits, fees, and rent. Additionally, local ordinances in various towns and cities may have specific regulations regarding these charges, so it is important for both landlords and tenants to be aware of any local laws that may apply.