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 Wisconsin, landlords have the discretion to charge pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent, but these charges are subject to state laws governing rental agreements and security deposits. Under Wisconsin Statute § 704.90, landlords can charge a pet deposit as part of the security deposit, which is generally limited to no more than one month's rent, except for pet deposits for service animals, which are not permitted. The pet deposit is refundable if there are no damages caused by the pet. Pet fees, which are one-time nonrefundable payments, are not specifically regulated by state law, but they cannot be charged for service animals. Pet rent, a recurring monthly charge, is also allowed and is not specifically capped by state law, but it must be reasonable and agreed upon in the lease. Local ordinances may impose additional regulations, so it's important for tenants and landlords to check the rules in their specific locality. It's also worth noting that landlords cannot discriminate against tenants with service animals and must make reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act.