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 Wyoming, the regulations regarding pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent are not specifically governed by state statutes dedicated to these issues. Instead, these matters are generally left to the discretion of landlords and tenants to negotiate and agree upon within the lease agreement. A pet deposit in Wyoming is typically a refundable payment that may be required by a landlord to cover potential damages caused by a tenant's pet. The refundability of the pet deposit is contingent upon the terms of the lease and the condition of the property at the end of the tenancy. Pet fees in Wyoming are usually nonrefundable one-time payments that grant permission for a tenant's pet to reside on the property. Pet rent is an additional recurring monthly charge that a tenant pays for their pet's residence. It is important for tenants to review their lease agreements carefully to understand the terms regarding pet deposits, fees, and rent, as well as any other pet-related conditions or restrictions. Local ordinances in various towns and cities within Wyoming may also have specific provisions regarding pets, so it is advisable for both landlords and tenants to be aware of any local regulations that may apply. An attorney can provide guidance on the interpretation of lease agreements and local laws concerning pets.