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Can My Landlord Charge Me a Pet Fee?

Here’s how to understand the difference and avoid surprises.

Audience: renters in North Carolina with pets (or considering getting one)

Yes, in North Carolina, a landlord can charge a pet fee, but how that fee is structured matters a lot. Pet-related charges are treated differently depending on whether they’re refundable or non-refundable, and that distinction affects what’s legally allowed and how much can be charged.

Pet fees vs. pet deposits vs. pet rent 🐾

Pet charges usually fall into one (or more) of these categories:

Pet fee (non-refundable)

  • A one-time, non-refundable charge

  • Often used to cover general wear, cleaning, or administrative costs

  • Does not get returned, even if there’s no damage

Pet deposit (refundable)

  • A refundable amount held for pet-related damage

  • If refundable, it usually counts toward North Carolina’s security deposit limits

  • Must follow the same return and itemization rules as a security deposit

You can review how deposit limits work here:
https://movezen360.com/nc-security-deposit-limits

Pet rent

  • A monthly charge added to rent

  • Not refundable

  • Does not count toward the security deposit

Landlords may use one, two, or all three — as long as everything is clearly disclosed in the lease.

What North Carolina law allows ⚖️

North Carolina law allows landlords to:

  • Charge non-refundable pet fees

  • Charge monthly pet rent

  • Charge refundable pet deposits, as long as total deposits stay within legal limits

What matters most is how the charge is labeled and disclosed in the lease.

Why refundable pet deposits matter 🔍

If a pet-related charge is refundable, it is usually treated as part of the security deposit. That means:

  • It may be subject to legal caps

  • It must be accounted for at move-out

  • Deductions must be itemized

  • Any unused portion must be returned

If you’re asked for a refundable pet deposit that pushes the total deposit beyond legal limits, that’s something to question.

What landlords generally can’t do 🚫

Even in NC, landlords should not:

  • Hide pet fees inside vague charges

  • Call a refundable deposit a “fee” to avoid deposit limits

  • Change pet charges after lease signing without an amendment

  • Charge pet fees that contradict the written lease

Clear, written disclosure is key.

Service animals and emotional support animals 🦮

Pets that qualify as assistance animals under fair housing laws are not treated as pets.

That generally means:

  • No pet fees or pet rent can be charged

  • Breed or size restrictions usually do not apply

  • Documentation rules differ from regular pets

This topic is nuanced and often misunderstood, so it’s worth reviewing qualification details carefully before applying:
https://movezen360.com/before-applying-information/

FAQs ❓

Can a landlord charge both a pet fee and pet rent?
Yes. NC law allows both, as long as they’re clearly disclosed.

Can a pet fee be refunded if there’s no damage?
No. A true pet fee is non-refundable by definition.

Does pet damage come out of the regular security deposit or the pet deposit?
It depends on how the lease is written — but refundable pet deposits are usually applied first.

Can a landlord deny pets entirely?
Yes, unless the animal qualifies as a legally protected assistance animal.

Can pet policies differ from one property to another?
Yes. Pet policies are property-specific and owner-specific.

Related knowledge base articles 🔗

If you have pets, these articles are often helpful: