Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Does MoveZen Collect Their Management Fee Percentage From the Tenant-Paid Pet Fee?

Short answer: no management fees are typically not taken from tenant-paid pet fees.

Audience: property owners who want to understand how pet fees are handled, whether management fees apply, and how these funds flow through accounting.

But there are a few important nuances worth understanding so expectations stay aligned.

Let’s break it down.

FAQs ❓

Is the management fee applied to the pet fee?
Generally, no. Management fees are calculated from rent collected, not one-time tenant fees.

Does the pet fee belong to the owner?
Yes. A pet fee is typically owner income, subject to your management agreement and local regulations.

Is a pet fee refundable to the tenant?
No. Pet fees are usually non-refundable (unlike pet deposits).

Does this apply to assistance animals?
No. Assistance animals are not pets, and pet fees do not apply.

What a Pet Fee Is (and Is Not) ✔️

A pet fee is:

  • A one-time, non-refundable tenant charge

  • Intended to offset additional wear, cleaning, or risk associated with pets

  • Collected at move-in (or when a pet is added)

A pet fee is not:

  • Monthly rent

  • A security deposit

  • Ongoing income tied to occupancy

Because of this distinction, it’s treated differently in accounting.

How Management Fees Are Normally Calculated 💡

MoveZen’s management fee is typically based on:

A percentage of rent actually collected

This means:

  • Recurring rent → fee applies

  • One-time charges → fee usually does not apply

Pet fees fall into the second category.

How Pet Fees Appear in Your Owner Statement 📄

When a pet fee is collected, you’ll typically see:

  • A clearly labeled Pet Fee line item

  • Posted to the tenant ledger

  • Reflected in owner income

  • No management fee deducted (in standard scenarios)

Always review your statement to confirm, especially if your agreement includes unique provisions.

Important Exception: Check Your Management Agreement ⚠️

While the standard approach is no fee on pet fees, the final authority is always:

Your signed management agreement

Some agreements may:

  • Define which income types are fee-eligible

  • Exclude specific tenant charges

  • Treat certain fees differently

If something ever looks off, it’s appropriate to ask for clarification.

Assistance Animals vs. Pets 🦮

It’s important to distinguish between:

  • Pets → pet fees may apply

  • Assistance animals → pet fees do not apply

Federal fair housing rules require:

  • No pet fees

  • No pet rent

  • No breed or weight restrictions

MoveZen follows these requirements strictly.

Why This Distinction Matters for Owners

Understanding how pet fees are handled helps owners:

✔ Set accurate income expectations

✔ Avoid compliance mistakes

✔ Read statements confidently

✔ Prevent disputes with tenants

✔ Evaluate management fees fairly

Clarity here prevents small misunderstandings from becoming bigger frustrations.