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

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

Understanding how pet fees are processed helps set accurate expectations about income and expenses.

Here's how it works.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the management fee applied to the pet fee?
Yes. Pet fees are included in gross income, and the management fee is calculated on gross income.

Does the pet fee belong to the owner?
Yes. The pet fee is owner income, subject to standard management fee deductions.

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 (though it's processed similarly)
  • A security deposit
  • Exempt from management fees

How Pet Fees Are Processed

Pet fees follow the same process as other income:

  1. Pet fee is collected from the tenant
  2. Pet fee is included in the property's gross income
  3. Management fee is calculated on gross income (which includes the pet fee)
  4. Net amount is paid to the owner

This is the standard process for all tenant payments.

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
  • Included in total income
  • Management fee calculated on total income (including the pet fee)
  • Net disbursement to owner after fees and expenses

Always review your statement to confirm the amounts match your expectations.

 

Pet Rent Works the Same Way

If your lease includes monthly pet rent:

  • Pet rent is treated as recurring income
  • Included in gross income each month
  • Management fee applies to gross income
  • Net paid to owner

 

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.