Can I require a pet deposit for all animals? Example computations: A. These types of rentals tend to generate more rental income because of pet fees, deposits, and rent. The only real difference between a fee and a deposit is that a deposit is refundable. Security Deposit Also called a damage deposit, a security deposit is a tenant’s advance payment of money to the landlord to secure against future lease violations by the tenant, including nonpayment of rent and property damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. – A landlord may prohibit pets in a rental unit, but must include this exclusion in the tenancy agreement (and it must begin when the tenancy begins or the renter must voluntarily agree to an amendment during the tenancy). ​Accessibility Statement. You are only allowed said pet on the premises: The pet deposit and pet fee are usually between $200 and $500. bigger pool of potential applicants. Most pet fees are in the $200 to $500 range. 14. This signifies that by allowing pets in your Denver property, your tenant pool is much larger and you have a better chance of selecting a great tenant. Also, if you have to allow the animal, can you still request a pet deposit? Pet fees range from $200 to $500 and pet rent ranges from $25 to $40 per month. pets at their properties is a decrease in tenant turnover. Having a clear pet policy, outlined in your lease agreement, will $1,000 deposit on a two-year lease starting on Aug. 1, 2002, and ending July 31, 2004. Rather than ask for a deposit specific to the pet, any damage would be covered under the tenant’s security deposit. Pet Deposit. For example, if replacing dog-urine-stained carpeting throughout the apartment costs $1500, but the landlord collected only $200 as a designated pet deposit, the landlord … The medical professional must make a written finding of the patient’s disability and how the disability is related to the need for an assistance animal. Landlords find this option much more appealing than a pet rent or deposit because they can expect a higher income every month. The pet fee is an admission fee that the landlord gives to the tenant so they can bring their pet into the property. Wouldn't manage one of those buildings, nor would I rent in one. For example if some condominium units do not allow cats and you are advertising one of many units for rent using a broker, if a prospective tenant has an emotional support cat as documented by a medical professional, you have to accept that tenant (and the cat). If you charge pet rent, consider lowering the cost of the pet deposit to keep the overall cost of renting your property competitive within your market. Some people, however, like to say the pet deposit is non-refundable, which would then make the pet deposit the same as a pet fee. By allowing pets in your property, you have the opportunity to expand the pool of prospective tenants and therefore increase your chances of finding the best quality renters. One difference between a pet deposit and a pet fee is that deposits are refundable, while pet fees are not. However, while general security deposits are legal in every state, separate pet deposits are only legal in some. These animals do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability that are directly related to the individual’s disability and needs. tenants in Denver and what seems fair as you’re establishing your pet deposit The amount of the security deposit should be written into the lease. So what does a pet deposit cover? Pet deposits are legal in some states and illegal in others. They do not have to be a dog. Therefore, the most common practice is for both parties (landlord and tenant) to agree. For additional questions about security deposits in Colorado, please refer to the official state legislation, Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-101 to § 38-12-104 and § 38-12-207, for more information. Medical professionals who fail to follow the new law can be found to have committed licensing violations. As for pet deposits, set the deposit at around $200 for 2 pets $125 for one then give discounts off the deposit if the pet was adopted from a shelter. The pet deposit and pet fee are usually between $200 and $500. Pet deposits aren’t always the best option for landlords: When landlords collect pet deposits, state laws sometimes prohibit them from using the security deposit for repairing pet-related damages. You can use a pet deposit to pay for property damage and losses caused by pets — and pets only. If upon the move-out inspection it’s found that there is no pet damage, require applicants to submit records, certificates, references, and renters and types of pets allowed. Additionally, you can add an extra charge to their monthly rent. C.R.S. – A landlord can request a pet security deposit at the start of tenancy or during if the tenant gets a pet with the landlord’s permission. What do you do in a situation where you want to make sure that any damage done by the animal will be taken care of upon the tenant’s departure? This means that an additional amount of money is added to the rent and thus increases your monthly revenue. Like a security deposit, a pet deposit is generally refundable. Pet fees.  As of January 1, 2017, doctors, nurses and mental health professionals must meet with a person in person or by telemedicine, must be sufficiently familiar with the patient and the patient’s disability and legally and professionally qualified to make a determination about the patient’s need for an assistance animal before documenting the need for the patient’s assistance animal as a reasonable accommodation. Pet Deposits and Additional Fees: No statute. You can ask if the dog (or miniature horse) is required because of a disability. This deposit will be used to cover any pet-related damages and, like a regular security deposit, must be returned to the tenant less … the pet deposit will be returned in full. A pet fee is a one-time, nonrefundable charge to the tenant in lieu of a pet deposit. Is There a Security Deposit Limit in Colorado? a pet, they are required to pay its rent. Landlord is not required to collect a security deposit but is allowed to at his or her discretion. Dog laws in Colorado you should know about ... agreeing to sterilize the animal within 90 days and pay a deposit fee to the shelter or rescue. Include a pet screening process and protecting yourself and your property from damage caused by their pets. Pet Deposits vs. Pet Fees. Landlord-tenant law in Colorado is governed by Colorado Revised Statutes, Chapter 38, Article 12 (C.R.S. It has been shown that tenants with pets were found to stay significantly longer and were more responsible compared to those without pets. By opening up your Denver property to pet owners, you’ll get a If you decide to impose a specified pet deposit, keep it reasonable, such as $200 to $300 per year. to how a security deposit works, you will need to justify how much of the pet Note the law is evolving and this article cannot contain all important and up-to-date information on the topic, so please check with an attorney or the Colorado Civil Rights Division for further information. The General Assembly found that the State of Colorado needed to enact a crime of intentional misrepresentation of a service animal for a person with a disability. Likewise to a tenant paying rent to stay in the property, if they have Upon inspection, the lease detailed a $200 pet deposit and an additional $100 pet rent. This amount will depend on the number You need to find a good balance between not Are Separate Pet Deposits a Good Idea? Finally, do not impose a pet deposit or fee for a tenant who keeps a service or companion animal. In Denver, Colorado you’re allowed to charge both of these fees, as long as the animal is not a service dog. Average pet deposit: $100 to $600, one … deposit is to be returned based on the repair expenses incurred. §38-12). Examples might be a guide dog for a blind person, a dog that assists someone with epilepsy having seizures, or a dog that assists someone who is diabetic and going into shock. We do not charge a pet deposit at any of our communities. fee. Ensure that you have a good pet policy in can use this to pay for the cleaning and repairs needed. A service animal under Colorado law can be a dog (or miniature horse) that is properly trained to assist persons with disabilities. At the end of the lease, the landlord must return $500 of deposit to the tenant. it comes to finding a pet-friendly home. However, in Denver, since you’re allowed to charge pet deposits and fees, you aren’t permitted to use the security deposit to pay for pet damages. Continue reading to find out about the benefits of allowing pets, and the differences between pet deposits, fees, and rent. The additional deposit posted in connection herewith shall remain a portion of the security deposit to be accounted for according to law upon vacation of the premises by tenant. added deposit, or what remains of it when pet damages have been assessed, will be returned to Tenants within _____ days after they have proved that they no longer keep this pet. PET RENT In most states, there is no law prohibiting a landlord from charging an extra fee each month for a pet . §§38-12-102: Security Deposit (Defined). The animal may not reside or occupy the premises before this form and the pet fee are turned in. Landlords who allow renters with pets often require their renters to pay an up-front deposit to cover any potential damages caused by the pet, known as a “pet deposit”. By getting renters insurance, it covers for pet damages. You can do so by having a clear pet policy outlined in your lease agreement. The tenants deposits are refundable. Pet deposit is a little understandable. Five hundred dollar pet deposit is great we’re going to go. The person who is claiming the animal is necessary only needs to provide a letter from their medical professional advising that the animal is required because of a disability.  First of all, even if the property does not allow certain animals, if that animal provides a service or emotional support for a person with disabilities as documented by a medical professional, you generally have to accept that person and their animal into your property. Pets inevitably do cause damage and you’re exposing yourself to avoidable costs if your property gets damaged by one of them. At Pioneer, we've guided hundreds of satisfied clients to well-preserved, well-maintained, cash-flowing investment properties in Denver. States vary on whether you can even charge pet deposits or pet fees—so please do check your state laws. Another advantage for landlords who allow While some people do make misrepresentations about their animals in order to violate covenants or lease provisions, it is not appropriate to ask what the disability is. To deposit with the landlord/agent a “pet deposit” in the amount of £ which shall be held as security for the faithful performance of this Pet Agreement; 3. ... I’ll give you another one important at least clause in that would be as it relates to the return of the security deposit. the pet. Most pet fees are in the $200 to $500 range. Today, tenants still face challenges when You allow pets in your rental property, but decide to charge an additional $500 pet deposit in addition to the standard $1,000 security deposit. everything I look up says the pet deposit is non refundabl … read more Step 1 – Download in Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word (.docx), and Open Document Text (.odt).. When it comes time for the tenant and their furry friend to move out, you discover significant damages. 12) Tenants agree that this Agreement applies only to the specific pet described above and that no other pet may be substituted. Nelson Kennel strives to breed good, pet quality dogs with a friendly disposition that will be a welcome addition to the buyer's household. Non-Refundable Security Deposit Allowed: The landlord must return the “full” deposit, unless there are reasons, as specified in statute, to withhold a portion or entirety the deposit. to screen your tenants and their pets. Such animals aren't pets -- they are animals needed to accommodate a disability. Colorado law makes it illegal for the landlord to take any or part of a tenant’s deposit without putting the damages caused by the tenant in writing and sending it to the tenant within 30 days (or up to 60 days You can ask what work or task the dog (or miniature horse) has been trained to perform. Assistance animals are animals that contribute to a person’s emotional support, well-being, comfort and companionship for disabilities and medical conditions like depression and anxiety. The following is a summary of pet deposit laws across the United States. A reasonable fee can even differ in particular neighborhoods. Any person who misrepresents the right to an assistance animal would also commit a class 2 petty offense. Federal and state laws require public places including parks, restaurants, theaters, stores, hospitals and more to allow any animal that is presented as a service animal or one in training.  Places sometimes face the dilemma about whether to inquire further to see if someone is misrepresenting the animal as a service animal and question whether it is even legal to ask any questions of the dog owner. Did you know that 65% of Americans have pets? Some landlords build-in the pet deposits in the security deposit and charge a higher rental fee. House Bill 16-1426 addresses animals and the growing concerns about the exploitation by people falsely putting vests on their dogs or presenting certificates claiming that their dogs are service animals in order to enter public places or gain accommodations. This amount can be $10 or more and some landlords also charge this per animal. This entrance fee is a one-time payment, doesn’t cover any pet damages, and is non-refundable. I've never rented with a pet before (and we don't have one yet, we just want to get one), and we are relatively new to Denver (lived here <1 year); but this additional pet rent seems Extreme. The biggest difference is that pet fees are non-refundable while pet deposits are refundable. Some of the states that do not legislate pet deposits do not allow any collected fees to be non-refundable. See More…, Denver (by Appt) 2590 Walnut St. #73 Denver, CO 80205, Longmont (by Appt) 1079 Hover St. #235 Longmont, CO 80501, Wheat Ridge (Main Office) 4175 Harlan St. #140 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, Denver Highlands Wheat Ridge Lakewood Thornton Berkeley Edgewater Arvada See More…, Apply to rent a property by scheduling a viewing, between 20% and 30% more than the average rent, clear pet policy outlined in your lease agreement. If the tenant's dog causes $400 in property damages, then the landlord must use the pet fees to cover the first $300 and deduct the remaining $100 from the deposit. Rather than ask for a deposit specific to the pet, any damage would be covered under the tenant’s security deposit. Many states do not have a statute about charging a pet deposit. The biggest difference is that pet fees are non-refundable while pet You have to consider what’s manageable for prospective Pet RENT is a scam perpetrated by unscrupulous management companies. We understand there's more to life than hovering over your investments. Pet fees and pet rent vary by community. The laws for pet deposits and fees vary by state, so always make sure to double-check and do your research before charging a tenant. This additional fee may be considered PET RENT. Whether a landlord, association or property manager has to allow someone with an assistance animal to live at the property despite animal restrictions is a frequent question. So, if a landlord requires you to make a pet deposit and your landlord does not have to make any pet-related repairs after you leave, the landlord must return the deposit to you. Step 2 – Enter the date of the Pet Addendum agreement, followed by the date of the Lease Agreement, the name of the tenant and the landlord.. Shelters are glad to provide you with the adoption paperwork information, the byproduct is you will then be helping your area shelters and discourage them from purchasing pets. Minimize the risk of allowing pets by establishing clear expectations about acceptable animal behavior in your rental property. help minimize risk and establish clear expectations about acceptable animal The answer is no if the animal is a service animal or an emotional support (assistance animal). House Bill 16-1426 addresses animals and the growing concerns about the exploitation by people falsely putting vests on their dogs or presenting certificates claiming that their dogs are service animals in order to enter public places or gain accommodations. The difference between pet deposits and pet fees is that pet deposits are refundable and pet fees aren’t. way. They signed a lease. Denver, Highlands, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Thornton, Berkeley, Edgewater, Aurora and Arvada. Possessing or filling out this form does not constitute acceptance for your animal. The House Bill further authorized the Colorado Civil Rights Division to educate the public regarding assistance animals and service animals and produce forms for landlords to use in the future concerning animals. charging too much, losing potential tenants, and charging too little, not place to provide the basis for charging more rent and collecting the other fees. Thereafter, can you charge a pet deposit? Examples include: Flea infestations; Broken appliances; Urine and feces stains; Holes in the wall; Scratches on floors and walls; You’ll need to check state and local laws to see if you’re allowed to charge a pet security deposit. Pet Deposits and Pet Fees. There are two ways to put a deposit on a puppy, 1st way- In Person. No. Both tend to be deal killers for me. Otherwise, if your tenant challenges it, a judge may not enforce it. send your tenant an itemized list of the repairs needed to repair the damage. Landlords also need to determine what method works best for them in making sure there is adequate coverage for the damage that pets can do to a rental property. Similar to a security deposit, the pet deposit works in the same In Denver, Colorado you’re allowed to charge both of these fees, as long as the animal is not a service dog. How to Write. This is according to the American Pet Products Association. Pet rent; Pet Fees vs. Pet Deposits. Copyright © 2021 Frascona, Joiner, Goodman and Greenstein, P.C.Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Similarly Pet owners must provide a certificate of vaccination at the time of lease and renewal for all pets listed on the addendum. I paid a $400 pet fee, and $100 pet deposit to my apartment. Tenant shall permanently remove the pet from the premises within thirty days in compliance with such notice. The monthly PET RENT may be in addition to a PET SECURITY DEPOSIT – often labeled non-refundable. Some surveys have shown that the rent premium for pet-friendly rentals is between 20% and 30% more than the average rent. For this reason, it’s even more important insurance with pet coverage. This is worked into the lease and covers any wear and tear to your unit from your pet. Since moving out they are saying the fee does not apply to damages from the pet. The pet fee required for the below named pet is $300. Some landlords don’t allow pets in their rentals to minimize the chances of property damage, noise complaints, tenant conflicts, and insurance problems. It works out to a total of $1400 extra for the year, for 1 pet. Home » Articles » Can I require a pet deposit for all animals? Whether as a deposit or as extra rent, any pet details must be clear and included in the lease agreement wording. The state of Colorado does not set a limit on the … Our services give true peace of mind, putting "passive" back into "passive income". In a recent Rent.com survey of 500 U.S. renters with pets, 48 percent said the pet deposit was the biggest headache when moving with a pet. All other refundable deposits including pet deposits should be included in the computation. This section of the agreement should explain how much money will be collected as a pet security deposit. If, however, there’s discovered to be pet damage, you will need to Tenant pet agreement: The security deposit. behavior in your rental property. Rental Application Fairness Act Compliance Packet, Residential Property Management Agreement, Employer Alert: Comply with new laws that go into effect January 1, 2021, Colorado Real Estate Brokers: Protect Yourself (And Your Clients) From COVID-19 Risk, Due-on-Transfer Risk in an Era When Rates Cannot Decline, What Listing Brokers Need to Know about Disclosure of a Seller’s Security Cameras and Listening Devices. Note: A pet deposit is generally a separate deposit, which may or may not be refundable. While it will always be the owner’s final say to allow pets at their rental property, the possibilities for additional rent and increased occupancy make pet-friendly properties a worthwhile option that every landlord should consider. Please read, Important information about putting a Deposit down on a Puppy. 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