How much is pet rent and a pet deposit?
Renting with a pet usually means one or more extra charges: monthly pet rent, a refundable deposit, a one-time fee, or a mix. Here's what's typical and where the law sets limits.
Last updated: October 2026 · US prices · 4 sources · see sources
Prices at a glance
| Item | Typical US price | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Pet rent, national average | $35.65 a month ($34.88 small cities, $37.14 large cities) | [1] |
| Pet deposit (refundable), average | About $300 ($289.52 small cities, $311.20 large cities) | [1] |
| One-time pet fee (non-refundable), average | $315 | [1] |
| Share of rentals that allow pets | About 80% | [1] |
| Recent renters paying pet rent or a pet fee | 31% (49% of those with a pet) | [2] |
| Most common pet rent or fee among those who pay | $40–$59 (36% of renters) | [2] |
| Colorado pet deposit limit | $300, and it must be refundable | [3] |
| Colorado pet rent limit | $35 a month or 1.5% of rent, whichever is greater | [3] |
Ranges come from the sources below, and each measures something a little different (store prices, surveys or budgets). Prices vary by area, so check locally before you commit.
Rent, deposit or fee?
- Pet rent is a monthly charge, $35.65 on average [1].
- A pet deposit is refundable. You get it back at move-out, minus any pet damage [1].
- A pet fee is a one-time charge you don't get back, $315 on average [1].
Many landlords charge more than one of these, so ask for the total before you sign.
What renters actually pay
In Zillow's 2025 survey, 31% of recent renters paid pet rent or a pet fee, and 49% of those with a pet did [2]. Among renters who paid, amounts broke down like this:
| Amount | Share of renters |
|---|---|
| $1–$19 | 7% |
| $20–$39 | 28% |
| $40–$59 | 36% |
| $60–$99 | 12% |
| $100 or more | 17% |
State limits
Some states cap what landlords can charge. In Colorado, a pet deposit can't be more than $300 and must be refundable. Pet rent can't be more than $35 a month or 1.5% of the monthly rent, whichever is greater. This has applied since January 1, 2024 [3]. Rules differ by state and city, so check where you live.
Service and assistance animals
The rules here changed recently. In September 2025, HUD rescinded its earlier guidance that said landlords couldn't charge pet fees for emotional support animals. A May 2026 HUD memo says it will now pursue cases only for animals trained to provide disability-related help [4]. Trained service animals are still a required accommodation under the Fair Housing Act [4]. State laws may protect you more, so check your state's rules and get any accommodation in writing. This isn't legal advice.
Common questions
How much is pet rent?
$35.65 a month on average in 2025. Among renters who pay pet rent or a pet fee, $40–$59 is the most common amount.
How much is a pet deposit?
About $300 on average, and it's refundable. One-time non-refundable pet fees average $315.
What's the difference between a pet deposit and a pet fee?
You get a deposit back at move-out, minus any pet damage. A pet fee is a one-time charge you don't get back.
Is there a limit on pet rent?
Some states set one. Colorado caps pet deposits at $300 (refundable) and pet rent at $35 a month or 1.5% of rent, whichever is greater.