How can a landlord properly handle pet deposits?

Laws regarding the collection of pet deposits vary by state, and in California, landlords must abide by specific regulations when charging and collecting a pet deposit. Most importantly, a pet deposit is considered part of the tenant’s total deposit and cannot exceed two months’ rent. When a tenant has a pet, the landlord can ask for a pet deposit to cover pet-related damages. This pet deposit should be kept in a separate account and cannot be used for any other purpose. Once the tenant moves out, the landlord must provide an itemized list of any damages that were caused by the pet, calculate the costs of the damage, and subtract the amount from the pet deposit. If the landlord does not have evidence of pet damages, the remaining pet deposit must be refunded to the tenant. Landlords should also have pet policies in the lease agreement that clearly outline what kinds of pets are allowed and any additional rules for pet owners. This could include restricting which kinds of breeds are allowed, setting a pet fee, or requiring the pet to be spayed or neutered. These rules should be in compliance with California law, which prohibits landlords from imposing pet restrictions that violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In order to properly handle pet deposits in California, landlords should follow the regulations outlined in the state law, collect the deposit in a separate account, and have clear pet policies in the lease agreement. Following these steps can help protect landlords and tenants alike and ensure that pet deposits are properly handled.

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How can a landlord properly handle pet deposits?

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