Hi, guys! Hoping for some feedback on pet fees . . . it seems that the new norm is 1. a refundable pet deposit, plus 2. a non-refundable pet fee, and 3. monthly pet rent. Can you guys help me understand the rational and data behind this? It seems obvious that the deposit is for potential damages, but what about the fee and monthly rent? Are these purely ancillary revenue?
IMO, pet rent should go for things such as pet waste bags. The non-refundable deposit? There is always extra cleaning after a pet moves out, even if there's no damage. There's always going to be hair in hidden places, you'll want to treat for fleas regardless whether the pet was treated or not (at least in the Pacific Northwest) and there will be pet odor.
We do a refundable pet deposit. If you are a responsible pet owner that cleans up after your pet you will get that back. We also do a monthly pet rent because pets do cause extra wear and tear on the property. Dogs, for example, track in dirt and piddle in the halls.
