In California, dog fees aren’t considered part of the rent. I’m currently charging my month-to-month tenant a $50 dog fee. How much can I increase this fee after 12 months? Any insight would be helpful!
Hey, I believe pet fees are regulated by California Civil Code Section 1950.5. The fee can’t be increased within the first 12 months after being set. After that, it should be capped at two months’ rent for unfurnished units.
So, if I understand correctly, the pet deposit and pet fee are considered the same thing, right?
Zara said:
So, if I understand correctly, the pet deposit and pet fee are considered the same thing, right?
Yes, that’s right. You can’t charge both separately. The deposit is the fee itself, so it’s a one-time thing.
I had the same question recently. So, you can only increase it after 12 months, but it shouldn’t go over two months’ rent. Good to know!
Does this apply to both furnished and unfurnished units? I’m confused on the specifics.
Timber said:
Does this apply to both furnished and unfurnished units? I’m confused on the specifics.
For unfurnished units, yes. For furnished units, there isn’t a cap for the deposit, but it’s usually treated like a pet fee. Hope that helps!
This is helpful info. Thanks for sharing! Just to confirm, the pet fee can’t be raised more than 12 months after it was first charged?
Nico said:
This is helpful info. Thanks for sharing! Just to confirm, the pet fee can’t be raised more than 12 months after it was first charged?
Exactly! After 12 months, you can look at raising it, but it still needs to follow the two months’ rent cap rule.