My family and I are entending to rent a house in California and the owner wants a $1000.00 pet deposit. Is that the right dollar amount for a pet deposit? It seems kind of high to us. What is the law regarding a pet deposit in California?
Thanks lilbitof3

Pet deposits are getting higher and higher. Around here I know lots of landlord who charge $500-$800 NON-refundable pet deposit AND charge an additional $25-$50 per month on the rent for people with pets.

It's kind of like the rent itself. If you like the apartment enough to pay the amount asked for you go for it... otherwise, you just keep looking.

Most states laws that I've browsed do not have a maximum pet deposit, but to be sure check your state laws here.

If you have problems finding the info, let us know and we'll try to help further.

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You should be thankful that you have found a landlord who will accept pets.

CA deposits by any name can not be over 2X the monthly rent for unfurnished properties or 3X monthly rent for furnished properties.

Thanks, cville - RickJ must be going blind.

Lil, he is correct. See page 24 of the California Landlord-Tenant guide:
http://www.dca.ca.gov/legal/landlordbook/

I used to know California Civil Code 1950.5 by heart... luckily they don't change it too often.

I know it's an old question... I just contacted my landlord about getting a dog. When we moved in, their add had said that a dog was allowed. We have a cat, and have paid a deposit. A quick look at our house, you can see NO DAMAGE... They called back and said we could get a dog if we paid a $5000.00 deposit. Rent is $2100.00/mos. And I think we've paid, first, last, and a $2100.00 deposit plus a $300.00 cat deposit. I can understand concern over a puppy... is this just insane? Is this even legal... can "pet" deposits go over the 2x's rent? I mean I realize they don't HAVE to let us have a pet... but it seems crazy to say it's OK only with this deposit...

In the state of California there is no such thing as NON REFUNDABLE even if it states it in the clause it is illegal in the state of California. It doesn't matter what they call it; cleaning deposit, pet deposit etc. They all MUST be refundable

In the state of CA no deposit under the state law is Non refundable regardless of what you may have signed in the lease. ALL Deposits unless there is damage that the deposit covers must be fully returned. In your case would be due specifically because your animal caused the damage. If there is damage AND the landlord can prove their case as to how much they are taking out to cover the costs of the damage, then in that case they can take only the amount to cover the fixing costs of the damage. For example if your cat tears apart the blinds in say 3 windows in the house the landlord can then keep only the amount needed to replace those 3 damaged sets of blinds. If you have any more questions you can see the link below it should explain what you need to know.

http://www.rentlaw.com/dep/cadeposit.htm

Also Depending upon the house condition, size etc and the animals(breed, how many etc.)$1000 maybe fair. You are lucky to have found a landlord that will accept animals I do agree with that.

No Deposits can not go over 2x the rent that is illegal and you should call the fair employment and housing for your area.