pet deposit

lilbitof3 · #1 Oct 19, 2006, 06:58 AM

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

RickJ · Oct 19, 2006, 07:07 AM

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.

RickJ · Oct 19, 2006, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilbitof3 via pm

I WAS TOLD THAT FOR THE OWNER TO ASK FOR $1000 PET DEPOSIT WAS TO HIGH BECAUSE MOST PLACES ASK FOR ONLY A $300 PET DEPOSIT. WHERE CAN I FIND THIS PET DEPOSIT LAW. I TRIED TO LLOK FOR IT AND COULDN'T FIND IT
hELP.......

..

Cvillecpm · Oct 19, 2006, 07:29 AM

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.

RickJ · Oct 19, 2006, 07:37 AM

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/

Cvillecpm · Oct 19, 2006, 11:57 AM

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



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