
In Minnesota, landlords have the discretion to charge pet deposits, but these charges are subject to state law limitations. A pet deposit is a one-time payment designed to protect the landlord and the leased premises against any damage caused by a tenant's pet. Pet deposits are usually refundable, depending on the terms of the lease agreement and any applicable state or local laws. If you live in public housing or are elderly or disabled in subsidized housing, you may keep a pet. Landlords can set reasonable rules about pets, including where you can take your pet and how you must clean up after it. Landlords may charge whatever amount they want as a security/pet deposit, though service animals don't incur the pet fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Landlord's ability to charge pet deposit | Landlords in Minnesota have the discretion to charge pet deposits, fees, and rent |
| Pet deposit definition | A one-time payment to cover potential damages caused by a tenant's pet |
| Pet deposit refundability | Refundable if there is no damage caused by the pet beyond normal wear and tear |
| Pet fee definition | A one-time non-refundable charge for allowing a pet on the premises |
| Pet rent definition | A recurring monthly charge for a tenant's pet to stay at the property |
| Pet policy | Landlords must disclose pet fees in the pet policy |
| Service animals | Service and companion animals are exempt from pet fees and rent |
| No-pet rules | Landlords may have enforceable "no-pet" rules, but tenants with disabilities may request accommodations |
| Housing-specific rules | Different types of housing have varying rules regarding pet ownership |
| Local ordinances | City or town-specific laws may impose additional regulations on pet-related charges |
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What You'll Learn

Landlords can charge pet deposits, fees, and rent
In Minnesota, landlords have the discretion to charge pet deposits, fees, and rent, but these charges are subject to state law limitations. Under Minnesota law, a pet deposit is considered part of the security deposit, and the total amount of the security deposit (including the pet deposit) may not exceed two months' rent. The pet deposit is refundable if there are no damages caused by the pet beyond normal wear and tear.
Pet fees in Minnesota are typically non-refundable one-time charges that a landlord may require for allowing a pet on the premises. Landlords are required to include these fees in their pet policy. Pet fees are distinct from pet deposits, which are usually refundable. Pet rent is an additional recurring monthly charge that a tenant agrees to pay for having a pet in the rental unit, and it often varies depending on the size and number of pets.
It is important to note that tenants with service animals are exempt from paying pet fees and rent. Federal and state civil rights laws require landlords to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, which includes allowing service animals without additional charges.
Before bringing a pet into a rental property, tenants should carefully review their lease agreements and be aware of any city or town-specific laws regarding pet deposits, fees, and rent.
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Pet deposits are refundable if there's no damage
In Minnesota, landlords have the discretion to charge pet deposits, fees, and rent, but these charges are subject to state law limitations. Under Minnesota law, a pet deposit is considered part of the security deposit, and the total amount of the security deposit (including the pet deposit) may not exceed two months' rent.
The pet deposit is refundable if there is no damage caused by the pet that exceeds normal wear and tear. Pet fees in Minnesota are typically non-refundable one-time charges that a landlord may require for allowing a pet on the premises. Pet rent is an additional recurring monthly charge that a tenant agrees to pay for having a pet in the rental unit.
It is important for tenants to review their lease agreements for specific terms regarding pet deposits, fees, and rent. Local ordinances may impose further regulations, so tenants and landlords should also be aware of any city or town-specific laws regarding pets in rental properties.
For example, if you live in public housing or are elderly or disabled in subsidized housing, you may keep a pet. Your landlord can set reasonable rules about pets, including where you can take your pet and how you must clean up after it. Landlords often charge fees for pets, but they must disclose this in their pet policy. If you have a service animal, Minnesota laws give you the right to keep it without paying any pet fees, but you will have to pay for any damage the animal does to the apartment.
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Pet fees are non-refundable
In Minnesota, landlords have the discretion to charge pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent, but these charges are subject to state law limitations. Pet fees are usually a one-time payment required of a tenant to allow the tenant's pet to stay at the property. Pet fees are typically non-refundable.
Pet fees are distinct from pet deposits, which are also a one-time payment but are designed to protect the landlord and the leased premises against damages that may be caused by a tenant's pet. Pet deposits are usually refundable, depending on the terms of the lease agreement and any applicable state or local laws. In Minnesota, a pet deposit is considered part of the security deposit, and the total amount of the security deposit (including the pet deposit) may not exceed two months' rent. The pet deposit is refundable if there are no damages caused by the pet that exceed normal wear and tear.
However, it is important to note that laws regarding pet deposits and pet fees can vary from state to state and even between towns and cities. Local ordinances may impose further regulations, so tenants and landlords should be aware of any city or town-specific laws regarding pets in rental properties.
In the context of non-refundable pet fees, it is worth mentioning that some tenants in Minnesota have shared their experiences of being charged additional fees on top of the non-refundable pet fee. For example, one tenant in Minnesota paid a $500 non-refundable pet fee and was then charged an additional $375 for removal of dog hair from the carpets. This situation highlights the importance of tenants reviewing their lease agreements for specific terms regarding pet fees and understanding their rights and responsibilities regarding pet ownership in rental properties.
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Pet rent is a monthly charge for tenants' pets
In Minnesota, landlords have the discretion to charge pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent, but these charges are subject to state law limitations. Pet rent is a monthly charge that tenants pay for having pets in their rental units. It is separate from a one-time pet deposit or fee, which is typically paid upfront to cover potential damage caused by pets.
The amount of pet rent varies depending on the location and the overall rental market, ranging from $15 to $100 per pet each month. Landlords can choose to charge a flat monthly rate or adjust the amount based on previous experiences with tenants who have pets or the competition in the local marketplace. Pet rent can increase a landlord's cash flow and net operating income (NOI), potentially increasing the property's value.
However, it is important for tenants to review their lease agreements for specific terms regarding pet deposits, fees, and rent. Local ordinances and state laws may impose further regulations on these charges. For example, in Minnesota, the total amount of the security deposit, including the pet deposit, cannot exceed two months' rent.
Pet rent is intended to offset the additional costs associated with having pets on the premises, such as increased wear and tear on the property. It is important for landlords to remain competitive with other rentals in their market when setting pet rent amounts. Some landlords may choose to charge a non-refundable pet fee instead of, or in addition to, pet rent to protect their property from potential damage caused by pets.
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Service animals are exempt from pet fees
Minnesota landlords have the discretion to charge pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent, but these charges are subject to state law limitations. Under Minnesota law, a pet deposit is considered part of the security deposit, and the total amount (including the pet deposit) may not exceed two months' rent. Pet fees in Minnesota are typically non-refundable one-time charges that a landlord may require for allowing a pet on the premises.
Service animals are exempt from these fees. Minnesota statute states that it is against the law to misrepresent an animal as a service animal, and emotional support animals are not considered service animals. Service animals are defined as dogs or, in some cases, miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for someone with a disability. Emotional support animals, on the other hand, provide a sense of safety, companionship, and comfort to those with psychiatric or emotional conditions, and they can have therapeutic benefits.
Minnesota law prohibits public accommodations from charging a special admission fee or any other extra cost to have a service animal. However, individuals can be asked to pay for any damage caused by their service animal. Landlords cannot demand a pet deposit, monthly pet rent, or other pet fees for service animals or emotional support animals because they are not considered pets. If the service animal causes any damage beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord can require the tenant to pay for the damage, provided they treat all other tenants the same way.
Tenants must request a reasonable accommodation for a service animal or emotional support animal, and landlords may deny this request if it causes an undue burden. An undue burden could be a substantial financial or administrative burden, a threat to the health and safety of others, or the likelihood of causing substantial damage to the property. Landlords can request documentation from tenants to support their request for a reasonable accommodation, such as a letter from their doctor confirming their disability or need for a service animal.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, landlords have the discretion to charge pet deposits, but these charges are subject to state law limitations.
A pet deposit is a one-time payment designed to protect the landlord and the leased premises against damages that may be caused by a tenant’s pet. Pet deposits are usually refundable, depending on the terms of the lease agreement and any applicable state or local laws. A pet fee is usually a non-refundable one-time payment required of a tenant to allow the tenant’s pet to stay at the property.
Pet rent is an additional recurring monthly charge that a tenant agrees to pay for having a pet in the rental unit. It often varies depending on the size and number of pets.
Yes, if you have a service animal, you are not required to pay any pet fees. A service animal is an animal that has been specially trained to help you with your disability.
In Minnesota, the total amount of the security deposit (including the pet deposit) may not exceed two months' rent. Landlords have a 21-day limit to return the tenant's security deposit and provide itemized deductions.






























