CONNECTICUT PET LAWS & PET POLICIES
Connecticut Landlord-Tenant Laws does not have any specific pet laws. Landlords are legally allowed to create their own pet policies and requirements. Including tolerance for breeds, size, types, and more.
Pet deposits are subject to the overall limitations on security deposits. In other words, whether the deposit is called a pet deposit or last month's rent, it is considered a security deposit.
Under state law, you can only take a certain amount of money upfront:
- Tenant under 62: TWO months’ rent MAX. That’s for everything—security deposit, pet deposit, key deposit, you name it.
- Tenant 62 or older: ONE month’s rent MAX. Yes, seniors get extra protection.
Source: https://ctlawhelp.org/en/housing/landlord-tenant/security-deposits#s1
Here's an example of the deposit math:
- Monthly Rent: $2,500
- Max Total Deposit (tenant under 62): $5,000
- Legal Calculation: $3,500 security deposit + $1,500 pet deposit = $5,000 total ✅
- Illegal Calculation: $3,500 security deposit + $2,000 pet deposit = $5,500 total ❌
Pet Deposit vs. Pet Fee
What’s the difference between pet deposit and pet fees? Simple.
Pet deposit must be refundable. Pet fees are non-refundable.
A pet deposit is like security deposit. Assuming the tenants leave the rental property in good condition, by law they receive their deposit back. Like a security deposit, landlords can withhold funds for damages repairs. Landlords need to itemize all the damages that resulted from the pet.
Pet fees are a one-time non-refundable payment. Often included in their leasing agreement and move-in fees. Although tenants would be responsible if they got a pet during the middle of their lease. Therefore, pet fees are required any time during their occupancy.
Since pet fees are non-refundable, the landlord keeps the fees regardless if pets caused damage or not.
Both pet deposits and pet fees are collected either when the tenants move in or when a new pet moves into the rental property.
What is Pet Rent?
Pet rent is a different model charging for pets. Instead of a large lump sum paid upfront for pet deposits or pet fees, pet rent is a smaller amount added to rent each month.
Landlords and property managers prefer Pet Rent. Deposits and fees are both sunk costs.
No matter how long the tenant occupies the rental, their deposit or fees will never go up. However, since pet rent is charged monthly the landlord will continue to earn income until the tenants move out.
It is best to take your pet fees and divide by 12 months. At the end of the first year, you earned the same amount or more than the one-time pet fees. Longer a tenant stays, more pet rent income you generate.
Suggested Pet Structure
- Security Deposit – follow state law, commonly 1-2x month’s rent and refundable
- Rent – Recurring monthly
- Pet Rent – Recurring monthly; $25-50. Per pet.
Moving is a financial burden for most tenants. Coming up with security deposit plus pet deposit can strain their finances.
Pet deposit limits the max damage the tenants are responsible for. If damage goes over, that obligation is the landlords. Some states do not allow security deposit to cover pet damage if pet deposit was received.
Pet fees are another financial burden. While it is nice to have the fees upfront, more fees can hinder better applicants. These fees are one-time, regardless the duration of leasing.
However, pet rent is more affordable for tenant’s monthly budget. Landlords have an opportunity to earn more income during the long run. Generally considered a win-win for all parties.
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