$200 pet fee for allowing pets in an apartment legal?

A friend and I are getting ready to sign a lease on an apartment and when we asked about pets, they said they charge a one time fee of $200. When I asked what the fee went toward they said, "so you can have a pet." I said, "no, what does the fee go toward," to which I got the same reply. They also charge you extra for any pet damage done.

My question is, is it legal to charge someone a fee for a pet just because they can even though they are not using the money for anything? (It is not returned if there is no damage)

Thanks
Answers:
It all depends on who you're renting from. I would not pay a pet fee without seeing everything in writing. Yes, they do charge that and even more for pet fees. Do you have to pay a non-refundable deposit for you and your friend? Make sure it's all in writing.

---

Yep. I have had to pay it for my cats, plus there is usually a $30+ extra put onto your monthly rent for a pet as well.

---

Yes. It is legal.
Most hotels charge extra fees, when you bring a pet, even if you leave the room cleaner then when you arrived.

They use the money to cover the extra cleaning and pet odor removal, which is above and beyond any damage that the pet may have done.

I had a hamster that got out and ate a piece of carpet, a cat that scaled the drapes and shredded a couch, and a dog that chewed and scratched the door...so they do some damage even if they are usually perfect.

---

The property owner can set any fees for whatever they deem necassary. They are the OWNER you are the tenent. You either go by their rules or find another place to live. Just because the charge you a "pet fee" they could have just as eaisly charged you a $200 non-refundable facility fee or something else. Just deal with it or look for another place to live.

In Liberty,
Eric H. Smith
www.erichsmith.com

---

Yes they can charge even more then that they hold it along with the security deposit in case the pet causes damage to walls,carpet,or wood say if the pet causes damage to carpet they can demand it to be replaced and the cost comes out of that fee

---

How many pets they are allowing you to have, any weight limits for pets (single or combined),fees associated with allowing pets and fees in case of damage (in addition to the security deposit you are giving) should be explicitly written in the lease. If the lease does not have these then make sure you get them added so that there is no misunderstandings in the future. The only times I had to pay for my critters was when I was renting an apartment or condo. Yes, unfortunately this is legal.