Arizona Rules on Pet Rent, Fees, and Deposits for Renters

Arizona renters with pets often wonder what types of charges landlords can require, especially regarding recurring pet rent, one-time fees, or deposits. Knowing your rights helps you budget and prevents surprise costs.

Pet Rent, Pet Fees, and Pet Deposits: What's Allowed in Arizona?

In Arizona, landlords are allowed to charge pet rent, pet fees, or pet deposits, but there are legal limits renters should understand. All pet-related charges must be clearly itemized and explained in your written lease agreement. Here’s how each type works:

• Pet Rent: This is a recurring fee (typically monthly) paid in addition to your base rent for keeping a pet.
• Pet Deposit: This is a refundable security deposit for potential pet-related damage.
• Nonrefundable Pet Fee: This is a one-time, nonrefundable payment meant to cover cleaning or extra wear due to pets.

Are There Legal Caps on Pet Rent or Fees?

Arizona law does not set a maximum amount or cap on pet rent. However, there are rules regarding security deposits:

• The combined total of all deposits—including security and pet deposits—cannot exceed one and one-half months' rent (1.5x) under the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. § 33-1321)[1].
• Nonrefundable pet fees are not included in this 1.5 months’ rent cap—only the refundable portions (deposits).

This means landlords may charge pet rent in any amount the market supports, alongside security and pet deposits, provided the refundable portions don’t exceed the cap.

Rules About Assistance Animals

Under both federal and Arizona law, service animals and emotional support animals are not considered pets. Landlords may not charge pet rent, fees, or deposits for certified assistance animals[2]. You may be asked to provide documentation or forms for verification, but you cannot be charged extra simply for having an assistance animal.

How Are Pet Charges Collected and Documented?

All pet rent, fees, and deposits must be disclosed in your lease. Make sure pet charges are:

• Itemized separately from general rent or security deposits
• Documented in writing in your signed lease agreement
• Returned to you (if refundable) within 14 days after your move-out, as required by Arizona law

If you believe you’ve been charged excess deposits or had pet charges applied to an assistance animal, you have the right to address this.

Which Forms Might Renters Encounter?

• Arizona Residential Lease Agreement: This is usually the main written contract where all pet rent or pet deposit terms are spelled out. Review it closely before signing.
• Move-In/Move-Out Condition Checklist (Form: Move-In/Move-Out Inspection List): Used to document the property’s condition so pet damage can be fairly assessed. Find a printable template from the Arizona Department of Housing (PDF).
• Service/Assistance Animal Verification or Request Form: If your pet is an assistance animal, landlords may ask for documentation. The Arizona Attorney General Fair Housing Unit has relevant guidance and forms.

Tip: If your landlord requires an additional deposit or nonrefundable fee for your pet, double-check that the totals are legal under state law. For move-out, using the official condition checklist can help prove the property was left in good shape.

Where to Go for Pet Rent Disputes

If you believe your landlord has charged more than allowed, or has wrongly applied charges to an assistance animal, you can:

• Contact the Arizona Department of Housing
• File a fair housing complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division
• Seek a hearing with your local Housing Court or Justice Court, which handles landlord-tenant disputes in Arizona

FAQ: Arizona Renters and Pet Charges

1. Can landlords charge monthly pet rent in Arizona?
   Yes, Arizona landlords may charge monthly pet rent in any amount unless otherwise limited by your lease. There is no specific statewide cap.
2. Is there a maximum pet deposit a landlord can require?
   Yes, the total of all refundable deposits (including pet) cannot exceed 1.5 months’ rent under Arizona law.
3. Are nonrefundable pet fees legal in Arizona?
   Yes, one-time nonrefundable pet fees are permitted and are not included in the deposit cap.
4. Do the same pet rent rules apply to service animals or emotional support animals?
   No. Landlords cannot charge pet rent, deposits, or fees for assistance or service animals with proper documentation.
5. What can I do if I think I was overcharged for pet fees?
   You can contact the Arizona Department of Housing, Attorney General’s Fair Housing Division, or seek help in Housing/Justice Court to dispute the charge.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Arizona can charge pet rent or fees, but the combined refundable deposits cannot exceed 1.5 months’ rent.
• Nonrefundable pet fees are legal, but not subject to the deposit cap.
• Service and support animals are not subject to pet charges with proper documentation.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arizona Department of Housing: Info on landlord-tenant laws and rental complaints
• Arizona Attorney General’s Fair Housing Unit: For discrimination or assistance animal disputes
• Arizona Courts Self-Service Center: Guidance on Housing and Justice Court for rental disputes
• Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Full official legislation

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1. Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1321 – Security Deposits
2. Arizona Attorney General’s Fair Housing Information

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