Why are pet fees non-refundable when renting a home?

Question

Why isn't it just added to the security deposit and returned if the home was left in good standings? Just curious!

Answer 1

There is extra cleaning involved in getting out all the hair and dander. Plus, it is a way to get a bit of extra possible profit.

Answer 2

Just another way to make some extra cash.

Answer 3

You are basically paying the landlord to have a pet when the lease says you can't.  

Answer 4

There's probably an expectation that when you move, the landlord will have some extra expense associated with cleaning the place for the next tenants, regardless of how well you do at leaving the place in good condition.

Answer 5

To pay for the extra super-duper cleaning they will do after you leave - yeah right. It's pure profit.

Answer 6

because even if it is pretty clean - they usually have some pet related damage, cleaning or smell.

Answer 7

Generally, landlords expect additional clean up in a unit after a tenant owning a pet vacates.  Most times, even if the tenant thinks the place is spotless when leaving, there are odors which remain (which the tenant has actually become accustomed to living there).  Most times, a professional 'deodorizing' is done to insure that no pet odors remain for the next tenant.

Answer 8

in the case of my apartment complex, i also had to pay a non-refindable pet deposit.  i was told that i paid said deposit for various reasons.  They basically told me that they do a thourough cleaning of the apartment, to get out any allergens or pet odors for the next tenant, so if they have allergies, or a pet as well, they can live comfortable and not have their pet pee everywhere my pet might have...

Answer 9

Because a non-refundable deposit is your payment for the privilege of having a pet on the property.  Most landlord will not do this...some do.  Usually a pet deposit is also accompanied by a monthly pet rent.