Hi guys gals.. my tenant wants to get a pet which I said was okay.. I was curious what is the common way of handling this situation in terms of how much I should charge for a deposit. I know it probably varies but its a 2 story house 1,800 sq and he said its not going to be inside the house. I did some searching online and people are saying $250 deposit and $250 non-refundable? And some are charging an extra month to month rent for the dog.. Thanks

You already said "okay" without any of these stipulations ?

If the Dog is not going to be in the house, what happens if neighbors complain ?

Why should the $250 be Non-Refundable ? The place might be left in pristine condition; in which case, there there should be no penalty.

Oh my gawd! Why are you attacking me? I said its okay yes but I told him that I will set the contract/rules and the amount of the deposit. Geez im asking for advice for what is a good range to charge for pet deposit. And that $250 non-refundable was something I googled and read about what some landlords are doing.. so please read my posting again..

I don't think that was an attack - I could be wrong - but I don't think so.

As for the house being left in pristine condition - to someone with allergies that is all but an impossibility, so that will affect your rental possibilities after the current tenant moves out.

I feel you are on the right track - you have to make money and protect your interests - if your tenants don't agree then they can exercise the options available.

The neighbor situation shouldn't be a big worry uncles you are in a gated community - as it will be a civil issue the tenants will have to take care of.