please explain "pet rent" to me

[BlackCanary]

So we are looking at apartments to look at and I keep finding a thing called pet rent. It only applies to dogs and the only info I can find online is that it covers cleaning and whatnot after you move. But isn't that what the deposit is for?

[dawnyp]

Some places will charge extra rent for dogs the security deposit doesn't always cover all the cleaning and damages that a dog may do. I know friends in California had to put down a pet deposit and pay extra each month for their 2 dogs.

[FrozenSunshine]

It's rent for them to be there. If there is a separate pet deposit it may or may not be refundable.

My old landlord charged it because she figured if damage was done it was usually in excess of the deposit and she didn't have to fight with tenants for more $.

[Deleted]

I don't get it either, and imho, it's just a way to try and get more money out of people. A monthly additional fee for a pet is ridiculous. Additional eposit makes sense.

[hallows]

We paid a hefty deposit for Augi, and we also pay for pet rent each month. I think it's bogus, but it covers the general wear and tear the addition of a dog might do - carpet stains, damage, fur that doesn't come up when you vacuum, etc.

[BlackCanary]

Thank you for the responses everyone! I appreciate it. ;D

[sarack]

we pay pet rent and put a deposit down. it's effing expensive.

[maddysmum]

We paid a hefty deposit, but no pet rent. Exorbitant people rent, but no pet rent.

But we live in a single family house, not a complex/apartment/townhouse type of rental.