Hypothetical question
signing a new lease in massachusetts. landlord wants: $500 "non-refundable" pet fee + $50/month "pet rent" + standard security deposit. is this legal? feels excessive for a 30 lb dog.
signing a new lease in massachusetts. landlord wants: $500 "non-refundable" pet fee + $50/month "pet rent" + standard security deposit. is this legal? feels excessive for a 30 lb dog.
MA security deposit cap = 1 month rent. ALL deposits including pet deposits count toward that cap. "non-refundable pet fee" is essentially banned in MA — any "deposit" must be refundable.
monthly pet rent is allowed but unusual in MA. negotiate it down or out.
also: if your dog is a service or emotional support animal under FHA, the landlord cannot charge ANY pet fees, deposits, or pet rent.
negotiate before signing. landlords often have flexibility on pet terms because the alternative is empty unit. ask for the fee to be refundable or waived.