One of the most common questions from renters with pets: does my state limit how much my landlord can charge for a pet deposit? The answer varies dramatically by state — and knowing the rules can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
States WITH Pet Deposit Caps
- California: Up to 3x monthly rent for units with pets (Civil Code §1950.5)
- Oregon: Pet deposit capped at 1/2 month's rent (ORS 90.300) — one of the only state-specific pet deposit caps in the country
- Massachusetts: No separate pet deposit allowed — only 1 month's security deposit total (GL c. 186)
- New Jersey: Total deposits capped at 1.5x monthly rent (NJ Stat 46:8-21.2)
- Virginia: Total deposit cap of 2x monthly rent (VA Code §55.1-1200)
- Maryland: Total deposit cap of 2x monthly rent (Real Property §8-203)
- Michigan: Total deposit cap of 1.5x monthly rent (MCL 554.601)
- Nevada: Total deposit cap of 3x monthly rent (NRS 118A.242)
- Pennsylvania: 2x rent year 1, 1x year 2+ (68 Pa. C.S. §250)
- Colorado: 2x monthly rent cap for pet owners (HB 23-1099)
- Nebraska: 1x monthly rent cap
- Montana: 1x monthly rent + up to 1 additional month for pets (MCA 70-24)
- Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Rhode Island, New Mexico: 1-2x monthly rent caps
- Connecticut: 2x monthly rent (1x if 62+)
States WITHOUT Pet Deposit Caps
Many major rental states have no cap: Texas, Florida, Ohio, Washington, Illinois (statewide), Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
ESA Exception
Regardless of your state's pet deposit laws, ESA owners in ALL states are protected from pet deposits, pet rent, and pet fees under the federal Fair Housing Act. This federal protection supersedes any state law.
What To Do If Your Landlord Exceeded the Cap
- Document the excess amount
- Send a formal demand for refund citing your state statute
- File a complaint with your state housing agency
- Consider small claims court — most cap violations allow 2-3x the overcharge plus attorney fees