Three Kinds of Pet Charges
Houston high rises charge for pets in up to three ways, and many buildings use all three. The names sound similar, but they work very differently. This guide breaks them down and shows how to total them over a lease. It is part of our pet-friendly high rise search.
Deposit, Fee and Rent
| Charge | When you pay | Refundable? | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet deposit | At move-in | Usually yes, minus pet damage | Potential damage beyond normal wear |
| One-time pet fee | At move-in | Usually no | Building costs like cleaning and pet amenities |
| Monthly pet rent | Every month | No | Ongoing wear and pet amenities |
Amounts vary by building, and some vary by pet size. We confirm current numbers for your pet from our tracked database rather than estimating.
Read the pet addendum
The pet addendum spells out each charge, the refund conditions on the deposit and any limits on number or size of pets. Ask for it before you apply.
How to Total Pet Costs Over a Lease
Monthly pet rent adds up. Use this formula:
Total pet cost = pet deposit (refundable) + one-time pet fee + (monthly pet rent × lease months)
Lease length matters. Many Houston specials in October 2026 required 14–15 month leases, which means two or three extra months of pet rent compared with a 12-month lease.
Two-Pet Math
Most buildings charge per pet. With two pets, you typically pay:
- Two deposits (or a higher combined deposit)
- Two one-time fees (or one larger fee)
- Two monthly pet rents
Example structure for two dogs on a 15-month lease:
- Pet deposits: 2 × deposit amount
- Pet fees: 2 × fee amount
- Pet rent: 2 × monthly amount × 15
Plug in each building’s numbers to compare. Some buildings also cap combined weight or the number of pets, so check the multiple pet policy first.
Assistance Animals Are Not Pets
Under the Fair Housing Act and HUD guidance, service animals and emotional support animals are assistance animals, not pets. Buildings cannot charge pet rent, pet fees or pet deposits for them, and breed or weight restrictions generally do not apply. A building may ask for reliable documentation when the disability-related need is not obvious. You are still responsible for any actual damage.
Other Pet Costs to Plan For
- Pet screening fees: some buildings use services like PetScreening.com, which may charge a small fee per pet profile.
- Pet DNA programs: a few buildings register dogs for waste-enforcement DNA testing, sometimes with a fee.
- Pet spa and dog wash access: usually included, sometimes reserved.
Adding Pet Costs to Your Move-In Budget
Pet deposits and fees arrive with your other move-in costs. Our move-in costs breakdown shows the full list, and the Move-In Cost Calculator lets you add them to your estimate.
Restrictions Come First
Before comparing costs, make sure your pet qualifies. Weight limits and restricted breed lists rule out many buildings. Read breed and weight restrictions.
Sample Pet Cost Worksheet
Fill this in with each building’s numbers:
| Item | One pet | Two pets |
|---|---|---|
| Pet deposit (refundable) | ____ | ____ |
| One-time pet fee | ____ | ____ |
| Monthly pet rent × lease months | ____ | ____ |
| Pet screening fee | ____ | ____ |
| Total non-refundable cost | ____ | ____ |
Comparing the non-refundable total across buildings is the fairest way to see which tower costs less for your pet.
Protecting Your Pet Deposit
- Photograph floors, doors and blinds at move-in.
- Use furniture protectors and keep nails trimmed.
- Clean accidents quickly and report any damage.
- Get a move-out inspection with photos.
Get Pet Costs for Your Shortlist
Tell us your pet’s breed, weight and count in the questionnaire. We will send towers that accept them with every pet charge totaled over your lease. Start your search.
