Can Landlords Charge Pet Owners Extra Cleaning Fees? Know Your Rights & Fight Back

Are Pet Cleaning Fees Legal, or Are You Being Scammed?

Many pet owners assume that if they paid a pet deposit or monthly pet rent, they won’t be charged extra cleaning fees when they move out.

🚨 Think again! 🚨 Some landlords double-dip—charging both a non-refundable pet fee AND security deposit deductions for “excessive pet cleaning.”

But is this legal? Or are you getting scammed?

This guide will explain:

✅ When landlords can legally charge for pet cleaning.
✅ When pet cleaning fees are illegal (or excessive).
✅ How to dispute unfair charges and get your deposit back.

1: What Pet Fees Are LEGAL vs. What’s a Scam?

Not all pet-related fees are legal. Some landlords use vague wording to charge renters twice for the same thing.

📌 Types of Pet Fees Landlords Charge (And When They’re Legal)

Fee Type	What It Means	Legal?
Pet Deposit	A refundable deposit for pet-related damage	✅ Yes (if separate from security deposit)
Pet Rent	Extra monthly fee for having a pet	✅ Yes (if disclosed in lease)
Pet Cleaning Fee	A one-time, non-refundable charge	✅ Yes (if stated upfront)
Security Deposit Deduction	Deducting for pet-related cleaning	🚨 Only if excessive cleaning is needed
Professional Cleaning Mandate	Requiring professional cleaning at move-out	🚨 Illegal in many states

🚨 When Pet Cleaning Fees Are ILLEGAL

❌ If the lease doesn’t mention extra cleaning fees.
❌ If the landlord charges a pet deposit & still deducts from the security deposit for cleaning.
❌ If you already cleaned thoroughly, but they still charge for extra cleaning.
❌ If your state has laws limiting non-refundable fees.

🔹 Tenant Tip: Just because a landlord says you owe a fee doesn’t mean it’s legal!

2: What Fees Are Actually Legal & What’s a Scam?

🚨 Some landlords use vague lease language to trick tenants into paying extra.

📌 How to Tell If a Pet Cleaning Fee Is Legit

Landlord Says…	What It Really Means	Is It Legal?
“All pet owners must pay for professional cleaning at move-out.”	Forced cleaning fees aren’t allowed in many states.	🚨 Usually illegal
“You have pet odors, so we’re deducting for deep cleaning.”	Can be legal if odors are obvious and extreme.	✅ Depends on state & severity
“All tenants must have carpets professionally cleaned.”	Not enforceable unless clearly in lease.	🚨 Usually illegal
“We’re keeping part of your security deposit for pet cleaning.”	Only legal if there’s damage beyond normal cleaning needs.	✅ If excessive mess exists

🔹 Tenant Tip: If your landlord claims cleaning fees, ask for a detailed itemized bill. If they refuse, challenge the charge!

3: How to Dispute Unfair Pet Cleaning Charges & Win

If you know your rights and challenge cleaning deductions properly, you can often get your money back.

📌 Step 1: Request an Itemized Invoice

✅ If your landlord deducted from your deposit for cleaning, they MUST provide an itemized list.
✅ If they refuse, this is often illegal, and you may be entitled to a full refund.

📌 Step 2: Show Proof of Move-Out Cleaning

✅ If you deep-cleaned the unit, provide photos & cleaning receipts.
✅ Send an email with before-and-after photos of carpets, walls, and floors.

📌 Step 3: Use State Laws to Challenge the Fee

✅ Some states prohibit excessive cleaning fees (see table below).
✅ If your state limits deposit deductions, mention this in your dispute.

📌 Step 4: Send a Formal Dispute Letter

📍 Subject: Dispute of Security Deposit Deduction for Pet Cleaning

Hi [Landlord’s Name],

I received notice that $[Amount] was deducted from my security deposit for pet-related cleaning. However, per [State Law], landlords cannot charge excessive cleaning fees unless the unit was returned in an unclean condition beyond normal wear and tear.

I have attached:
📌 Photos showing the unit was left in clean condition.
📌 A copy of my professional cleaning receipt.
📌 [State Law Reference] that prohibits excessive deductions.

Please refund the deducted amount by [Date]. If not, I will pursue further action with [tenant rights agency or small claims court].

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
📞 [Your Contact Information]

🔹 Tenant Tip: If they ignore you, send the letter via certified mail—this creates a legal record that may be useful in small claims court.

4: What State Laws Say About Pet Cleaning Fees

State	Can Landlords Charge Extra Pet Cleaning Fees?
California	❌ No, unless excessive damage exists
New York	❌ No, professional cleaning fees are illegal
Texas	✅ Yes, if lease states it
Illinois	🚨 Maybe, but only for excessive mess
Florida	✅ Yes, if clearly in lease

🔹 Tenant Tip: Look up your state’s tenant laws to see if pet cleaning fees are legal where you live, and yes laws change with time, check them often

🏠🧼💰 Summary: Know Your Rights & Fight Back

Issue	What to Do
Charged for pet cleaning fees	Ask for an itemized invoice
Told to pay for professional cleaning	Check state laws—this is illegal in many states
Deposit deductions for pet stains	Show before-and-after photos proving it was clean
Landlord refuses to refund charges	Send a formal dispute letter & take legal action

🏠 Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Landlords Charge You Twice for Pet Cleaning

🏠 Most pet-related cleaning fees can be challenged—if you know your rights.

✅ Read your lease carefully before moving out.
✅ Dispute any unfair cleaning charges using photos & receipts.
✅ Use state laws to fight back against landlords who overcharge.

Follow these steps, and you’ll keep more of your security deposit—without paying unnecessary pet cleaning fees!

🏠🧼💰 Important Note: Some landlords strictly prohibit pets, and if you’ve had one without disclosing it, you could be facing serious consequences. Unauthorized pets can lead to lease violations, fines, or even eviction—so if this applies to you, be prepared for potential penalties. 🏠🧼💰