Pet Rent, Pet Fees and Pet Deposits in Austin High Rises
Monthly pet rent vs. one-time fee vs. refundable deposit, deposit alternatives for pets, and the total first-year cost.
By the Austin High Rise Apartment Team · · 5 min read
Three charges with similar names
Renting with a pet in an Austin high rise usually involves up to three different charges. They sound alike but work very differently, and buildings mix them in different ways. Here’s how to compare them when shopping our pet-friendly high rises.
| Charge | When you pay | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| Pet rent | Every month, per pet | No |
| Pet fee | Once, at move-in | No |
| Pet deposit | Once, at move-in | Yes, minus damage |
Many towers charge pet rent plus a pet fee. Some add a pet deposit. Some charge per pet, others per household.
Add it up for year one
The only fair comparison is total first-year cost:
Year-one pet cost = (monthly pet rent × 12 × number of pets) + pet fee(s) + any non-refunded deposit + pet screening fee
A building with low pet rent and a high fee can cost more or less than one with the opposite structure, depending on how long you stay. For a 12-month lease, monthly pet rent usually matters most. For a short stay, the one-time fee weighs more.
Two pets, double the math
Pet rent is often charged per pet. Two dogs can mean twice the monthly charge, plus a fee for each.
Other pet-related costs
- Pet screening fee: some buildings use a third-party screening service with its own fee.
- Pet DNA registration: a one-time charge at buildings that use DNA to enforce waste rules.
- Move-out charges: cleaning or carpet replacement beyond normal wear, deducted from deposits.
Deposit alternatives for pets
Most Austin towers accept at least one deposit alternative: Jetty, Obligo, TheGuarantors or Rhino. Whether a program can replace a pet deposit depends on the building and program. If keeping move-in cash matters, ask. See deposit alternative apartments.
Assistance animals
Service animals and emotional support animals are not pets under fair housing rules and generally aren’t charged pet rent, pet fees or pet deposits. Buildings may request documentation for an emotional support animal through their own process.
Comparing two buildings
Here’s how the same dog can cost different amounts at two towers. The amounts below are illustrative, to show the method:
| Building A | Building B | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly pet rent | Lower | Higher |
| One-time pet fee | Higher | Lower |
| Refundable pet deposit | None | Yes |
| Year-one total | Depends on fee size | Depends on monthly rate |
To compare, add 12 months of pet rent plus the fee for each, then treat any refundable deposit as cash tied up rather than a cost. For a one-year stay, the building with lower monthly pet rent usually wins. For a short stay, the one with the lower one-time fee usually does.
Questions to ask
- Is pet rent charged per pet or per household?
- Is the pet fee per pet?
- Is there a refundable pet deposit, and what’s deducted from it?
- Are there pet screening or DNA registration fees?
- Are any pet fees waived during current lease specials?
Planning a move-out with a pet
The most common pet charges at move-out are for flooring, door frames and blinds. Before you leave, repair small scratches you’re allowed to fix, clean thoroughly and take photos. A clean move-out keeps a pet deposit refundable. For breed, weight and count rules, read the pet policy guide.
How to keep pet costs down
- Compare total year-one cost, not just monthly pet rent.
- Ask whether pet fees are waived during lease-up specials.
- Take good move-in photos so a pet deposit comes back.
- Ask whether a deposit alternative can cover the pet deposit.
We add up pet costs for every building on your shortlist and confirm the current policy for your pet. For breed, weight and count rules, read the Austin high rise pet policy guide.