{
  "name": "ESA Pet Fee Index",
  "publisher": "Support Animal",
  "source": "https://supportanimal.com/blog/esa-pet-fee-index/",
  "cite": "Support Animal, \"ESA Pet Fee Index\"",
  "updated": "2026-09-24",
  "rows": [
    {
      "state": "alabama",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1 month's rent",
        "detail": "No more than one month's periodic rent as security, except extra sums for pets, changes to the premises or increased liability risk.",
        "cite": "Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(a)",
        "url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "extra-allowed",
        "detail": "The one-month cap expressly excepts pets, so a landlord may take a pet deposit on top of it; the statute sets no dollar limit.",
        "cite": "Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(a)",
        "url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "We read every section of Alabama's landlord-tenant chapters 35-9 and 35-9A; none limits monthly pet rent.",
        "cite": "Ala. Code §§ 35-9-1 et seq., 35-9A-101 et seq.",
        "url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "60 days",
        "detail": "Due 60 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered, with an itemised list of withholdings; the tenant must give a written forwarding address.",
        "cite": "Ala. Code § 35-9A-201",
        "url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama"
      },
      "stateName": "Alabama",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "trained-only",
        "detail": "Bars extra compensation for a trained service animal in housing; an ESA must reach the same result through the accommodation analysis in § 24-8-7(g)(2).",
        "cite": "Ala. Code § 21-7-9(c)(2)",
        "url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "alaska",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "2 months' rent",
        "detail": "Deposit plus prepaid rent is capped at two months' rent; the whole section, cap included, does not apply where rent exceeds $2,000 a month.",
        "cite": "AS 34.03.070(a)",
        "url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#34.03.070"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "extra-allowed",
        "detail": "An additional pet deposit of up to one month's rent, held separately for pet damage only; the limit falls away where rent exceeds $2,000 a month.",
        "cite": "AS 34.03.070(h), (i)(2)",
        "url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#34.03.070"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "We searched the full text of AS 34.03: its only pet rule is the extra deposit in 34.03.070(h), and nothing limits monthly pet rent for an ordinary pet.",
        "cite": "AS 34.03.070(h)",
        "url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=34.03.010&secEnd=34.03.380"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "14 days",
        "detail": "14 days after the tenancy ends with complying notice, or 30 days if damages are deducted or notice did not comply; wilful failure risks twice the amount.",
        "cite": "AS 34.03.070(d), (g)",
        "url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#34.03.070"
      },
      "stateName": "Alaska",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "trained-only",
        "detail": "Allows an extra pet deposit of up to one month's rent except for an individually trained service animal; an ESA is spared only by federal law.",
        "cite": "AS 34.03.070(h), (i)(2)",
        "url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#34.03.070"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "arizona",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1.5 months' rent",
        "detail": "Covers security however denominated, including prepaid rent.",
        "cite": "A.R.S. § 33-1321",
        "url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "counts-in-cap",
        "detail": "Security \"however denominated\" is capped, so an animal deposit sits inside the 1.5-month limit rather than on top of it.",
        "cite": "A.R.S. § 33-1321",
        "url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "We read every section of the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; none limits monthly pet rent, and § 33-1329 bars city rent control.",
        "cite": "A.R.S. §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381",
        "url": "https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "14 days",
        "detail": "14 days excluding weekends and legal holidays, counted from termination, delivery of possession and the tenant's demand; itemised list required.",
        "cite": "A.R.S. § 33-1321",
        "url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm"
      },
      "stateName": "Arizona",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "none",
        "detail": "No Arizona statute bars a pet fee for an ESA; § 33-1321 caps all security, however denominated, at one and one-half month's rent.",
        "cite": "A.R.S. § 33-1321",
        "url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "california",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1 month's rent",
        "detail": "Two months' rent for a natural-person or all-natural-person LLC landlord owning at most two properties with four units, but not for a service member tenant.",
        "cite": "Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)",
        "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1950.5"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "counts-in-cap",
        "detail": "Security however denominated may not exceed the cap, which folds any pet deposit into that single limit rather than allowing it separately.",
        "cite": "Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)",
        "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1950.5"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "We read the full Civil Code chapter on hiring of real property; its only animal rule bars forced declawing or devocalizing (§ 1942.7), with no pet rent limit.",
        "cite": "Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1940 to 1954.071",
        "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&division=3.&title=5.&part=4.&chapter=2.&article="
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "21 days",
        "detail": "Within 21 calendar days after the tenant moves out, the landlord must return the balance with an itemized statement of any deductions.",
        "cite": "Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)",
        "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1950.5"
      },
      "stateName": "California",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "covers-esa",
        "detail": "A FEHA regulation, not a statute, bars pet deposits, pet rent or other fees for a support animal; the Civil Rights Department states this on its housing page.",
        "cite": "Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 12185(d)",
        "url": "https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/housing/"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "colorado",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "2 months' rent",
        "detail": "No more than two monthly rent payments; from January 1, 2027 the cap does not apply to a post-closing occupancy agreement after a home sale.",
        "cite": "C.R.S. § 38-12-102.5",
        "url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb26-054"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "extra-allowed",
        "detail": "An additional pet deposit of up to $300, which must be refundable, in force since January 1, 2024.",
        "cite": "C.R.S. § 38-12-106",
        "url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1068"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "Capped at $35/mo or 1.5% of rent",
        "detail": "Whichever is greater of $35 a month or 1.5% of monthly rent, in force since January 1, 2024.",
        "cite": "C.R.S. § 38-12-106",
        "url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1068"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "30 days after the tenancy ends, or up to 60 if the lease says so, with a written statement of reasons; rule as rewritten from January 1, 2026.",
        "cite": "C.R.S. § 38-12-103",
        "url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1249"
      },
      "stateName": "Colorado",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "none",
        "detail": "No statute expressly bars a pet charge for an ESA. § 38-12-106 caps pet deposits and pet rent for pets; our pages argue waiver as an accommodation under § 24-34-501(3.5).",
        "cite": "C.R.S. § 38-12-106",
        "url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1068"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "connecticut",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "2 months' rent",
        "detail": "One month's rent for a tenant aged 62 or older, who may reclaim any excess on turning 62.",
        "cite": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(b)",
        "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_831.htm"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "counts-in-cap",
        "detail": "A refundable pet deposit is an advance rental payment under § 47a-21(a)(11), so it counts against the two-month (or one-month) ceiling.",
        "cite": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(b)",
        "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_831.htm"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "Our research of Chapter 831 finds no mention of pets; monthly pet rent falls outside the deposit definition and is not capped.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "21 days",
        "detail": "21 days after the tenancy ends or 15 days after written notice of a forwarding address, whichever is later, with a written statement of damages.",
        "cite": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(d)(2)",
        "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_831.htm"
      },
      "stateName": "Connecticut",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "none",
        "detail": "No statute addresses pet fees or pet rent. A refundable pet deposit counts inside the general security deposit cap of two months' rent (one month at 62+).",
        "cite": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-21(b)",
        "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_831.htm"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "delaware",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1 month's rent",
        "detail": "Applies to leases of a year or more, and to month-to-month tenancies once they have lasted a year; furnished units are exempt.",
        "cite": "25 Del. C. § 5514(a)",
        "url": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title25/c055/index.html"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "extra-allowed",
        "detail": "A separate pet deposit of up to one month's rent regardless of lease length, on top of the security deposit, so up to two months' rent in total.",
        "cite": "25 Del. C. § 5514(i)(2) and § 5141(33)",
        "url": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title25/c055/index.html"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "Our research read Title 25 chs. 51, 53, 55 and 70 in full; § 5514 never addresses monthly pet rent and nothing caps it.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "20 days",
        "detail": "Remit and itemise damages within 20 days of the tenancy ending; failing to itemise concedes no damages are due, and wrongful withholding risks double.",
        "cite": "25 Del. C. § 5514(e)–(g)",
        "url": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title25/c055/index.html"
      },
      "stateName": "Delaware",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "trained-only",
        "detail": "§ 5514(i)(3) bars a pet deposit only for a 'duly certified and trained support animal', which § 5141(38) defines as trained to do work or perform tasks.",
        "cite": "25 Del. C. § 5514(i)(3) and § 5141(38)",
        "url": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title25/c055/index.html"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "district-of-columbia",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1 month's rent",
        "detail": "All security counts toward the first full month's rent, charged once; federally subsidised and agency-leased units are excluded.",
        "cite": "14 DCMR 308.1, 308.2, 308.8",
        "url": "https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/SectionList.aspx?SectionNumber=14-308"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "extra-allowed",
        "detail": "From Oct 1, 2026: a refundable pet deposit up to 15% of monthly rent on top of the cap. Before then, any pet deposit sits inside the one-month cap.",
        "cite": "D.C. Law 25-308 § 2(c)(2); D.C. Act 26-416 § 7259",
        "url": "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/laws/25-308"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "Capped at 1% of rent (Oct 2026)",
        "detail": "From Oct 1, 2026: up to 1% of the first full month's rent per dog, 1% total for other pets. Before then, we found no DC text on pet rent.",
        "cite": "D.C. Law 25-308 § 2(c)(2); D.C. Act 26-416 § 7259",
        "url": "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/laws/25-308"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "45 days",
        "detail": "Refund with interest, or give written notice of intent to withhold, within 45 days; any balance follows within 30 days with an itemised statement.",
        "cite": "14 DCMR 309; D.C. Code § 42-3502.17(c), (e)",
        "url": "https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/SectionList.aspx?SectionNumber=14-309"
      },
      "stateName": "District of Columbia",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "covers-esa",
        "detail": "Bars a pet deposit and pet rent for an assistance animal required as a reasonable accommodation, but only from Oct 1, 2026, when D.C. Act 26-416 § 7259 (an emergency act) applies it. The codified Code still read 'Not Funded' in Sept 2026.",
        "cite": "D.C. Law 25-308 § 2(c)(2), § 42-3505.10(b-3); D.C. Act 26-416 § 7259",
        "url": "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/laws/25-308"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "florida",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "No statutory cap",
        "detail": "We read all of Part II of Chapter 83: no section limits the deposit amount, and § 83.425 preempts any local rule on security deposits.",
        "cite": "Fla. Stat. §§ 83.49, 83.425",
        "url": "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0083/0083.html"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "extra-allowed",
        "detail": "Florida law lists a pet deposit as deposit money the landlord must hold under § 83.49, and with no deposit cap there is no ceiling for it to count against.",
        "cite": "Fla. Stat. § 83.43(4)",
        "url": "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0083/0083.html"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "Part II of Chapter 83 never mentions pet rent, and § 83.425 preempts local rules on fees landlords charge, so no Florida city can cap it either.",
        "cite": "Fla. Stat. § 83.425",
        "url": "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0083/0083.html"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "15 days",
        "detail": "Return within 15 days if no claim; to claim, written notice within 30 days, and the tenant then has 15 days to object in writing.",
        "cite": "Fla. Stat. § 83.49",
        "url": "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0083/Sections/0083.49.html"
      },
      "stateName": "Florida",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "covers-esa",
        "detail": "A person allowed to keep an ESA as a reasonable accommodation may not be required to pay extra compensation for the animal.",
        "cite": "Fla. Stat. § 760.27(2)",
        "url": "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0760/Sections/0760.27.html"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "georgia",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "2 months' rent",
        "detail": "Applies to residential leases entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2024; an older lease never renewed is outside it. Georgia had no cap before.",
        "cite": "O.C.G.A. § 44-7-30.1",
        "url": "https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2024-signed-legislation/hb-404/download"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "no-rule",
        "detail": "Georgia does not regulate pet fees; DCA says pet deposits may sit in the security deposit or be separate non-refundable fees, per the lease.",
        "cite": "O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7",
        "url": "https://dca.georgia.gov/document/manuals/georgia-landlord-tenant-handbook/download"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "Georgia does not separately regulate pet fees, per the DCA Landlord-Tenant Handbook we verified.",
        "cite": "O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7",
        "url": "https://dca.georgia.gov/document/manuals/georgia-landlord-tenant-handbook/download"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Within 30 days of the lease ending or the tenant leaving, whichever is later, with written notice of damage withheld; applies to all landlords.",
        "cite": "O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7",
        "url": "https://dca.georgia.gov/document/manuals/georgia-landlord-tenant-handbook/download"
      },
      "stateName": "Georgia",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "trained-only",
        "detail": "The Title 30 no-extra-charge rule in housing covers task-trained service dogs only; Georgia does not regulate pet fees, so an ESA fee comes off only through the accommodation duty.",
        "cite": "O.C.G.A. § 30-4-3",
        "url": "https://gov.georgia.gov/document/2026-signed-legislation/hb-668/download"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "illinois",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "No statutory cap",
        "detail": "We read every act in 765 ILCS and none caps a deposit; local ordinances such as suburban Cook County's cap it at 1.5 months' rent.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "no-rule",
        "detail": "No Illinois statute regulates pet deposits, established by our review of all 130 acts in 765 ILCS.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "No Illinois statute caps pet rent, established by our review of all 130 acts in 765 ILCS.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Itemised statement with receipts within 30 days of move-out to keep any part; otherwise full return within 45 days. All landlords since Jan 1, 2024.",
        "cite": "765 ILCS 710/1",
        "url": "https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ILCS/details?ActID=2202&ChapterID=62&SeqStart=&SeqEnd="
      },
      "stateName": "Illinois",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "trained-only",
        "detail": "The Act's no-extra-charge rule covers guide, hearing or support dogs of blind, hearing impaired or physically disabled tenants only; Illinois caps no pet fee or deposit.",
        "cite": "775 ILCS 5/3-104.1(C)",
        "url": "https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ILCS/details?ActID=2266&ChapterID=64&SeqStart=1900000&SeqEnd=3000000"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "iowa",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "2 months' rent",
        "detail": "Statewide cap on a security deposit for every tenant, with no local variation.",
        "cite": "Iowa Code § 562A.12",
        "url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.12.pdf"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "no-rule",
        "detail": "Chapter 562A never uses the words pet or animal, so Iowa landlord-tenant law says nothing specific about pet deposits.",
        "cite": "Iowa Code § 562A.12",
        "url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.12.pdf"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "Chapter 562A never uses the words pet or animal, per our full-text check, so no state rule limits pet rent.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Return or send a written statement of reasons within 30 days of termination and receipt of the tenant's mailing address, or forfeit the right to withhold.",
        "cite": "Iowa Code § 562A.12",
        "url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.12.pdf"
      },
      "stateName": "Iowa",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "covers-esa",
        "detail": "Landlords must make reasonable accommodations in the rules, policies, practices and services normally required for pets for an assistance animal, which reaches pet rent, fees and deposits.",
        "cite": "Iowa Code § 216.8B(6)(b)",
        "url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/216.8B.pdf"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "kansas",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1 month's rent",
        "detail": "One month's rent for an unfurnished unit, 1.5 months' where the landlord supplies furniture.",
        "cite": "K.S.A. 58-2550(a)",
        "url": "https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch58/058_025_0050.html"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "extra-allowed",
        "detail": "An additional deposit of up to half a month's rent is allowed if the rental agreement permits the tenant to keep pets.",
        "cite": "K.S.A. 58-2550(a)",
        "url": "https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch58/058_025_0050.html"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "K.S.A. 58-2550 is a deposit statute and does not reach monthly pet rent, which is collected and kept rather than held and returned.",
        "cite": "K.S.A. 58-2550",
        "url": "https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch58/058_025_0050.html"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "14 days",
        "detail": "Balance due within 14 days of the landlord fixing charges, and never more than 30 days after termination, possession and the tenant's demand.",
        "cite": "K.S.A. 58-2550(b)-(c)",
        "url": "https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch58/058_025_0050.html"
      },
      "stateName": "Kansas",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "trained-only",
        "detail": "The housing no-extra-charge bars cover dogs specially selected, trained and tested (guide, hearing, service); K.S.A. 58-2550(a) allows a half-month pet deposit where the lease permits pets.",
        "cite": "K.S.A. 39-1108",
        "url": "https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch39/039_011_0008.html"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "maine",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "2 months' rent",
        "detail": "Statewide cap on a residential security deposit, the same figure in every city.",
        "cite": "14 M.R.S. § 6032",
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6032.html"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "counts-in-cap",
        "detail": "A refundable pet deposit is a security deposit \"regardless of its denomination\" under § 6031, so it counts within the two-month cap.",
        "cite": "14 M.R.S. §§ 6031(2), 6032",
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6031.html"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "Maine law names no pet rent and caps no recurring fee; any recurring fee must be disclosed in writing before signing, and 45 days' notice is needed to raise it.",
        "cite": "14 M.R.S. §§ 6030-J, 6015",
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6030-J.html"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days (21 for tenancy at will)",
        "detail": "Return the deposit or an itemised statement within the lease's stated time, at most 30 days; missing the deadline forfeits any right to withhold.",
        "cite": "14 M.R.S. § 6033",
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6033.html"
      },
      "stateName": "Maine",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "covers-esa",
        "detail": "Use of an assistance animal may not be conditioned on a fee or security deposit, though the tenant stays liable for damage the animal does.",
        "cite": "5 M.R.S. § 4582-A(3)",
        "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/5/title5sec4582-A.html"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "maryland",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1 month's rent",
        "detail": "Cap per unit regardless of tenant count, from Oct 1, 2024; up to 2 months only in a narrow written utility-assistance case.",
        "cite": "Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(b)(1)",
        "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=grp&section=8-203&enactments=false"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "counts-in-cap",
        "detail": "A refundable pet deposit is a security deposit under § 8-203(a)(3)'s definition, so it sits inside the one-month cap.",
        "cite": "Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(a)(3)",
        "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=grp&section=8-203&enactments=false"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "Monthly pet fees are unregulated in amount but must be disclosed in the pet policy under § 8-210(c), in force since Oct 1, 2025.",
        "cite": "Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-210(c)",
        "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=grp&section=8-210&enactments=false"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "45 days",
        "detail": "Return within 45 days of the tenancy ending, with interest; failure without reasonable basis risks up to three times the amount withheld.",
        "cite": "Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-203(e)",
        "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=grp&section=8-203&enactments=false"
      },
      "stateName": "Maryland",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "trained-only",
        "detail": "The bar on additional rent or fees covers a trained service dog only, and the definition excludes a dog that provides only emotional support; Human Servs. § 7-704(c) is likewise trained-only.",
        "cite": "Md. Code, State Gov't § 20-706(d); Md. Code, Human Servs. §§ 7-701(g), 7-704(c)",
        "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gsg&section=20-706&enactments=false"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "massachusetts",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1 month's rent",
        "detail": "A security deposit may not exceed the first month's rent, within a closed list of what may be collected at or before the tenancy starts.",
        "cite": "M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B(1)(b)",
        "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleI/Chapter186/Section15B"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "banned",
        "detail": "No up-front pet deposit or pet fee for any tenant: it is not among the four items § 15B(1)(b) allows at or before the tenancy starts.",
        "cite": "M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B(1)(b)",
        "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleI/Chapter186/Section15B"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "unverified",
        "detail": "§ 15B reaches only charges at or before the tenancy starts; whether recurring monthly pet rent is lawful is unresolved in our research.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Return the deposit or its balance within 30 days after termination; missing it forfeits any retention and can bring treble damages.",
        "cite": "M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B",
        "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleI/Chapter186/Section15B"
      },
      "stateName": "Massachusetts",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "covers-esa",
        "detail": "Move-in charges are limited to first and last month's rent, a one-month deposit and a lock and key, so no tenant can be charged a pet deposit or up-front pet fee; monthly pet rent is not covered.",
        "cite": "M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B(1)(b)",
        "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleI/Chapter186/Section15B"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "michigan",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1.5 months' rent",
        "detail": "The cap covers the total held, since a security deposit includes any amount returnable on the unit's condition.",
        "cite": "MCL 554.602; MCL 554.601(d)",
        "url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/michigan/chapter-554/statute-act-348-of-1972/section-554-602/"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "counts-in-cap",
        "detail": "A refundable pet deposit is a security deposit under MCL 554.601(d), so it sits inside the 1.5-month cap. A non-refundable pet fee falls outside that definition.",
        "cite": "MCL 554.601(d); MCL 554.602",
        "url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/michigan/chapter-554/statute-act-348-of-1972/section-554-601/"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "MCL 554.602 caps deposits only; our statute research found no Michigan rule capping monthly pet rent.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Itemised list of damages due within 30 days of move-out; tenant must give a forwarding address within 4 days; landlord must sue within 45 days or return the balance.",
        "cite": "MCL 554.609, 554.611, 554.613",
        "url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/michigan/chapter-554/statute-act-348-of-1972/section-554-607/"
      },
      "stateName": "Michigan",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "none",
        "detail": "No Michigan statute addresses pet fees for assistance animals; a refundable pet deposit counts inside the 1.5-months'-rent deposit cap for every tenant, and pet rent is uncapped.",
        "cite": "MCL 554.602; MCL 554.601(d)",
        "url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/michigan/chapter-554/statute-act-348-of-1972/section-554-602/"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "minnesota",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "No statutory cap",
        "detail": "All 97 sections of ch. 504B were searched for cap language on 2026-08-11 with no match; § 504B.178 governs handling, not amount.",
        "cite": "Minn. Stat. § 504B.178",
        "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504B.178"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "no-rule",
        "detail": "No cap on any deposit, pet or otherwise. A lease that charges pet fees must disclose they cannot apply to a service or support animal.",
        "cite": "Minn. Stat. § 504B.113, subd. 3(b)",
        "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504B.113"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "A full-text search of ch. 504B found no limit on monthly pet charges; § 504B.120 only requires nonoptional fees to be listed in the lease.",
        "cite": "Minn. Stat. § 504B.120",
        "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504B/full"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "21 days",
        "detail": "Return with 1% simple interest, or a written statement of reasons for withholding, within three weeks of tenancy end (five days on condemnation).",
        "cite": "Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 3",
        "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504B.178"
      },
      "stateName": "Minnesota",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "covers-esa",
        "detail": "A landlord must not charge an additional fee, charge or deposit for a service or support animal; the tenant stays liable for actual damage.",
        "cite": "Minn. Stat. § 504B.113, subd. 3(a)",
        "url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504B.113"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "montana",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "No statutory cap",
        "detail": "A section-by-section sweep of MCA Title 70, ch. 25 found no limit on the amount; the chapter regulates deductions and return only.",
        "cite": "MCA 70-25-101",
        "url": "https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0700/chapter_0250/part_0010/section_0010/0700-0250-0010-0010.html"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "no-rule",
        "detail": "No deposit cap exists, and a fee for cleaning and damages, however named, is presumed to be a security deposit and bound by the deduction rules.",
        "cite": "MCA 70-25-101(4)",
        "url": "https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0700/chapter_0250/part_0010/section_0010/0700-0250-0010-0010.html"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "We searched every section of MCA Title 70, chapters 24 and 25, and found no limit on monthly pet rent; pets appear only in eviction notice and ESA rules.",
        "cite": "MCA Title 70, ch. 24 and 25",
        "url": "https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0700/chapter_0240/parts_index.html"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Itemised list and refund within 30 days of the tenancy ending; with no damage, cleaning, unpaid rent or utilities, the full deposit is due within 10 days.",
        "cite": "MCA 70-25-202",
        "url": "https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0700/chapter_0250/part_0020/section_0020/0700-0250-0020-0020.html"
      },
      "stateName": "Montana",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "trained-only",
        "detail": "The bar on 'extra compensation' in housing covers a service animal only, and MCA 49-4-203(2) excludes the ESA, so no Montana statute bars a pet fee for an ESA.",
        "cite": "MCA 49-4-214(2)",
        "url": "https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0490/chapter_0040/part_0020/section_0140/0490-0040-0020-0140.html"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "new-jersey",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1.5 months' rent",
        "detail": "Additional security collected during a tenancy is capped at 10% of the current deposit per year. Owner-occupied two-unit homes are covered only if the tenant opts in.",
        "cite": "N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2",
        "url": "https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll/statutes/1?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "counts-in-cap",
        "detail": "A refundable pet deposit is security, so it counts inside the 1.5-month ceiling; no statute mentions pet deposits by name.",
        "cite": "N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2",
        "url": "https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll/statutes/1?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "A statute search returned zero hits for \"pet rent\" and \"pet fee\"; no New Jersey statute caps or bans them for tenants generally.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Deposit plus interest, less itemised deductions, due within 30 days of the tenancy ending; wrongful withholding is recoverable at double.",
        "cite": "N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1",
        "url": "https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll/statutes/1?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu"
      },
      "stateName": "New Jersey",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "covers-esa",
        "detail": "N.J.A.C. 13:13-3.4(e) bars extra compensation or an additional deposit because of disability, which reaches an ESA. The statute, N.J.S.A. 10:5-29.2, covers service and guide dogs only.",
        "cite": "N.J.A.C. 13:13-3.4(e)",
        "url": "https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Final-Title-13-12.30.pdf"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "new-mexico",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1 month's rent",
        "detail": "Applies to leases under one year, month-to-month included. An annual lease has no dollar cap, but any amount above one month's rent earns passbook interest.",
        "cite": "NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(A)(1)–(2)",
        "url": "https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/4408/1/document.do"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "no-rule",
        "detail": "A search of all New Mexico law found zero hits for \"pet deposit\"; § 47-8-18 authorises a reasonable deposit only to recover damage to the premises.",
        "cite": "NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(A)",
        "url": "https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/4408/1/document.do"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "A search of the whole New Mexico statutory and regulatory corpus on 2026-09-05 returned zero results for \"pet rent\" and \"pet fee\".",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Itemised list of deductions and any balance due within 30 days of lease end or move-out, whichever is later; no deduction for normal wear and tear.",
        "cite": "NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(C)–(D)",
        "url": "https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/4408/1/document.do"
      },
      "stateName": "New Mexico",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "none",
        "detail": "No housing statute addresses pet fees. The two 'no additional charges' bars cover public accommodations (qualified service animals) and guide dogs, not dwellings.",
        "cite": "NMSA 1978, § 28-11-3(A)(1)",
        "url": "https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/4365/1/document.do"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "new-york",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1 month's rent",
        "detail": "No deposit or advance may exceed one month's rent, with narrow exceptions for seasonal units and owner-occupied cooperatives.",
        "cite": "N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108",
        "url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/7-108"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "counts-in-cap",
        "detail": "No deposit or advance may exceed one month's rent, so a pet deposit must fit inside that limit; RPL § 238-a also bars upfront fees beyond screening costs.",
        "cite": "N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(a); N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 238-a",
        "url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/7-108"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "We searched every section of Real Property Law article 7 and the deposit title of the General Obligations Law and found no rule on monthly pet rent.",
        "cite": "N.Y. Real Prop. Law art. 7; Gen. Oblig. Law art. 7, title 1",
        "url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/RPP/A7"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "14 days",
        "detail": "Itemised statement and balance due within 14 days of vacating; missing it forfeits any right to retain the deposit.",
        "cite": "N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108",
        "url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/7-108"
      },
      "stateName": "New York",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "none",
        "detail": "No statute addresses animal fees; state HCR guidance bars a pet deposit, fee or insurance requirement for an assistance animal. GOL § 7-108 caps all deposits at one month's rent.",
        "cite": "NYS Homes and Community Renewal, assistance animal FAQ",
        "url": "https://hcr.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/03/doc-p-2017.12.12-assistance-animal-faq_7.9.2019.pdf"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "north-carolina",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "2 months' rent",
        "detail": "Two months' rent for terms longer than month to month; 1.5 months on a month-to-month tenancy; two weeks' rent on a week-to-week tenancy.",
        "cite": "N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-51(b)",
        "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_42/GS_42-51.html"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "extra-allowed",
        "detail": "§ 42-53 lets a landlord charge a reasonable, nonrefundable pet fee notwithstanding the deposit rules; no dollar limit is set beyond \"reasonable\".",
        "cite": "N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-53",
        "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_42/GS_42-53.html"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "The word \"pet\" appears once in all of G.S. Chapter 42 (§ 42-53, the pet fee); no provision caps monthly pet rent.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Itemisation and balance due within 30 days after possession is returned; if damage cannot yet be settled, an interim account at 30 days and a final one within 60.",
        "cite": "N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-52",
        "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_42/GS_42-52.html"
      },
      "stateName": "North Carolina",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "trained-only",
        "detail": "§ 168-4.4 bars extra compensation only for trained service animals, and § 42-53 expressly allows pet fees; an approved ESA escapes them through the § 41A-4(f)(2) accommodation.",
        "cite": "N.C. Gen. Stat. § 168-4.4",
        "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_168/GS_168-4.4.html"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "north-dakota",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1 month's rent",
        "detail": "Up to two months is allowed only from a tenant with a felony conviction (as an incentive to rent) or with a judgment for breaching a previous rental agreement.",
        "cite": "NDCC 47-16-07.1(1)",
        "url": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t47c16.pdf"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "extra-allowed",
        "detail": "A separate pet security deposit is allowed up to the greater of $2,500 or two months' rent; it may not be charged for an assistance animal.",
        "cite": "NDCC 47-16-07.1(2)",
        "url": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t47c16.pdf"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "Our statute research found no North Dakota cap on rent, pet rent or non-refundable pet fees; 47-16-07.1 reaches deposits only.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Itemisation and amount due must be delivered or mailed within 30 days after lease end and delivery of possession; wrongful withholding carries treble damages.",
        "cite": "NDCC 47-16-07.1(3)–(4)",
        "url": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t47c16.pdf"
      },
      "stateName": "North Dakota",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "covers-esa",
        "detail": "A pet security deposit is allowed only for an animal that is not a service or companion animal required by a tenant with a disability as a reasonable accommodation.",
        "cite": "NDCC 47-16-07.1(2)",
        "url": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t47c16.pdf"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "ohio",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "No statutory cap",
        "detail": "Ohio sets no limit on the deposit, but any amount over $50 or one month's rent, whichever is greater, earns 5% annual interest if the tenant stays six months or more.",
        "cite": "R.C. 5321.16",
        "url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5321.16"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "no-rule",
        "detail": "Ohio law does not regulate pet deposits or pet fees for an ordinary pet, per our reading of R.C. 5321.16; with no deposit cap, there is no ceiling to count against.",
        "cite": "R.C. 5321.16",
        "url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5321.16"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "Ohio does not regulate pet rent, and R.C. 5321.19 bars any Ohio city from regulating rental-agreement money terms, so no local cap is possible either.",
        "cite": "R.C. 5321.16",
        "url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5321.16"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Itemised written notice and any balance due within 30 days of termination and delivery of possession; the tenant must give a written forwarding address.",
        "cite": "R.C. 5321.16(B)",
        "url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5321.16"
      },
      "stateName": "Ohio",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "unverified",
        "detail": "No statute; OAC 4112-5-07(C) bars any extra charge for an 'animal assistant', but no Ohio ruling confirms an ESA is one. R.C. 955.43's no-fee rule is public places only.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "oklahoma",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "No statutory cap",
        "detail": "41 O.S. § 115 sets no cap on the deposit amount, but the deposit must be held in an Oklahoma escrow account at a federally insured institution.",
        "cite": "41 O.S. § 115",
        "url": "https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/os41.pdf"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "no-rule",
        "detail": "Our verified research found no Oklahoma provision either permitting or prohibiting pet deposits, and no deposit cap to count one against.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "Our research found no Oklahoma provision either permitting or prohibiting pet rent.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "45 days",
        "detail": "Balance and itemised statement due within 45 days of termination, delivery of possession and the tenant's written demand; no demand within six months and the deposit reverts to the landlord.",
        "cite": "41 O.S. § 115",
        "url": "https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/os41.pdf"
      },
      "stateName": "Oklahoma",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "none",
        "detail": "Oklahoma's deposit statute sets no cap and has no pet-deposit rule, and no Oklahoma statute bars a pet fee for an assistance animal in housing.",
        "cite": "41 O.S. § 115",
        "url": "https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/os41.pdf"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "oregon",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "No statutory cap",
        "detail": "Oregon does not cap the security deposit; ORS 90.300(3) requires a written rental agreement to list any deposit paid or required.",
        "cite": "ORS 90.300",
        "url": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "unverified",
        "detail": "Found in an archived copy of the official ORS chapter 90 page; not yet confirmed on the live site, which was amended in the 2026 session.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "unverified",
        "detail": "Found in an archived copy of the official ORS chapter 90 page; not yet confirmed on the live site, which was amended in the 2026 session.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "unverified",
        "detail": "Found in an archived copy of the official ORS chapter 90 page; not yet confirmed on the live site, which was amended in the 2026 session.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "stateName": "Oregon",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "covers-esa",
        "detail": "A landlord may not charge a pet security deposit for a service or companion animal a disabled tenant requires; a capped $50 waste-cleanup fee after written warning survives.",
        "cite": "ORS 90.300(4); ORS 90.302(3)(b)(C)",
        "url": "https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_90.300"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "pennsylvania",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "2 months' rent",
        "detail": "Two months' rent in the first year of a lease, dropping to one month's rent in the second and later years or on renewal.",
        "cite": "Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 §§ 511.1-512",
        "url": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/1951/0/0020..HTM"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "unverified",
        "detail": "Found in an archived copy of the official Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 page; not yet confirmed on the live site.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "unverified",
        "detail": "Found in an archived copy of the official Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 page; not yet confirmed on the live site.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Written list of damages and the balance due within 30 days of the lease ending; a landlord who fails is liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld.",
        "cite": "Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 §§ 511.1-512",
        "url": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/1951/0/0020..HTM"
      },
      "stateName": "Pennsylvania",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "unverified",
        "detail": "We cite no Pennsylvania statute on pet fees for assistance animals; its pages say pet charges do not attach to an approved ESA but give no statutory cite.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "south-carolina",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "No statutory cap",
        "detail": "§ 27-40-410 governs the return of a deposit, not its size; South Carolina sets no ceiling on the amount.",
        "cite": "S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410",
        "url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c040.php"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "no-rule",
        "detail": "The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act does not regulate pet deposits; the word \"animal\" appears nowhere in Title 27, Chapter 40.",
        "cite": "S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410",
        "url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c040.php"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act does not regulate pet rent; our research found no statutory limit.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Itemised notice and amount due within 30 days of termination and delivery of possession and the tenant's demand, whichever is later; treble damages plus fees if withheld wrongly.",
        "cite": "S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410",
        "url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c040.php"
      },
      "stateName": "South Carolina",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "none",
        "detail": "No South Carolina statute caps or bars pet fees, pet rent or pet deposits; the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act never uses the word 'animal'.",
        "cite": "S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410",
        "url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c040.php"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "south-dakota",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "1 month's rent",
        "detail": "A higher deposit may be agreed only where special conditions pose a danger to maintenance of the premises.",
        "cite": "SDCL 43-32-6.1",
        "url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/43-32-6.1"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "counts-in-cap",
        "detail": "The one-month cap applies to any security deposit \"however denominated\", so a pet deposit sits inside it; no statute bars a pet fee outright.",
        "cite": "SDCL 43-32-6.1",
        "url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/43-32-6.1"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "Our reading of SDCL chapter 43-32 found no statute limiting or banning a monthly pet charge.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "21 days",
        "detail": "Return or a written statement of reasons within 21 days of termination and receipt of the tenant's address, itemised accounting within 45 days on request (amended SL 2026, ch 179).",
        "cite": "SDCL 43-32-24",
        "url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/43-32-24"
      },
      "stateName": "South Dakota",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "none",
        "detail": "No statute bars a pet fee for an assistance animal; a fee is argued off under the general bar on disability discrimination in rental terms, SDCL 20-13-20(2).",
        "cite": "SDCL 20-13-20(2)",
        "url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/20-13-20"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "texas",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "No statutory cap",
        "detail": "Property Code Chapter 92 sets no cap on the deposit amount; we scanned the chapter for one and found none.",
        "cite": "Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103(a)",
        "url": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "no-rule",
        "detail": "Chapter 92 has no pet-deposit rule, so an ordinary pet deposit is limited only by the market and follows the normal refund rules.",
        "cite": "Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103(a)",
        "url": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "We searched the full text of Property Code Chapter 92 and it never mentions pets, so no Texas statute limits monthly pet rent for an ordinary pet.",
        "cite": "Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92 (full chapter)",
        "url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/PR/htm/PR.92.htm"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Refund due within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises.",
        "cite": "Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103(a)",
        "url": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm"
      },
      "stateName": "Texas",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "trained-only",
        "detail": "Section 121.003(h) bars extra compensation or a deposit for a service animal only; the ESA no-fee rule comes from fair-housing law, not state statute.",
        "cite": "Tex. Hum. Res. Code § 121.003(h)",
        "url": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HR/htm/HR.121.htm"
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "washington",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "No statutory cap",
        "detail": "RCW 59.18 requires a written lease and a signed move-in checklist before any deposit, but we searched the full chapter and found no limit on the amount.",
        "cite": "RCW 59.18.260",
        "url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "no-rule",
        "detail": "No statute addresses a pet deposit for an ordinary pet and deposits are uncapped; WAC 162-38-100(5) bars an extra pet deposit only for dog guides and service animals.",
        "cite": "RCW 59.18.260; WAC 162-38-100(5)",
        "url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "We searched the full text of RCW 59.18 and it never mentions pets, so no statute limits the amount of monthly pet rent for an ordinary pet.",
        "cite": "RCW 59.18 (full chapter)",
        "url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18&full=true"
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "Full and specific statement with substantiating invoices or estimates, plus any refund, within 30 days of the tenancy ending and the unit being vacated; miss it and the full deposit is owed.",
        "cite": "RCW 59.18.280",
        "url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.280"
      },
      "stateName": "Washington",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "unverified",
        "detail": "The bar is a regulation, WAC 162-38-100(5), not a statute, and its text says 'dog guide or service animal'; we do not establish that it reaches an ESA.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      }
    },
    {
      "state": "wyoming",
      "depositCap": {
        "value": "No statutory cap",
        "detail": "No cap in dollars or months anywhere in Wyoming law; W.S. 1-21-1207 allows a nonrefundable portion if disclosed in the agreement and in writing when taken.",
        "cite": "W.S. 1-21-1207",
        "url": "https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title01.pdf"
      },
      "petDeposit": {
        "value": "no-rule",
        "detail": "The words \"pet\" and \"animal\" appear nowhere in W.S. 1-21-1201 to -1211, so an ordinary pet deposit, even nonrefundable, is lawful if disclosed.",
        "cite": "W.S. 1-21-1207",
        "url": "https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title01.pdf"
      },
      "petRent": {
        "value": "No state cap",
        "detail": "Our search of all Wyoming statutes found no pet rent provision.",
        "cite": "",
        "url": ""
      },
      "depositReturn": {
        "value": "30 days",
        "detail": "30 days after termination or 15 days after receiving the renter's new address, whichever is later, plus 30 more days if there is damage; renter must give an address within 30 days.",
        "cite": "W.S. 1-21-1208",
        "url": "https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title01.pdf"
      },
      "stateName": "Wyoming",
      "esaStateFeeBan": {
        "value": "none",
        "detail": "The rental act never mentions pets or animals and caps no deposit; an assistance-animal fee comes off only under the general fair-housing bar in W.S. 40-26-107(b) and (c)(ii).",
        "cite": "W.S. 40-26-107(b), (c)(ii)",
        "url": "https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title40.pdf"
      }
    }
  ]
}