Make Non-Refundable Pet Fees and Monthly Pet Rent Illegal in TN
The Issue
Right now across Tennessee, thousands of responsible pet owners are being priced out of safe housing. On top of standard security deposits and monthly "pet rent," landlords routinely charge a hefty upfront, non-refundable "pet fee" ranging from $300 to $500 or more per animal.
This money is not a deposit—it is a penalty. Renters never see a single dime of it back, regardless of how perfectly clean they leave their homes. T
his compulsory payment is not a deposit, which tenants might get back; it is an additional cost with no return, merely for the privilege of keeping a pet. According to a 2021 survey by Pet Finder, up to 36% of tenants with pets face financial difficulties because of these fees, putting their ability to retain their pets at risk.
Landlords already have the legal right to charge standard security deposits to cover any actual property damage. Forcing tenants to hand over hundreds of dollars in additional, non-refundable fees is predatory. It hurts working families, targets responsible pet owners, and creates a devastating crisis for our local animal shelters: when tenants cannot afford these arbitrary fees to move into a new apartment, they are often forced to surrender their beloved family pets to already overcrowded facilities.
Pets, especially for single tenants, provide unconditional love and can significantly reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Studies from the CDC support this by highlighting that interaction with animals reduces levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lowers blood pressure.
There is an urgent need for legislation to make non-refundable pet fees and monthly pet rent illegal in Tennessee. Without this crucial change, countless pet owners will continue to struggle financially and emotionally as they pay unjustified expenses for their beloved pets. We advocate for fair housing policies that do not penalize responsible pet owners.
By signing this petition, you stand with many Tennessee residents in urging lawmakers to take action. Help us ensure that companionship remains affordable and that tenants don’t have to face unfair financial burdens just because they cherish their pets. Stand with us; sign this petition and make a real difference for pets and their owners in Tennessee.
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The Issue
Right now across Tennessee, thousands of responsible pet owners are being priced out of safe housing. On top of standard security deposits and monthly "pet rent," landlords routinely charge a hefty upfront, non-refundable "pet fee" ranging from $300 to $500 or more per animal.
This money is not a deposit—it is a penalty. Renters never see a single dime of it back, regardless of how perfectly clean they leave their homes. T
his compulsory payment is not a deposit, which tenants might get back; it is an additional cost with no return, merely for the privilege of keeping a pet. According to a 2021 survey by Pet Finder, up to 36% of tenants with pets face financial difficulties because of these fees, putting their ability to retain their pets at risk.
Landlords already have the legal right to charge standard security deposits to cover any actual property damage. Forcing tenants to hand over hundreds of dollars in additional, non-refundable fees is predatory. It hurts working families, targets responsible pet owners, and creates a devastating crisis for our local animal shelters: when tenants cannot afford these arbitrary fees to move into a new apartment, they are often forced to surrender their beloved family pets to already overcrowded facilities.
Pets, especially for single tenants, provide unconditional love and can significantly reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Studies from the CDC support this by highlighting that interaction with animals reduces levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lowers blood pressure.
There is an urgent need for legislation to make non-refundable pet fees and monthly pet rent illegal in Tennessee. Without this crucial change, countless pet owners will continue to struggle financially and emotionally as they pay unjustified expenses for their beloved pets. We advocate for fair housing policies that do not penalize responsible pet owners.
By signing this petition, you stand with many Tennessee residents in urging lawmakers to take action. Help us ensure that companionship remains affordable and that tenants don’t have to face unfair financial burdens just because they cherish their pets. Stand with us; sign this petition and make a real difference for pets and their owners in Tennessee.
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Petition created on July 10, 2026