20 Questions Missouri Renters Should Ask About Pet Deposits And Dog Breed Rules

Finding a rental that welcomes your dog can feel like a big puzzle. In Missouri, pet deposits, fees, and breed rules can change from one building to the next.

Knowing the right questions to ask helps you avoid surprises and protect your money. Think of this guide as a friendly chat with someone who has walked this path before you.

1. Can I Be Charged a Pet Deposit on Top of a Security Deposit?

Picture signing a lease and seeing two deposit lines instead of one. That is normal in Missouri.

Landlords may charge a separate pet deposit in addition to the regular security deposit.

Ask the landlord to list each charge clearly in writing. You should know exactly what each deposit covers.

A simple breakdown now saves confusion later, especially when you move out and want your money back.

2. Does the Two Month Deposit Cap Include Pet Money?

Here is a detail many renters miss. Missouri law, RSMo 535.300, limits security deposits to two months of rent.

However, the statute leaves out money labeled as a deposit for a pet.

So a pet deposit does not count toward that two month limit. Your total upfront cost could be higher than you expect.

Budget for it early, and ask for the exact amount before you apply.

3. Will I Get My Pet Deposit Back?

Most pet deposits are refundable, but the lease decides the details. Read that section slowly before signing.

Landlords commonly use the money for scratched floors, chewed trim, carpet stains, odors, or flea treatment. If none of that damage exists when you leave, a full refund is more likely.

Ask what condition the home must be in. Also ask whether photos at move-in will be used for comparison.

4. Is That Charge a Fee or a Deposit?

Words matter here. A deposit is usually refundable, while a fee usually is not.

Missouri landlords are allowed to charge a nonrefundable pet fee.

Some landlords even split a pet deposit into refundable and nonrefundable parts. That can surprise renters at move-out.

Ask plainly, which part comes back to me? Then make sure the written lease matches the answer you heard.

5. Could I Owe Both a Deposit and Monthly Pet Rent?

Yes, and it happens often. Missouri has no state statute that limits combining these charges for private housing.

Monthly pet rent adds up quickly over a year. Twenty five dollars a month becomes three hundred dollars annually.

Multiply your pet rent by the lease length before you commit. Comparing total yearly costs between rentals can reveal which place truly fits your budget best.

6. Is There a Limit on How Much I Can Be Charged?

Short answer: Missouri state law sets no cap on pet deposits, pet fees, or pet rent. Each landlord chooses their own amounts.

Many keep charges reasonable to attract good tenants. Pet rent often rises with the number or size of pets.

Shopping around is your best tool. If a price feels high, politely ask whether references or a well-trained dog could lower it.

7. Will My Dog’s Size or Breed Change the Price?

A tiny Chihuahua and a big Great Dane may get different price tags. No Missouri law prevents landlords from charging pet deposits based on breed, size, or weight.

The rule changes for assistance animals, though. Service animals and emotional support animals cannot face these charges or limits.

For a regular pet dog, ask whether pricing uses weight tiers. Knowing the cutoff helps if your puppy is still growing.

8. Can a Landlord Say No to Certain Breeds?

Missouri has no statewide breed ban. Still, private landlords may set their own pet policies, including breed limits.

That means two buildings on the same street could have very different rules. One may welcome all dogs, while another lists several restricted breeds.

Ask for the written pet policy before you pay an application fee. It protects your wallet and saves you from heartache.

9. Which Breeds Are on This Property’s List?

Every list looks a little different. Common names include pit bull type dogs, such as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Rottweilers appear often too. Some policies also name Dobermans, Chow Chows, Akitas, American bulldogs, or wolf hybrids.

Request the exact list in writing. Guessing is risky, and a clear answer helps you plan with confidence.

10. What About My Mixed Breed Pup?

Rescue dogs often carry a little of everything. That can matter with breed rules.

Some policies and local ordinances cover dogs that show most physical traits of a restricted breed.

So looks alone may trigger a rule. Ask how the landlord decides breed.

Shelter paperwork, vet records, or a DNA test might help your case, but each landlord sets their own standard.

11. What Paperwork Should I Have Ready?

A tidy folder can make a great first impression. Many landlords request veterinary records and vaccination certificates as part of their pet policy.

Some may ask about breed too. Gather rabies proof, spay or neuter records, and a recent photo.

Including a training certificate can help. Being organized shows you are a responsible owner, which landlords truly appreciate.

12. Does My City or County Have Its Own Breed Rules?

Location matters a lot in Missouri. Some cities and counties have breed-specific laws, while others have dropped them.

St. Louis City and Kansas City moved away from these rules. Places like Florissant, Sikeston, Independence, Kearney, and Liberty have kept restrictions, and St. Louis County has some too.

Ordinances change, so call local animal control to confirm before you move.

13. Are There HOA or Condo Rules Too?

Renting a condo or a house in a planned neighborhood adds another layer. Homeowners associations can set their own pet and breed rules.

Those rules may apply to renters even if your landlord is relaxed. Ask the owner for a copy of the HOA pet rules.

Emotional support animals are treated differently, but regular pets usually must follow them.

14. Is the Landlord’s Insurance Driving the Rule?

Sometimes the rule comes from an insurance company, not the landlord’s personal feelings. Many landlord insurers raise costs or limit coverage for certain breeds.

Ask whether insurance is behind the restriction. Some landlords may allow a dog if you carry renters insurance with pet liability coverage.

Talk to your own agent too, since policies differ widely.

15. Do Assistance Animals Follow Different Rules?

Under the federal Fair Housing Act, service animals and emotional support animals are not considered pets. That changes everything.

Landlords generally cannot charge pet deposits, pet fees, or pet rent for them. Breed, size, and weight limits typically do not apply either.

Landlords may request reliable documentation for an emotional support animal. You can still be responsible for any actual damage.

16. Can the Rules Change Halfway Through My Lease?

Leases are contracts, and that offers some comfort. Changes to an existing lease usually need agreement from both sides.

Landlords may update pet policies with reasonable notice, often around 30 days, especially at renewal. Some include a grandfather clause that protects pets already living there.

Ask whether your dog would be covered if rules change. Get that promise in writing.

17. What If I Bring Home a New Dog Later?

That adorable shelter pup is hard to resist. Pause before bringing them home, though.

A pet not covered by your lease usually counts as a lease violation. Talk to your landlord first and ask for a new pet addendum.

Expect possible added deposits or pet rent. A quick conversation now keeps your housing secure and your new friend welcome.

18. What Can Be Deducted From My Deposit?

Think of the deposit as a safety net for real damage. Missouri landlords may deduct for pet scratches, chewed items, stains, odors, and flea treatment.

Cleaning charges are fair when the home needs more than a standard turnover clean. Normal wear and tear is different.

Take dated photos at move-in and move-out. Those pictures are your best friend in any dispute.

19. How Soon Should My Pet Deposit Come Back?

For regular security deposits, Missouri gives landlords 30 days to return money or list deductions. Pet deposits are another story.

Because the statute excludes pet deposits, state law sets no specific deadline for them. The lease usually controls the timing.

Ask the landlord to write a clear return date into your agreement. Leave a forwarding address when you move out.

20. Where Can I Turn if Things Go Wrong?

Disagreements happen, but you have options. Start with a polite written request and your photos.

For wrongfully withheld security deposits, Missouri tenants may recover up to twice the amount. That penalty may not cover pet deposits, but small claims court can address lease breaches.

For assistance animal issues, file a fair housing complaint. Legal Services of Missouri can offer guidance.