Tenant Says Apartment Complex Charged $325 Pet Fee for Rabbit Just One Week Before Lease End

AUSTIN, TEXAS — A renter’s post about being charged a $325 pet fee just days before her lease ended has gone viral, igniting a conversation about last-minute rental charges and tenant rights. The fee, according to her landlord, was issued after management noticed her pet rabbit during a routine inspection.

The Unexpected Text Message

In a post shared on Reddit’s r/mildlyinfuriating community, user Sufficient_Trash_617 included a screenshot of a text message from her property management office. The message read:

“Good morning [Name], last week during inspections we noticed that you have a rabbit occupying your home. A one-time pet fee of $300 has been added to your account as well as $25. If you have any questions, give us a call at the office.”

The renter said she was stunned to receive the fee notification just one week before her move-out date, calling the timing both “funny and infuriating.”

“I honestly find it hilarious how they waited until I’m less than two weeks from leaving — fully packed, new lease signed — and then boom, ‘that’ll be $325 for the pet,’” she wrote.

Online Reaction: “Classic Timing”

The post quickly gained traction online, with thousands of users commenting on similar experiences with unexpected end-of-lease charges.

“Landlords always wait until the last second,” one commenter said. “They know you’re not going to fight it when you’re already moving out.”

Another wrote, “A rabbit? They’re really reaching. That’s like charging someone for owning a goldfish.”

Some users, however, defended the fee, pointing out that most lease agreements require prior disclosure of any pets, regardless of size or type. “Even small animals like rabbits technically count under pet policies,” one person explained. “It’s about liability and cleaning costs.”

I’m being charged a $325 pet fee 1 week before my lease ends.
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Why Pet Fees Can Still Apply — Even for Small Animals

According to tenant law experts, pet fees typically cover potential cleaning or damage costs associated with animals. While a rabbit may seem harmless, landlords often include all animals under blanket pet clauses to avoid exceptions that could complicate enforcement.

“Landlords have broad discretion to charge pet-related fees as long as it’s stated in the lease,” said a property attorney specializing in tenant rights. “However, the timing and fairness of enforcement can absolutely be questioned.”

In many states, including Texas, landlords must provide written notice of new charges and allow tenants the opportunity to dispute them before finalizing the deduction from their security deposit.

The Broader Tenant Frustration

The viral post has reignited complaints about how property management companies handle end-of-lease billing. Renters say they often face surprise fees for cleaning, maintenance, or alleged violations that surface just before move-out — when there’s little time to challenge them.

“It’s like they wait until the end because they know you just want to leave quietly,” one Reddit user wrote. “They’re counting on fatigue.”

Others suggested that the tenant document the inspection and final walkthrough to ensure the fee isn’t improperly deducted from her security deposit.

A Lesson for Renters and Landlords Alike

While the incident may seem minor, housing advocates say it reflects a larger problem in the rental market — a lack of communication and transparency between tenants and management.
Experts recommend that renters review pet clauses carefully, disclose any animals in writing, and keep email records of all communication regarding lease terms.

For landlords, advocates say better communication could prevent these viral public backlashes. “It’s not just about policy,” said one real estate manager. “It’s about timing, empathy, and how you treat people who are about to leave your property.”

Would you pay a $325 pet fee for a rabbit right before moving out — or fight it? Share your thoughts and follow more renter stories at NapervilleLocal.com.