@freemo
hmmm, have to disagree with this I think. Calling it a "scam" is to completely disregard the huge costs of pet damage, particularly with multiple. Poop, piss, stains, vomit, hairballs, scratching, chewing, etc. Maybe this girl has a tame cat, but apartments would not widespread charge a fee (and it would quickly be dropped if competitors didn't charge it) if it wasn't a huge cost for them from tenants who couldn't care less about taking care of their rental property.

@TheCryptoconomy But if you want to be all serious about it...

I'd say your security deposit already covers that, plus the fact that the owner can inspect a house regularly.

I've owned a dog and a cat, and have many friends with little children. I can say beyond a doubt in terms of physical damage children cause way more than any trained animal. Between their coloring on the walls, physically destroying things, unable to control their bladder, screaming, throwing food when they try to eat it... you'd be hard pressed to find an animal even half as destructive as a toddler.