R 121830Z MAY 23
MARADMIN 246/23
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC L WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/UNIVERSAL LEASE PET DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDANCE FOR SERVICE MEMBERS//
POC/K. D. STEVENSON/LTCOL/GF-HOUSING/TEL: (571)256-2803/EMAIL: KENRIC.D.STEVENSON@USMC.MIL//
POC/D. CARROLL/GF-HOUSING/TEL: (571)256-2822/EMAIL: DAWN.CARROLL@USMC.MIL// 
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Purpose.  In accordance with the universal lease, Public-Private Venture (PPV) Housing partners have released several provisions as a condition of occupancy for service members.  PPV Housing partners are now permitted to require service members to pay a refundable pet deposit.  This requirement may vary dependent on the partner as the implementation of this policy is at their discretion.
2.  Background.
2.a.  PPV partners are permitted to charge a one-time refundable deposit of $250 per pet for a maximum of two pets, up to $500 per household.  Per this policy and agreement, the Marine Corps is to be advised in advance of any proposed increase and any future increases in the amount of the deposit will be indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for housing.
2.b.  Refundable pet deposits will be charged upon signing a universal lease.  Other situations where a pet deposit will be required; if a current tenant acquires a pet or in cases where a tenant renews their lease agreement.  Existing tenants will not be affected during their current tenancy.
2.c.  Military tenants will not be required to pay pet deposits for service or assistance animals in accordance with applicable laws.  However, military tenants remain responsible for damages caused by those animals.
2.d.  Damages will be assessed “as is” already required during the Move Out inspection and tenant will receive the difference between the refundable fee paid and the damages in accordance with the universal lease.
3.  Action.
3.a.  Military Housing Offices will:
3.a.1.  Implement guidance and ensure service members are aware that they are now required to pay pet deposit(s) as a condition of occupancy under the universal lease.
3.a.2.  Provide oversight of the PPV property manager’s process to ensure residents are aware of their liability for pet-caused damage and the repair costs at the lease signing and again when they move-in, all coincided by an official move-in inspection.
3.a.3.  Receive and maintain a list of move-out charges from the PPV partner, including charges that are reported to be associated with pet damage.
3.a.4.  Incorporate pet deposit language into “plain language” briefings to be provided to prospective and new tenants of USMC PPV housing.
3.a.5.  Distribute resources to educate service members living in PPV Housing regarding pet deposit policy requirements.
3.a.6.  Serve as a resource to answer general questions regarding pet deposit(s) and policies.
3.b.  Legal Offices will:
3.b.1.  Answer any legal questions regarding pet deposit(s) and policies.
3.c.  Commanders will:
3.c.1.  Emphasize the importance of tenants fulfilling this obligation as a condition of their occupancy under the universal lease.
3.c.2.  Manage the formal dispute resolution process that involves the withholding or refund of pet deposits.
4.  Release authorized by LtGen Edward D. Banta, Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics.//