Animal related damages are deducted from the security deposit. Pet fees are non-refundable and are not required to be used toward pet related damages. While a fee cannot be charged for an assistance animal, any property damage is deductible from the security deposit. Ironically pet deposits can only be charged for provable pet damage. That's why we always take a larger generic security deposit if needed instead. https://www.ncrec.gov/Brochures/Print/TenantPrint.pdf