Pet deposit?

By sam1234

OK, so here is the deal. We moved into our apartment last April. We moved in with one dog, (pets are allowed, according to the lease). In August of last year we adopted another dog from a local shelter, and of course the shelter had to speak with the landlord before adopting out the dog to be sure it was okay. The landlord approved the 2nd dog. 7 months later we received a notice to "pay or quit" $250 for the second dog. I understand that you get pet despoits back, and all that, but I am a student with medical bills and don’t have $250 to fork over to the landlord. Its also more a principle thing for me, our landlords are unorganized, and ignore issues that are their responsibility. (ei- we have termites that they have been aware of since Oct maybe and never done anything about, but send us notices asking if we would use venting machines/atms/maid services if provided for a higher rent)

Can they demand another pet deposit when on our lease it says we are allowed pets (with no limit on saying how many), and it says NOTHING about any sort of pet deposit to begin with? 

Edited on: Sunday, July 22nd, 2012 12:34 am

2 Responses to “Pet deposit?”

My response: (We welcome stories, examples, explanations, answers and a touch of your personality)
 

Kerrie

March 16th, 2010 3:05 am

Your Landlord can always ask for additional deposits, but that doesn’t mean they are entitled to it.  So, this means that by asking for an additional pet deposit, you landlord is not necessarily breaking a law; however, they are probably not able to demand it either.
If your landlord agreed to the additional pet and then asked for a deposit much later, I would tell them to go back to the original agreement in which they had already authorized the new dog without additional deposits.
Don’t be afraid to tell you apartment manager that you can’t come up with the money.  They may drop it, or offer you something that is more fair.  You can always offer to pay them in smaller installments or a lesser amount.  Its probably better to cooperate than it is to fight.   Even if they are dis-organized and not entitled to the pet deposit, you will still be wise to work with them.


Ricky78

October 7th, 2010 3:03 am

Yep! You should work with them on this. The worse thing to do would be to cause your landlord or property manger to have a reason to not renew your contract. The simple fact is that you are in violation of the lease, so be very cautious about how you move forward. Don’t get hostile! Find a amicable solution that works for you and your apartment manager.


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