Is it wrong to with-hold information from my apartment manager?

Question

I'd really like a pet. Either a cat or dog. The only thing is, there's an extra $200 deposit and a $200 non-refundable pet fee. That's $400, $200 of which I never see again. I really don't think that's fair, as children are far more destructive than an adult de-clawed cat (as per the lease). But you don't see them charging "kid fees." For some of us, pets are our kids. Should I get a pet anyway without telling my landlord and risk getting kicked out, or should I just not get a pet?

Answer 1

Technically it is wrong.

You could lose your lease. You could be demanded to get rid of the animal -- and dumping an animal in a hurry isn't fair to him.

The $200 pet fee IS fair. An apartment that had pets in it will need to be treated for fleas and will need extra cleaning. Pets are also harder on the building... for example I had one cat in my home who loved to claw woodwork. Pets pee where you don't see it. Pets gnaw on things. Pets track more dirt around. This is just part of the fun of pets. :-)

They'd charge kid fees if they could, but fair housing laws prevent them from penalizing people with kids. It's the truth.

Why don't you do the right thing -- pay the $200 pet fee and get the pet you want.

Answer 2

As someone who's spent the last 6 years in the apartment industry I know from experience that it is imparative that you are honest. Most animal addenda to the lease contract states that if the management discovers that you have an unauthorized pet, one of three things can happen:

1. They can fine you out the wazoo until the pet deposit is either paid, or the pet is removed.
2. Management can physically remove the pet.
3. You can be evicted.

Plus, if you ever need a maintenance man to come to the apartment then you have to go to all the trouble of boarding your pet elsewhere. Also, if you have management personnell living on-site, they are more than likely going to see your kitty hanging out in the window, or you walking your dog at some point.

Talk to your manager. Ask them if you can make monthly payments on the deposit. Most places will work with you.

By the way, $400 is a really reasonable deposit. They can go up to $700-800 here in Houston.

Answer 3

It's up to you if you don't mind getting kicked out. And really, it's not unfair. That's actually not a bad price from some places that I've seen charge. I had a puppy, she tore through the floor, down to the sub flooring. I've never seen a child do that. Most of what kids do damage wise is paintable or cleanable. As far as "kids fees", that would fall under the security deposit. With pets, there's a possibility of replacing flooring, sub flooring, carpeting, baseboards, pest/flea control, etc. all of which is extremely expensive. Granted, not all pets damage stuff, but there's a higher likelihood, especially if there were previous pets in the apartment. Get a bird instead. Most likely won't have to pay for a deposit then since their caged unless you're around, just don't get a screecher.

Answer 4

Is it wrong? I think you already know the answer. This is a legal contract, and being evicted can hamper future apartment acquisitions. You might also get sued. Remember: the manager can make routine maintenance checks at which I time I would expect them to look for signs of pets.

The price is pretty decent if you'll be there for a while. If this is a short lease, then just wait anyway. Plus, there are any number of unexpected costs that might come with the animal, so if you cannot afford this, then maybe you should rethink being able to afford the pet in the first place.

Answer 5

Move to Toronto, Ontario where landlords are not allowed to do this.

;-)

Otherwise it may be in your best interest to find a new place to live. OR you can talk to building management about the possiblity of getting pet insurance that will cover any damages, while it will cost you far more than the deposit (well over the long term) it can also help with certain medical bills. It might be something to consider and you may be able to convince building management that pet insurance that covers more than $400 may be a better deal for them and they get to keep the tenant otherwise they may loose the tenant.

Answer 6

The best thing to do is follow the rules. They wouldn't have them if they hadn't had problems with pets before. There could be damage done to the apartment that you wouldn't think of until it happened. The apartment owners could sue you for not telling them about the pet and paying the fees if your animal did some significant damage. My cousins cat urinated on my aunt and uncles carpet so much that the carpet all had to be pulled up and the cement foundation deodorized and new carpet laid. That was expensive. I'd definitely follow the rules.

Answer 7

Since you don't own the building. There are rules you have to follow. If you need to be down a deposit for a pet, that is the rule. Some buildings wont even allow pets in their building period. So I suggest you follow the rules or move somewhere else.

Otherwise if you go behind the owners back, and he/she finds out you have a pet. Then you can get into trouble with the owner.

Answer 8

If you really want a pet, the best thing to do is to follow the rules. At least the landlord allows pets, although I do have a problem with the "de-clawed" part of that.

Answer 9

get the pet, and pay the deposit. If your pet really is like your child....then you should not mind spending the extra money to keep your pet. I have two cats and had to pay $500.00 to get them into my apt. It is best to be honest, as you do not want to get kicked out. You may have trouble finding another place if you cannot use your current landlord as a reference if you get evicted.

Answer 10

I understand your frustration but your written contracted agreement super-cedes anything the landlord may have told you from a legal standpoint. The landlord didn't remember you signed an extension, not did you remind her of that fact when you asked permission. Is this fair, well, actually it is since no once forced your hand to sign the original lease or extension. You made that commitment yourself and the landlord has done nothing to prevent you from keeping that promise to pay rent through September. You don't have to live in the apartment to keep your contractual promise, but you do have to pay rent each month.