They won't allow a dog to enter my apartment?

Question

I am an apartment renter in Rockaway, NJ. I just talked to my brother who asked whether I could dog-sit for him for about 5 days. I said I'd have to ask first, but I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem. I had already known my lease said "no pets allowed without prior written permission", but I was never worried about this, being that I knew tons of people in my complex had cats that sometimes wander the parking lot, and are always sitting on the window sills. So I called up the rental manager (who likes me to begin with, and I never cause any problems) and she tells me absolutely no dogs whatsoever. I'm only a little perturbed because the lease doesn't say "no dogs, but other animals may be okay", it says "no pets without prior written permission". The best part is, the dog has literally never barked, she's 14 years old, and she is friendly, slow, and little. They say they don't want others to be jealous and get a dog, but that's why they have the case-by-case written permission clause.

Answer 1

Not much you can do except maybe offer to pay a small fee...many apartments will accept $50 per month or so for a pet fee.

Either that or stay at your brother's house for the 5 days.

Answer 2

if your lease specifically states that "no pets allowed without prior written permission," that means the manager has the ultimate say so. the tenants who have cats probably got the manager's consent. in your situation, the manager hasn't done anything unlawful. you can certainly ask the manager to reconsider her decision, but per your lease, she's not obligated to allow the dog on the premises.

Answer 3

You can be irritated, but the rental manager says no, and so does your lease agreement. Pet permissions to others are irrelevant in your case. The lease contract is with you, and they have a right to enforce it as they choose.

Answer 4

you can always resubmit in writing, describing the nature of the animal but im sure if they allow your dog and other tenants see it then they will use ur situation as any example of why they should get their way in which the manager does not want to deal with it. so yes i understand ur frustration but it will alleviate alot of future problems by her saying no.

Answer 5

You asked permission, and it was denied. They have the right to do this.