I just moved to an apartment and we had to pay $400.00 a month for our dog. $200 is a security deposit and $200 is a sanitation deposit. Puld I have to pay $20 extra a month for rent. I don't get ANY of it back when I leave. I am a nice person and always pick up after my dog but since I am paying $200 for sanitation, shouldnt they have to clean up after her?
2007-09-12 10:29:54 · 11 answers · asked by Baby Girl Rylin 5/3/08 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
The $200 security deposit is a deposit they HAVE to give back as long as there are no damages caused by you or your pet. As far as a $200 sanitation deposit, I would ask what that includes. If you have carpet, it may include professional carpet cleaning and if it does, ask if you could have it done once you move in order for you to get your sanitation deposit back.
Be careful speaking with owners and management companies because some will try to do whatever they can to keep your money.
It is EXTREMELY important to put your questions and or concerns in WRITING...ALWAYS!!! They should reply to your questions and/or concerns in writing as well, if not, have a witness with you when you talk to the owner or management company, just in case they try to take you to court, etc.
2007-09-12 10:57:32 · answer #1 · answered by glendaokoeguale 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sanitation deposit is required by law in most states for renters to pay for deodorizing and deep cleaning carpets after the pet moves out. People are allergic to animals because of the dander from their skin, and simply vacuuming cannot get all of out of a carpet. If someone moved in after you and was allergic to dogs, they could sue the owner for not sanitizing the apartment prior to their move-in. It's a health hazard and I am offended that your are complaining about it. The security deposit is to repair any damage done to the property, such as scraches on the wall from claws, or chewing on the baseboards, or stains on the carpet. This is refundable if your pet is an angel. The pet rent is a way for the owner to make more money off you, and 20 bucks is fairly cheap.
2007-09-12 11:34:17 · answer #2 · answered by Navy Wife 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its strange how the laws for renting change from place to place... I'm amazed by some of the rules in the States.
In BC, Canada the landlord can charge you a deposit of HALF the amount of your rent for your animal and HALF the amount for normal damage... and thats the max. You get this back if you keep everything in good shape.
Paying $400 a month for your dog is f-ing ridiculous!
2007-09-12 11:00:24 · answer #3 · answered by :: Coast.al 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is fairly typical. The reason is that animals cause more wear and tear than people do. Even animals that have owners who do a great job cleaning up after them tend to cause more damage.
The deposit you describe is typical for the area I live in (Northern, CO). And it is typically not refunded when you move out. What I suggest is staying in one place until you either buy your own place or have no choice but to move. That will save you money in the long run as these deposits are probably common where you are too.
2007-09-12 10:39:47 · answer #4 · answered by arimarismacon 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's very funny to me how creative owners get when they do not know the state laws for tenants & landlords.
I have been in the biz for 40 yrs and haven't thought of that sanitation one yet.
All deposits are refundable once they do the cleanup & repair work and you are entitled to a full accounting of the maintenance to ready the apt again for the next tenant.
If the LL fails to give you a written accounting in 30day of your vacating the premises, they face double fines by the court on top of interest and court costs.
Your limits of charges are regulated by the state in which you reside and are mandatory that the LLs abide by them.
Please check you contract that it is state approved and the actions of the LL are in compliance with the states landlord tenant laws of that state & county.
assure the LL that the agreement is in order and you've checked it out, if not, the LL must revise there agreement so to not overstep their boundries with bogas trumped up charges not state allowed and you wish refunds of the same.
all deps are refundable and are not to be confused with rents.
2007-09-12 11:48:34 · answer #5 · answered by CW L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the $200 is for sanitizing the apartment -- getting rid of pet hair and smell. The $200 deposit is for damages -- scratches, chew marks, etc.
You knew about these charges before you moved in. If you didn't like it, you didn't have to move in. Many apartments do not allow pets at all.
2007-09-12 10:39:43 · answer #6 · answered by bdancer222 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It all depends what your renter agreement says.
They have the right to charge whatever they want if you are bringing an animal onto a property they own.
Most companies give back the pet deposit if you clean the place yourself - however it sounds like they are charging you cleaning already. Looks like you rented w/ a legal - but morally wrong property management company.
2007-09-12 10:39:34 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's about the landlord protecting themselves and their property. That is fairly standard practice by most professional management companies. It is this way because of people's poor efforts to take care of their own responsibilities. If it seems unacceptable to you I would look at purchasing your own home instead of renting. That's really your only way around it.
2007-09-12 11:17:55 · answer #8 · answered by The Drew 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sanitation is for the carpet. And whose dog is it?
2007-09-12 11:06:00 · answer #9 · answered by Bob D 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's a lot. I think you got soaked.
2007-09-12 10:39:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋