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This is something I actually wanted to post about as I spoke with our apartment manager about what we would need to do if we wanted to have a cat in our apartment
I was told there is a 225.00 NON-refundable deposit and then rent increases 20.00/mth. I am trying to figure out why the deposit is non-refundable on top of charging me an additional 20.00 a month. Usually IF there is a increase in rent fees, the deposit is refundable, but this isn't. Is this even fair?
I have never heard of such high pet deposits. I personnally think that's crazy. The reg deposits are high enough, and that should cover all damages whether done by you or your pet. What's next....kid deposits?!
I have never heard of such high pet deposits. I personnally think that's crazy. The reg deposits are high enough, and that should cover all damages whether done by you or your pet. What's next....kid deposits?!
The highest pet deposit Ive ever personally been asked for was $200.. now mind you, this was when I was just calling around about apartments when I thought I was moving to a city.
As I said previously, I lucked out.. $100 pet deposit that they let me pay in 2 parts, with my 2nd and 3rd months rent......... I told them how tight money was when I moved and they agreed to spread it out .
I say getting the letter is a good idea. I once got my cat on the lease in a non-pet apartment building by doing this. (This was a while ago--1996--but it did work.) I asked my vet to write a letter (cat is well cared for, owner is a responsible pet owner, etc.) and also submitted a "rental resume." Landlord first suggested I get rid of the cat, to which I replied "If I were the type of person who would take on the responsibility of a pet and then give it up when it became inconvenient, would you really want to rent to me?" I believe I also offered a pet deposit, which was returned.
Good luck!
SomeThings,
Thanks for the tip. I had never even heard of a pet resume. I looked it up online, and it looks like the pefect thing to help.
I'm in the process of renting a home in Florida and I told them I have two cats which the owner said no pets when their add said pets negotiable, so then he has a change of heart and says yes 2 cats will be fine. The Pet deposit listed in the property details say 250.00 non refundable then I get the lease and it says 250.00 non refundable and 250.00 refundable and an additional 550.00 per month for cat rent.. OMG are these people crazy? yes I agree landlords do have us pet lovers over a barrel, that is just highway robbery.
I'm in the process of renting a home in Florida and I told them I have two cats which the owner said no pets when their add said pets negotiable, so then he has a change of heart and says yes 2 cats will be fine. The Pet deposit listed in the property details say 250.00 non refundable then I get the lease and it says 250.00 non refundable and 250.00 refundable and an additional 550.00 per month for cat rent.. OMG are these people crazy? yes I agree landlords do have us pet lovers over a barrel, that is just highway robbery.
An additional $550 a month just for a cat.. or did you mean $50???
This is something I actually wanted to post about as I spoke with our apartment manager about what we would need to do if we wanted to have a cat in our apartment
I was told there is a 225.00 NON-refundable deposit and then rent increases 20.00/mth. I am trying to figure out why the deposit is non-refundable on top of charging me an additional 20.00 a month. Usually IF there is a increase in rent fees, the deposit is refundable, but this isn't. Is this even fair?
I realize the post I'm quoting is older, but I wanted to point out something else to those who are looking to rent from those charging "pet rent".
Apparently, unless it's spelled out, "pet rent" and "nonrefundable deposits" are NOT required to be applied to help pay for damages done by your pet... "rent" means "rent" and legally the term "nonrefundable pet deposit" is the same as "pet fee". While the LL is entitled to keep the monies, plus the additional from your "normal" deposit legally, it is sleezy.
So, be careful and only rent from those charging "nonrefundable fees" and "pet rent" as a last resort!
I'm in the process of renting a home in Florida and I told them I have two cats which the owner said no pets when their add said pets negotiable, so then he has a change of heart and says yes 2 cats will be fine. The Pet deposit listed in the property details say 250.00 non refundable then I get the lease and it says 250.00 non refundable and 250.00 refundable and an additional 550.00 per month for cat rent.. OMG are these people crazy? yes I agree landlords do have us pet lovers over a barrel, that is just highway robbery.
Those cats better poop gold to be worth 550.00 a month.
Try renting with a pit bull mix. I never ever imagined that a dog would ban me from living in most rental properties. I have had her for multiple years and have not had a problem until the last 2-3 years. I prefer to be upfront and honest, telling potential landlords about her and I have even obtained liability insurance. It has come to the point that I might have to lie about having her all together.
She has never caused any damage to any property I have rented. Yet, because there are other pet owners who are irresponsible, I am punished for it. It's really unfair.
I am always willing to pay a pet deposit. I have no problem with it since I always get it back. I would happily pay a refundable, extra deposit for someone who would rent to me.
That's got to be jeperdizing something of our rights. I just don't understand the whole thing. $500 for a pet? Good grief!
Really? Have you priced replacement padding and carpet that's been damaged by pet poop and or urine? What about the cost of replacing the subflooring? What about the cost of replacing baseboards and or door frames because Fido decided to chew on them? What about window screens that sweet Kitty decided to rip to shreds?
Pets can and do cause alot of damage. I know that if I was a landlord, I wouldn't rent to anyone with a pet unless they had a spotless reference from prior landlords and paid a nice hefty deposit. And even then, I'd still think long and hard about it.
I'm a pet owner who is currently renting, and I gladly paid $400 for my cat. I'm getting off cheap.
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