Hi,

I have been in the same apartment for over 6 years. I didn't have a pet deposit when I moved in, but I think they implemented it a few years ago.

I've been going month-to-month for about 3 years, and now they want me to sign a new lease.

In the lease, it mentions a $500 pet deposit, but I assume since I'm an existing tenant and I didn't have the deposit when I first moved in, that I don't have to pay it.

Should I still sign the lease or should I refuse to and ask them to amend it, showing that I don't need to pay the pet deposit?

Thanks.

Cloe

Ask them to amend it, but don't be surprised if they don't. Don't think you don't have to pay it. Unless your local tenant/landlord laws state specifically, that tenants with existing pets are grandfathered in when such a clause is added, or the laws prohibit a deposit greater than a certain amount, then you have to pay it if they require it.

There is a sticky note in this forum that links to the state laws so you can check what it says about pet deposits or deposits in general for your area.