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eekmod · Dec 11, 2006, 12:58 PM

Our landlord in CA wants to charge us a "one time rent increase of $500" if we get a pet. We checked our rental agreement-- we did not have a pet when we rented-- it says that if we get a pet we need to have the specific written permisison of the owner. There is no dollar amount listed in the contract.
We paid one month's security deposit.
Is this legal? Why doesn't he call it a "pet fee" instead of a "one time rent increase"? He also doesn't state what it will be used for.
Thanks

ScottGem · Dec 11, 2006, 01:24 PM

Is this a one unit rental? If not, does anyone else in the complex have pets? Did they pay the same fee?

Personally I think its reasonable for a landlord to charge an additional fee if a tenant wants a pet (except for things like hamsters and fish).

The lease says the landlord must consent. If you don't pay the fee he witholds consent. Is it legal or not, I'd have to check the exact statutes to see what's covered. But the bottomline is he can just say no you can't.

Fr_Chuck · Dec 11, 2006, 01:52 PM

The rental agreemen says you can not have a pet unless the landlord agrees,
The land lord has told you what it takes to make him agree, No you don't have to pay this, but then you can't get a pet.

Since dogs and cats can do thousands of dollars of damage, I either don't allow pets in my rentals, or they pay a large pet deposit.

And that is why most likely they call it a one time rent, since they want and expect to keept he money if you move out, not hold itlike a deposit.

mjinms · Dec 23, 2006, 10:38 PM

Originally Posted by eekmod

Our landlord in CA wants to charge us a "one time rent increase of $500" if we get a pet. We checked our rental agreement-- we did not have a pet when we rented-- it says that if we get a pet we need to have the specific written permisison of the owner. There is no dollar amount listed in the contract.
We paid one month's security deposit.
Is this legal? Why doesn't he call it a "pet fee" instead of a "one time rent increase"? He also doesn't state what it will be used for.
Thanks

Yes, because if that animal damages the floor by clawing, spraying, whether it's a cat or dog doesn't matter. The landlord-owner has money for back up just in case there is some damage. Some carpets will have a odor or fleas that has to be dealt with after you move out. It takes time and money to sue someone if they leave the apartment in bad conditon. I would have him to put down there that it is for a pet fee. If he or she comes back and says they didn't agree to a animal you could lose all of your deposit. The deposit is different from the pet fee. Its normal for a pet fee that you don't get back. The deposti is for the condition of the apartment upkeep. Like the walls, light fixtures, sink, cabinets. etc.

Cvillecpm · Dec 24, 2006, 08:31 AM

The fee is "rent" and not a part of your deposit so it does not have to be used SPECIFICALLY for any pet damage.

If you want a pet, pay the fee; otherwise, leave the rental property at the end of your lease and find a landlord who will take you and your pet.

N0help4u · Oct 3, 2007, 03:49 PM

It use to be many landlords just said NO pets. Many are adopting the pet fee policy because it is so hard for people with pets to find a place and landlords have had bad experiences with tenants that let the pet trash the place. It is legal but he should be more specific rather than making it sound like he can pick who can and can't have a pet. Some landlords do a one time security deposit while others add $100. Per month per pet for a year or until they are satisfied that you are a responsible pet owner.