I have 5 months left on my lease, just got a cat - $500 fee, to tell or not to tell...

Question

They want $500.00 for any animal living in the apartment, should I tell them that I have got this cat or do you think they'll even find out? What's the worst that can happen if they do find out I have a cat when I haven't paid the $500?

- where I live they have to give 24 hours notice before entering

apartment

- It's a fairly big apartment complex - about 500 units

Answer 1

Roll the dice. It is a big complex, and the 90's are over...it isn't likely that they have a waiting list going to re-rent their units, so they won't evict you over it. Especially not when they could keep you, and bill you 500 bucks. (evictions usually cost the landlord close to 2 grand)

The worst that will happen is that they bill you 500 bucks. Even in that case, the fee may not be legal depending on your state. Several states limit fees like this. The common ground across states is that they generally cannot arbitrarily charge for stuff, it has to be in line with  damages caused. And if the damages are difficult to calculate, the fees still have to be reasonably proportionate. Damages from a cat are easy to calculate, so in most states, that is all the landlord would be entitled to.

Ohio and California are two states I can think of right off the bat where this fee would be totally illegal, so I would check around on the net and see if you can find out if "penalty fees" are legal in your state.

In any event, I certainly would not volunteer the money.

Answer 2

I THINK U NEED 2 LET THA CAT GO AND THEN PAY UR LEASE CUZ U HAVIN A CAT AND U TRYIN 2 GET A LEASE PAID U NEED 2 GIVE UR CAT 2 SUM1 OR 1 OF UR FRIENDS....

GO SEE UR CAT EVEYRDAII AD PAY UR LEASE SO U WANT GET PUT OUT OF UR HOUSE OR APARTMENT WHICHEVER 1 U R LIVIN IN THATS WAT U NEED 2 DO,..

DONT WORRY BOUT HAVIN THA CAT IN UR HOUSE GIVE IT 2 UR PARENTS OR WATEVA....

AND SUPPLY IT WITH FOOD....

Answer 3

I would not tell them you only have 5 months and how likely is that they would come into you apartment now anyway. The money is held for damages that may by incurred by the animals.

Answer 4

Sounds like you already convinced yourself not to tell them. I guess as long as you aren't obvious about it and the cat isn't loud then you should be alright. Just make sure you don't have any pet stains/odors when you leave!

Answer 5

I have had cats most of my adult life, and most apartments not only require a depost of about $3-500 non refundable, but also require a $100 monthly pet rent.

I would tell them just because one time I didn't and the hassle involved in trying to hide him was ridiculous.  Trust me, the manager knows who has pets and who lives where and if she sees the cat in the window, you are screwed.  Also, they only have to give 24 hours notice if it's not an emergency.  If your neighbor's cieling is leaking, they can enter.  If there is a break in, they can enter, if there is a gas leak, they can enter, if there is one of about 100 things, they can enter.  Picture this: if  your toilet or sink gets clogged up, you have to hide that cat and all it's stuff and vacuume like a madman before you can even call for help.  

Pay it and get over it.  It was your choice to get the cat, now be a responsible cat owner.

Answer 6

Let's see.  You've violated your lease, and you want the folks here to agree with you on that ?  Not going to happen.

Now, cats have been known to meow loudly when left alone.  Of course you won't be there to hear it, but one of your neighbors MIGHT hear it, and might NOT like it.  And if your neighbor complains and management comes to check it out ?????

Answer 7

do not tell them you only have a little while left.  

Answer 8

Do you still have a copy of your lease? A complex that big probably spells out the unauthorized animal consequences in black and white.

Normally they have to give 24 hours consent, but not in an emergency. If you downstairs neighbor suddenly has water coming in through their kitchen ceiling, maintenance can certainly come into your place if you’re home or not.

I am too much of an animal lover to take a risk that could put my pet in jeopardy. I’d be honest and pay the fee.