My fudging rent manager wont let me keep pets?

Question

ok i have a cat in my apartment today the manger came by surprise and told us to get rid of the cat and we had 2 weeks either he goes or we go or the rent increases what can i do in this situation is there any law that can protect the cat and me or any suggestions please answer asap

i live in los angeles california and this cat is like our family already please help us

Answer 1

Ask the manager if he would accept a pet deposit. If he says 'no' then either the cat goes or you go. Sorry. I love animals and have searched all over for places that take pets-This is tough

Answer 2

Why is this a mystery to you?

Sounds like you got a cat and trying to hide it from the landlord.

Sorry buddy, but you can't do that.

Answer 3

18 years!  Does he want you guys out?!  It sure sounds like it.

Nobody turns down money.  Offer him a $500 non-refundable  pet deposit made over the next 4-5 months, $30/mo extra in pet rent, and get it in writing.  

If you can't keep the cat, please find it a good home, and do not drop it off at the shelter.

Answer 4

What does the lease say?

You should have asked before assuming that you could harbor a fugitive cat.

Either offer to pay additional deposit and apologize for your lack of ethics. Or move. The request for additional rent is not out of line. But try to negotiate for a simple increase in deposit.  

And because you broke the lease with the cat first and moving out second if you choose to do so you will be responsible for the remaining amount of the lease until either the end of the lease or until it is re-rented.

Eat some humble pie admit your mistake to him and plea for mercy. Most soft hearted people would cave in to your new found honesty and repentant heart.

Answer 5

According to California landlord/tenant law:

"Landlords may refuse to rent to any tenant with a pet except properly trained dogs of any one of the protected disability classes of tenants."

The word "may" means it is at the landlord's discretion.  18 years as a tenant doesn't give you special rights or privileges.  We'd like to think it would but it doesn't.  It's unfortunate that you have grown attached to the cat but you should have checked with the landlord before smuggling it into your apartment.

You might want to make sure that the landlord is being consistent and not allowing exceptions elsewhere in the building.  

The way I see it is you have 4 options:

1. Move out

2. get rid of the kitty cat

3. pay higher rent

4. Suggest paying a pet damage/cleaning deposit.

Having a cat may be a nice companion but for a landlord it can be real headache.  Getting rid of a cat's sour pee smell can be very difficult.  Drapes and doors can get shredded by the cat's claws. A cat's claws can also tear up the carpet.   Some people are highly allergic to cats and know if one has been in the suite and may not want to rent it after you leave.    Allowing you to have a cat also sets a precedent.  The landlord would have to allow other tenants to do the same, both existing and future tenants, or risk being charged with discrimination.

If the he's willing to allow you to keep the cat then pay the increase in rent and be happy you're being offered that option.

Answer 6

If you are living in  an apartment in LA chances are very good that you are under rent control.  If the landlord can kick you out for a legitimate reaso he can probably rerent it for considerably than you are paying.  You are not in a good barganing position.  Dump the cat.

Answer 7

Read your contract... I am sure it has something on pets in it. and if it says you pay more for pets, you pay more.