Paying a pet deposit and monthly fee

Question

My husband and I have just found a great apartment that has everything we were looking for, but there is one issue. We haven't signed a lease yet, but we are getting ready to reserve an apartment today. My one problem with this place is the $300 pet fee and $30 monthly pet rent. Compared to other apartments in the area, this is a bit high. Most places do not require a monthly fee at all, and if they do, the highest is $20. I realize it's my choice to have a pet or not, but I just don't know if it's worth it. We've had this cat for a little over a year now, and I'd be so sad to get rid of her. Are these sort of monthly fees ever negotiable with the landlord, or are they always set in stone? Would it hurt to ask them to lower the monthly payment? Thank you.

Answer 1

Those fees are non-negotiable, if they allowed you to pay a lower amount and everyone else paid the set rate, they would be in violation of fair housing laws. If you dont want to pay it and you really love the unit, get rid of the cat to a family member or friend so that maybe you could get it back.

It wouldnt hurt to ask, but they will say no, they have to, its the law.  

Answer 2

You could ask...or keep looking for another apartment.  Landlords pretty much rule the roost on this one because while it is your choice to have a pet, it also their choice to let you in with it...good luck!

Answer 3

They are set fees but that's pretty sad if you won't pay $30 for a member of your family to stay with you.

It makes me sick that you say it's not worth it- ugh, to put "value" on an animal is just sad.

  

Please don't have kids- they cost more then $30 a month too....

Don't get a pet if your going to treat it like an object that can be dispose of in your convenience.

Answer 4

Since there are other apartments that are comparable and they charge nothing or at least less for pets why not just rent from them?

There is a problem with apartment landlords charging some people fees and other people differently, it can easily be twisted to be discrimination.

"I had to pay $30 a month for my cat because I am (fill in the blank), and the person who is (something different) was not charged."    It can be g*y, black, white, asian, male, female, whatever, but it could very easily be argued that the landlord is discriminating against or in favor of a group.

Answer 5

They are always negotiable, if the person you are dealing with is the highest up. However, it is unlikely that they will negotiate this with you. My apartment complex charged a $200 deposit and $15/month. Be careful: I found out later that because of the vague writing in the pet deposit forms (It said the "refundable portion" would be returned), they don't actually have to return any of my $200 upon leaving. Make sure you ask how, when, and under what circumstances you have your deposit returned, unless you already know you don't. Remember, though, those monthly charges add up. After only a year, you'll be paying $360 more. You might still want to look around.

I understand, though. I wouldn't sacrifice my cat to get my money back. Good luck, and I hope it goes well.

You might want to try telling them your willingness to move there depends on the monthly fee being reduced. Especially if you have good credit, they might listen.

Answer 6

Your choice is to either accept the offering of the landlord, or look for other accommodations.  Frankly, I do not blame the landlord for the amount of fees.  Cats are actually worse than dogs in a rental, even if they are smaller.  Cat urine stains are next to impossible to remove, even with deep cleaning.

Yes, I know you think your cat is perfectly trained, but all cats have a tendency to 'mark their new surroundings' when they move.  If the carpets end up being ruined, you might find yourself paying even more than the fees and rent.

Answer 7

It never hurts to ask them to lower it, especially if you bring up the fact that other apartments in the area only have a $20 pet fee.  I would first try to negotiate the monthly fee and ask if the $300 is refundable when you move out.  

In the apartment complex I rented from, we had a non-refundable fee and it was $250.  They told us it was because they replaced the carpet after pet owners moved out.  I would love to know who will replace carpet for a 2 bedroom apartment for only $250!!

Hope they are willing to negotiate with you!  

Answer 8

I would offer a counter on it. Sometimes they will work with you, other times not. Odds are, they will hide behind fair housing laws, saying that they have to charge the same to everyone or it could give the appearance of impropriety. Still, worth a shot.

If not, there are plenty of other apartments for rent out there...I would suggest looking around some more, if you really don't want to pay that extra money.

Answer 9

Don't throw your cat out just because you have to pay a monthly fee. Try negotiating or find another apartment to live at.  

Answer 10

I doubt that they can lower the price but if you just add it to your rent, you'll never miss it.

Answer 11

Landlords can be sure that there will be "damage" from the pets. The dogs scratch at the back door to be let in.  THe cats have "accidents". BOth leave a strong smell in the carpet that future tenants will complain about for 2 years (and they will demand entirely new carpet because they are sensitive to the smell).  

But a smart landlord knows that the best tenants also have pets.  SO it's a matter of balance.  

Most people buy a house because they want a home for their pets. /

Answer 12

Everything is negotiable before you sign the lease.  Talk to the landlord.  You may find he is more than willing to lower the fees.