Landlord question regarding animals?

Question

I just signed a lease at an apartment a few days ago. At the time I signed the lease I only had a cat, and I made sure to ask about getting a dog. They told me it was no problem at all, and that I'll be allowed to add one on once I get it. Now, the problem is that I just got a dog, and now they are saying theres a limit of 1 pet per apartment?! So, knowing that I don't have it in writing that they told me I could have a dog and cat, I don't know what to do. Should I lie and say I'm getting rid of the cat then to have the dog, and just keep the cat there anyways? I figure a cat is much easier to hide than a dog. What should I do? I'm not getting rid of either of them, its not an option...I did nothing wrong, they just changed their mind on me, and thats not my problem....

Answer 1

What does your lease state?

Any alterations or modifications to a written lease must be in writing. Verbal means nothing and is trumped (legally) by the written lease.

Attempt to sneak in an extra pet and you will find yourself with an eviction notice.

Answer 2

.    Half of the questions here at Yahoo are from tenants who were lied to.  They were promised new paint;  new carpet;  a dog.   They moved in with only the "promise" and were shocked when the person who made the promise quit her job or said "I never said that".  Verbal leases are legal if they are under 1 year.

Fill out the 10 day notice at the courthouse and pay $35.  Maybe when they get the court notice , they will accept your dog.  Otherwise the judge will hear your side and their side and make a decision. No lawyers needed.  Takes a few weeks.

Answer 3

Well, actually it is your problem.  When something is verbal, as I am sure you know, there is no proof that the conversation regarding a possible 2nd pet took place.  There may be a pet clause in your lease, and it may have payment penalties for an un-authorized pet.  As far as hiding your cat, well, cats like window sills.  That is usually how I catch my tenants that are "hiding" a cat.  I believe that they told you initially that is was OK to have another pet, but you can't fight this.  You might try to keep the dog and hide the cat, and hope that they don't find out, but they probably will. This is probably very frustrating for you.  

Answer 4

Yeah, but when maintenance comes in, they will probably see both. I would offer an additional pet fee and try to talk reasonably to them. If they are unreasonable about this, maybe you should cut your losses, break the lease, and find a new place to be happy with your pets.