I need urgent advice on my apartments no pet policy

[wienkeg]

One time fee? Just pay it. Recurring? Move.

Good luck.

[Parysa]

http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/h...t_Handbook.pdf

Thats the landlord-tenant handbook for GA. Unfortunately, you're stuck.

[Kodieh]

http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/h...t_Handbook.pdf

Thats the landlord-tenant handbook for GA. Unfortunately, you're stuck.

Read the link pretty throughly, on the pets section. According to that, the land lord can only terminate the lease and seek to evict. There is not wording for being able to fine you, now if you get him to put into writing that the fee is actually a pet deposit and that upon paying his requested amount you can have the animals until your lease is up, that's one thing.

According to that, he is NOT able to fine you, and he is lying if he says it's legal. If he won't go the IN WRITING part, then go take the free 30 minute lawyer sit down and discuss your options. At the very least you can persuade him to just end the lease and move without penalty.

[ROACH]

My apartment manager is threatening to fine me 100$ for each animal I have, so a total of 700$. I've had these snakes in my apartment for three years now and never had a problem. All the maintenance guys and all the staff loves them but the manager just found out.

In my lease I did sign a portion (very small portion) that says this is a no pet property, and now I'm in a bind. Do I have an argument for saying my snakes are "collectors items" as oppose to pets? What do I do?

Just wandering....in you lease, does it say you have to pay $100 per animal or is that an amount that he just made up?

[ROACH]

Also...just a thought, would fish be considered to be pet to him? I know there's a big difference, but they are in a tank.

[Kodieh]

Just wandering....in you lease, does it say you have to pay $100 per animal or is that an amount that he just made up?

Thats the point, he can not assess fees as he sees fit.

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[Neal]

I liked my way.

[spitzu]

Thats the point, he can not assess fees as he sees fit.

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No, it's just blackmail. Pay up or get evicted. Unfortunately I'm not sure what choice he's left himself with.

[4theSNAKElady]

Why don't you just be "real" with him? Talk to him person to person, and say, "look. I know theres a no pet policy, but obviously there is some allowance, as you allow fish which are pets. I have snakes, which are all in cages. I really don't have the $700. And I really love my snakes, and I don't want to have to move if I don't have to. Could we perhaps meet in the middle? Maybe I could give you an extra amount per month in a separate agreement to allow me to have my snakes?" ...or something like that. Be real. Be reasonable. Maybe your landlord is not as big a jerk as you think. Im sure hes more upset that you hid them, instead of being upfront. Offer to show him how you house your snakes, so he knows they wont escape, and wont pee/poop on the floor n cause damage to the apartment. You just never know. Are you a good tenant otherwise? Do you always pay your rent on time? Use that as leverage. If he still insists on charging you the $700 fine, then tell him you will be moving out then. Youd rather stay somewhere that allows caged pets. And believe me, there are tons out there. He may be willing to work with you if you are a god tenant. (sometimes those are hard to find!) Just talk to him. You never know. Best of luck to ya.

P.S. .....If he does agree to a separate clause/agreement allowing you to keep your snakes, make sure you get a copy of that IN WRITING and a copy signed by both you and him.

[Kodieh]

No, it's just blackmail. Pay up or get evicted. Unfortunately I'm not sure what choice he's left himself with.

If he's evicted, he won't be penalized with like buying out the lease or what not.

I know I couldn't just up and move on a whim, so working it out may be the only choice.

Though he cannot assess the fee and don't pay it unless he gives you in writing that upon payment that the animals can stay. Don't expect to be able to renew though.

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