What You Should Know About Moving With a Pet
Are you attempting to find an apartment that could also house your pet? Or are you currently experiencing trouble with a landlord who is threatening to evict you for living with your friend? Here we explain several crucial things you should know when moving with a pet.
What Should I Do Before Moving In With a Pet?
The most important element to take note of before moving in with a pet is ensuring you are knowledgeable about the pet-related policies and regulations that your potential apartment has. Make sure you read the pet clause in the lease agreement as soon as you can because there may be instances where the landlord does not allow pets to reside in the rental unit at all. In addition, there may be clauses in the lease that include pet rent, pet deposits, or pet fees as well. Service animals, though, are not subject to these according to the Fair Housing Act.
Also, read any pet restrictions that the landlord may have. Some may limit particular breeds, weights, and the number of pets that can stay in an apartment. If these restrictions apply to you, you may attempt to negotiate with your landlord so he or she can possibly make an exception. However, there is no guarantee that this will be the case so it is essential you keep your options open for an apartment that has different restrictions.
What Happens If I Get Caught Living With a Pet?
It may certainly be frustrating when it comes to apartments that have a no-pet clause. Before you consider sneaking in your lovable friend into the apartment, make sure you are aware of the consequences that may come with getting caught by your landlord. Although several warnings and fines may not seem significantly harmful, there is still a possibility for serious repercussions if you continue to refuse cooperation with the landlord.
In some cases, your landlord may charge you with fines. These fines are usually set at a particular amount and are assessed per pet, but sometimes landlords can try to charge daily fines for each day your pet stays in the rental unit. It is also crucial to note that these fines must be outlined in the lease agreement; if you are wrongfully charged with a fine that isn’t included in the contract, you can possibly take the case to civil court and defend your position.
If you sneak your pet into your apartment and get caught, you may also encounter consequences that are more detrimental than several fines. For one, since the landlord has the right to request the removal of your pet from the rental unit, you may want to break the lease and move out early. This comes with added complications, stress, and substantial penalties. In addition, consistent refusal to cooperate may lead to eviction, and you can also be sued by your landlord for failing to pay rent for the remainder of the lease term.
How We Can Help
Dealing with pet-related housing issues can be quite difficult, but we are to help you. If you are experiencing problems with your landlord or are unsure of what to do in a certain situation, feel free to contact us by filling out our online form here. The attorneys at Tenants Law Firm are knowledgeable, experienced, and most importantly want to strive to reach the ultimate solution for you.