Poptart
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Post by Poptart on Mar 27, 2015 18:00:56 GMT -5
Hey guys,
I'm having a major issue and hope you can help me out. My apartment manager and her supervisor showed up this morning and told my sisters that we have one week to get rid of our pets-or pay a $500 deposit per pet or we have to move out. They have given me a week.
We don't have a lease because we have been in this unit since 1999, we had one when we first moved into the building in 1997 that expired in June 1998, we lived in another unit at that point and we were allowed to have pets, I was 13 whe we moved it and don't remember if we payed a deposit for our cat.
In 2008 we ended up with two dogs, they have all their shots, and don't make a lot of noise, we also have two cats, no one ever told us that we could not have our pets, nor did they request extra payment for them until today. They gave me nothing in writing- we were told that we had one week to fix the issue and if not then they would sent a notice in the mail.
Am I out of luck here because I don't have a lease? I can't afford 2k but these are my pets and I can't get rid of them like they are a pair of old shoes! If it helps any I'm in LA county and my unit is rent controlled-as an aside they recently (as in this week) started to remodel my apartment, my guess is they want us out in order to get higher rent on the unit, what if anything can I do?
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Mar 27, 2015 18:07:36 GMT -5
With all due respect . . . you do not need to be talking to landlords here. You will not get unbiased information (sorry LL's).
You need to be talking - immediately - to your local or regional housing resource center, whoever or whatever that is in your area. Google it.
And if you or any of your sisters are disabled, you can contact your local or regional disabled resources center. You need someone on your "side," not a landlord (sad LOL).
Good luck!
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justme
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Post by justme on Mar 27, 2015 18:08:59 GMT -5
What did your original lease say before you went month to month? That probably is where your answer is, if you still have it.
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Mar 27, 2015 18:09:49 GMT -5
I just went back and saw that you are in the LA area (assume that means Los Angeles, not Alabama?). If so, call these folks:
www.hrc-la.org/default.asp?id=6
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Poptart
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Post by Poptart on Mar 27, 2015 18:11:28 GMT -5
Kittensaver- I already contacted the city and they opened an investigation, they will contact me within the next three days-however I have been given only one week or they will issue a three day notice. I don't want it to get to that point.
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Mar 27, 2015 18:13:21 GMT -5
Kittensaver- I already contacted the city and they opened an investigation, they will contact me within the next three days-however I have been given only one week or they will issue a three day notice. I don't want it to get to that point. Then call legal aide and get some advice. There are waaaaaay too many questions here to get answered on a board, sorry. Without a lease there are questions of pattern and practice, what has been allowed to go on, what may or may not be a violation of the original lease, etc etc etc.
You need legal advice STAT.
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Mar 27, 2015 18:14:18 GMT -5
Hey guys, I'm having a major issue and hope you can help me out. My apartment manager and her supervisor showed up this morning and told my sisters that we have one week to get rid of our pets-or pay a $500 deposit per pet or we have to move out. They have given me a week. We don't have a lease because we have been in this unit since 1999, we had one when we first moved into the building in 1997 that expired in June 1998, we lived in another unit at that point and we were allowed to have pets, I was 13 whe we moved it and don't remember if we payed a deposit for our cat. In 2008 we ended up with two dogs, they have all their shots, and don't make a lot of noise, we also have two cats, no one ever told us that we could not have our pets, nor did they request extra payment for them until today. They gave me nothing in writing- we were told that we had one week to fix the issue and if not then they would sent a notice in the mail. Am I out of luck here because I don't have a lease? I can't afford 2k but these are my pets and I can't get rid of them like they are a pair of old shoes! If it helps any I'm in LA county and my unit is rent controlled-as an aside they recently (as in this week) started to remodel my apartment, my guess is they want us out in order to get higher rent on the unit, what if anything can I do? I suggest you contact the LA County Housing Resource Center. It's part of the LA County government.
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kittensaver
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Post by kittensaver on Mar 27, 2015 18:15:12 GMT -5
Hey guys, I'm having a major issue and hope you can help me out. My apartment manager and her supervisor showed up this morning and told my sisters that we have one week to get rid of our pets-or pay a $500 deposit per pet or we have to move out. They have given me a week. We don't have a lease because we have been in this unit since 1999, we had one when we first moved into the building in 1997 that expired in June 1998, we lived in another unit at that point and we were allowed to have pets, I was 13 whe we moved it and don't remember if we payed a deposit for our cat. In 2008 we ended up with two dogs, they have all their shots, and don't make a lot of noise, we also have two cats, no one ever told us that we could not have our pets, nor did they request extra payment for them until today. They gave me nothing in writing- we were told that we had one week to fix the issue and if not then they would sent a notice in the mail. Am I out of luck here because I don't have a lease? I can't afford 2k but these are my pets and I can't get rid of them like they are a pair of old shoes! If it helps any I'm in LA county and my unit is rent controlled-as an aside they recently (as in this week) started to remodel my apartment, my guess is they want us out in order to get higher rent on the unit, what if anything can I do? I suggest you contact the LA County Housing Resource Center. It's part of the LA County government. www.hrc-la.org/default.asp?id=6
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Mar 27, 2015 18:27:38 GMT -5
I don't think they can make you move in a week, but they might be muscling you on the pet issue. Can you buy yourselves some time by having friends or family keep all or some of your pets temporarily for you?
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Bonny
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Post by Bonny on Mar 27, 2015 19:23:00 GMT -5
They definitely need to give you more than a week. They need to cite the clause in the lease that says you're in violation in writing. If you don't have a copy of the lease then they need to provide it to you. They may choose to terminate your lease but must give you at least 60 days notice since you've been in the apartment for at least a year. The other occupancies don't count from a legal perspective but would probably work in front of a judge.
I'm sorry this is happening to you. I think you're right, the unit is probably run down and far below market rent and the ll is looking to recoup his/her investment.
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milee
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Post by milee on Mar 27, 2015 19:39:06 GMT -5
they recently (as in this week) started to remodel my apartment, my guess is they want us out in order to get higher rent on the unit Is it possible that the people doing the work on the apartment noticed some issues with the pets that is prompting this concern on the LL's part? If so, maybe you can try to talk to the LL about what they're worried about (scratching, carpet, whatever) and see if there's something that can be done to make both of you happy. For example, if they're worried because they're about to put down new carpet and they see that the pets are leaving messes, so want a large deposit to cover any damages, maybe you can get them to agree not to put in the new carpet in exchange for you not making any additional deposit.
Not suggesting this is a substitute for researching what the local laws and processes are, but in case you find you don't have much legal recourse, this might be a way to work things out, keep your pets and not have to come up with $2k.
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Poptart
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Post by Poptart on Mar 27, 2015 19:40:32 GMT -5
Bonny- my concern is that they have threatened to issue a three day notice if the pets are not gone within a week, I don't want it to come to that so I'm thinking about having friends/family look after the pets while the city does an investigation.
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Bonny
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Post by Bonny on Mar 27, 2015 19:57:37 GMT -5
Bonny- my concern is that they have threatened to issue a three day notice if the pets are not gone within a week, I don't want it to come to that so I'm thinking about having friends/family look after the pets while the city does an investigation. 3 day notices are for non-payment of rent. Is your rent paid?
If so, they need to provide notice citing the clause in the lease. They haven't provided that yet. Make them provide a copy of the lease that shows the violation. Since this has gone on for so long I think they're in a world of trouble.
if there are other issues, like vermin or other pests due to the pet food or the pets (fleas, cockroaches, et cetera) that are affecting other residents that's another issue.
ETA: Since you're in a rent controlled apartment this is a fight worth fighting. While the LL's position is understandable (and I wouldn't want it myself in a small apartment) to expect you to leave on such short notice is unreasonable. As kittensaver says there's a legal advocacy service available for tenants and you should use it.
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Poptart
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Post by Poptart on Mar 27, 2015 20:15:51 GMT -5
Bonny- there are no issues with how clean the place is, they are saying that there's a new "law" that makes this mandatory-which is bull. The building was bought by new owners several years ago so I doubt they even have a copy of the lease, which by the way charged $25 for a pet deposit and nothing else- I remember because my mom used to joke about having to pay the $25 for my cat.
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Poptart
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Post by Poptart on Mar 27, 2015 20:16:28 GMT -5
And yes, my rent is paid, I'm due to pay again no later than April 3rd.
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Bonny
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Post by Bonny on Mar 27, 2015 20:24:35 GMT -5
Bonny- there are no issues with how clean the place is, they are saying that there's a new "law" that makes this mandatory-which is bull. The building was bought by new owners several years ago so I doubt they even have a copy of the lease, which by the way charged $25 for a pet deposit and nothing else- I remember because my mom used to joke about having to pay the $25 for my cat. Make them prove it. And get some representation.
Good luck!
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dondub
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Post by dondub on Mar 28, 2015 12:01:48 GMT -5
As a LL, I'm appalled at the sloppy management of this property. No rental agreement for the current apartment? WTF! They are exposing themselves to all kinds of grief. The fact they are doing this, in a money making venture, would not be looked kindly on by any judge. It's always the LL's responsibility to operate according to the letter of the law.
I doubt what they attempting is within the legal parameters of local Landlord~Tenant Law. Up here in Seattle, any change like this would require 30 days notice. They should have done a new rental agreement when the new owners bought a few years back, relevant to your different apt. and all other issues such as deposits, pets, etc. I don't think they have a leg to stand on and are bullying this poster.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Mar 28, 2015 12:37:02 GMT -5
Yes, CA like Oregon, is very tenant friendly. LL's in Oregon can't even charge non refundable pet fees and the latest that I heard was no pet fees at all. Which just means renters with pets will have a tough time finding places to rent but that's another story. You're being hosed.
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Bonny
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Post by Bonny on Mar 28, 2015 14:58:27 GMT -5
As a LL, I'm appalled at the sloppy management of this property. No rental agreement for the current apartment? WTF! They are exposing themselves to all kinds of grief. The fact they are doing this, in a money making venture, would not be looked kindly on by any judge. It's always the LL's responsibility to operate according to the letter of the law.
I doubt what they attempting is within the legal parameters of local Landlord~Tenant Law. Up here in Seattle, any change like this would require 30 days notice. They should have done a new rental agreement when the new owners bought a few years back, relevant to your different apt. and all other issues such as deposits, pets, etc. I don't think they have a leg to stand on and are bullying this poster. I liked your response so much I wanted to give you a .
Good LLs hate to hear about these things. It gives us all a bad name.
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dondub
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Post by dondub on Mar 28, 2015 18:21:31 GMT -5
The first book I ever read on owning rental property stressed the following: your tenants are your biggest asset. They pay for everything. Treat them like fellow human beings with some respect and caring, and follow the law to protect both sides, and it's surprising how the grief can be minimized. I have had only 3 evictions in 39 years (anniversary is today) with no less than 13 units.
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buster
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Post by buster on Mar 28, 2015 19:02:15 GMT -5
500 / pet is definitely on the unreasonable side. You stated your prior lease with the prior management company was $25 / pet? If your prior lease went month to month and you had a contract stating as such, the new management company is obligated to follow the terms of the previous contract. Regardless, definitely seek legal help on this as it sounds like you're being bullied. As someone who has rented with pets, I wish you all the best.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Mar 29, 2015 10:08:20 GMT -5
Actually it's not. Normal for cats is 250-300 and dogs are more. Back when I could charge for pets, I charged $500 for a dog. Several years ago.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Mar 29, 2015 10:22:55 GMT -5
My (non refundable) pet deposit in 2000 was $250, it was $300 for 2 for my cats.
I was grandfathered in on the non refundable deposit, so never had to pay pet rent when the complex started charging about 3 years later. Pet rent was $25/animal.
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Mar 29, 2015 14:45:09 GMT -5
$300 non refundable pet deposit is the norm at most apt complexes in my area. Maybe it's the fact that you have 4 pets in one apartment and they think you are going to keep on acquiring more pets. I can't imagine not having a lease for all those year but every state is different.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Mar 29, 2015 16:03:29 GMT -5
Wow, that would be a terribly stressful situation. I'm sorry you're going through it.
I'm saying this next part simply as a point of objectivity: You said there were no issues with cleanliness. I would recommend you have a friend who can be impartial and you won't be offended by look at your apartment. We tend to become comfortable with how we are living and we don't always "see" what is actually going on in our homes. I'm not saying you're apartment is definitely unclean; I'm just suggesting you have a trusted friend help you see what the pets might actually be doing to your apartment. Then, you can be armed with that knowledge and fix anything that might be wrong.
Good luck!
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souldoubt
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Post by souldoubt on Mar 29, 2015 16:16:54 GMT -5
Around where I live in CA (south of LA) pet deposits are $500 for each pet so I don't think it's unreasonable as far as the dollar amount goes.
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Bonny
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Post by Bonny on Mar 29, 2015 16:50:23 GMT -5
Around where I live in CA (south of LA) pet deposits are $500 for each pet so I don't think it's unreasonable as far as the dollar amount goes. We (in CA) are limited to a total of 2x the monthly rent for a deposit. And it doesn't matter what you call it the TOTAL cannot exceed 2x the monthly rent (for an unfurnished unit). Therefore you're smartest if you call the whole thing "security deposit" so that you aren't limiting what you can spend the deposit for. When the pigs in my condo left the issue wasn't their dogs it was the people who couldn't clean up after themselves. Most of the deposit went to replacing the carpet they couldn't bother to vacuum or clean for two years.
I'm not sure that you can even call something that's not refundable a "deposit". Typically they will call it a pet fee or charge more per monthly rent.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Mar 29, 2015 17:36:17 GMT -5
A lot of LL's don't want a lease beyond the initial year one. I don't. My last tenant has been there for over ten years. No lease. Easier to get rid of a bad one that way. But tenant laws are changed a lot and always favor the tenant. Besides my tenant only having to give me 30 days notice, I have to give her 60. No more pet deposits. Fortunately I got hers years ago.
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Bonny
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Post by Bonny on Mar 29, 2015 18:42:16 GMT -5
A lot of LL's don't want a lease beyond the initial year one. I don't. My last tenant has been there for over ten years. No lease. Easier to get rid of a bad one that way. But tenant laws are changed a lot and always favor the tenant. Besides my tenant only having to give me 30 days notice, I have to give her 60. No more pet deposits. Fortunately I got hers years ago. So funny how different we all operate.
I need/want leases partly because I live so far away from my properties; 500+ miles, partly for planning purposes; it takes me about two weeks to "turn" a property and I can't just drop everything and be away for two weeks and finally I do it to ensure that I'm offering for rent during my peak season; summer for the beach properties and Feb 1 for the AZ property.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Mar 29, 2015 18:45:26 GMT -5
But if they want to leave, they will. Mine are on the west coast. I'm now in the Midwest but used to be in Florida. My mom and grandma handled it the same way.
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