Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California
Pet Depostis
My landlord recently told me that I had to pay a pet deposit of $300. my problem is everyone else in the complex ( 300 units) has either a dog or car, they want to charge me that amount because I have new carpet is that legal?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Pet Depostis
Hello.
1. It is "legal" meaning that it is not illegal.
2. A Landlord has a right to protect their property. What ever the LL did with respect to other tenants is irrelevant to you regarding your facts.
3. Yes, the LL can extract a DEPOSIT inasmuch as it is not a fee or payment. At the conclusion of the tenancy and assuming that your pet is a "clean" one, you will get your deposit back.
NOTE: pet urine usually is not easily visible in the carpet unless you seek it out in complete darkness with a black light! Then, all too often, the surprise and disgust jump out at you!
Hoping this has been helpful,
Sincerely,
Mark Geyer
Re: Pet Depostis
There is nothing illegal about charging you an additional deposit because of the new carpet.
The total amount that the landlord requires as a security deposit on an unfurnished unit cannot be more than the amount of two months� rent. If you have a waterbed, the total amount allowed as security can be up to two-and-a-half times the monthly rent.
The landlord can require you to pay the first month�s rent in addition to the security deposit.
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