Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California
Renting with pets
I currently have a lease agreement that includes my dog. I am moving to a smaller apartment (less expensive) in the same complex. I currently have until December 2004 on the current lease, but they are allowing me to move to the smaller apartment to continue the lease. But now they don't take dogs and they would not write my dog in who has been living here for 4 years to the new apartment. In other words I can't keep my dog, who I have had for 10 years. Is there anything that I can do to keep him and finish out my lease? Thanks for any help.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Renting with pets
Howdy:
It would appear that your only option is to keep your current apartment. However, when the current lease expires, I'd expect that they'll disallow the dog. But, it will give you several months to find another place to live.
I assume money is an issue here, thus the smaller unit. If you move before the end of the lease on the current unit, you can be responsible for the remaining lease payments.
If you've already signed a lease on the new unit, it may work as a cancellation of your current lease ... which will put you in a poor position.
You may want to discuss the option of ending the current lease early. If they're moving to a no pets complex, they may be willing to release you from the current lease before the expiration of the term.
Good luck.
rkr