Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida
Is their a ceiling on pet deposits?
I signed a receipt for the amount of 225.00 for a pet deposit for 1 dog,1 rabbit and 6 birds. This i signed along with my lease beginning 1/1/02. On 3/1/02, a notice was placed on my door under the heading ''notice of change in terms''. She states that I now owe her 150.00 more for the rabbit being inside per verbal agreement.Also, I am on housing and she states I owe her a late fee for the housing check being late. Please advise! Thank You.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Is their a ceiling on pet deposits?
If the receipt for the $225.00 covers the rabbit, then the purported verbal agreement appears to be unenforceable. Generally, verbal agreements are not enforced in matters relating to real estate. As concerns the late rental payment, unless your lease provides for a grace period or extension of time to make rent payments as a result of late delivery of housing checks, then you may have a problem avoiding any late fee provided for under the lease. Good luck.