Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Georgia

Dispute over pet deposit

A year and 7 months ago I leased an apartment in Georgia. The apartment complex was running a special in which there were no deposits. Instead of a deposit you purchased a bond for $89.

My pet was listed on the lease at that time and no deposit was collected. I was told to go get money orders for two seperate amounts of money -- one for rent due, the second for the bond. I was given the keys.

Yesterday, I received a ''Cure or Quit'' notice from management regarding my pet -- a year and 7 months later. They said that the pet fee (which is stated in the lease) was now due and payable.

I have been given a 2 day notice to pay the pet fee which they say they never waved, however, there is nothing in my file -- no agreement that I would pay this pet fee in installments since the fee was not collected when I signed my lease.

They are know telling me I have to pay it or get out and they will report to my credit.

I have leased many apartments and all involved my pet. At all times, I was required to hand over all amounts of money due before I was given the keys to the apartment.

What should I do?


Asked on 2/22/06, 10:14 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Re: Dispute over pet deposit

You stated that there is nothing in your file about installment agreements, or other agreements, what is in your file is a lease in which you agree to pay the pet fee. Presumably there is also nothing in your file that shows they waived the fee. As for what you should do, pay the fee you agreed to pay. Their tactics and 2 day notice may not be all that nice, but the lease is the agreement that controls. It is not worth a negative credit entry or eviction.

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Answered on 2/22/06, 10:33 am


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