Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

How can the rules be alright for one tenent and not another?

I have a few questions. First, When I moved into my apartment I asked if i could sign JUST a six month lease so my husband and I could work out some issues and possibly come together, and the apartment MANAGER said that would be fine. When it was time to sign, i was only able to sign a year lease. I talked to another tenent that moved in after I did and she was able to sign a six month lease. How can they change the rules? After i moved in i bought a kittty for my four year old son, knowing that there are small dogs, cats, and a bird in the complex on their leases. now that I have been here for six months the MANAGER sent me a letter that i have an unothorized pet in my apartment, and I let her know that it was full grown, fixed and declawed, and she stated that she woul get ahold of the property owner to ok it after ofering a petdeposit or even and extra $30 a month. The owner was aware of my cat and said nothing three months ago, spoke with my husband & was completely fine with everything. I recieved another letter that stated that the property owner did not want to change the rules for tenents to be able to have pets. Im starting to feel like the rental comp. is discriminating against me, because its alright for everyone else!


Asked on 9/28/07, 5:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: How can the rules be alright for one tenent and not another?

You cannot be discriminated against unless you can prove that they are treating you differently for an unpermitted reason like race or gender.

When you and the manager agreed to a six month lease, you should have gotten it in writing. The writing controls to the extent that there are inconsistent verbal agreements.

If your contract says no pets, then they can evict you for having a pet. Doesn't matter how old the animal is. If the apartment is willing to sign an agreement re the pet, then do it.

A pet deposit and pet rent are not unusual. If you write to the management and or owner, point out that other tenants have pets, and offer to pay a deposit for the pet.

But it isn't discrimination.

Powell

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Answered on 9/28/07, 6:10 pm


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