So, I moved into my apartment complex in 2009. About a year later, I acquired a cat. About 2 years later, I acquired another cat. About 6 months after that, I finally decided to notify my apartment complex of said cats because I knew that I was supposed to have paid a deposit. The staff member that I notified basically said don’t worry about it and did not require a deposit from me.
Meanwhile, I signed a lease agreement and did not mention the cats on the agreement. Everything’s been fine.
Now, I am signing another lease agreement and the staff member who said it was no big is on medical leave with no sure date of return.
I’m feeling a little squeamish about signing this agreement, knowing that I will be moving out soon and they surely will be able to tell I had cats in there. And also of course the whole signing of a legal and binding agreement that says I have no cats. Should I just go to the office and come clean??
And P.S. I also have not told them about my ex living there and I fear I may get busted out for that as well, as the lease agreement clearly indicates that I am to notify them of a change in occupants. :eek:
My wife was diagnosed with a very invasive variety of breast cancer on June 6th. She had a double mastectomy on July 15th. We have had complications from her reconstruction which forced her to be returned to the ER several times over the past few weeks. Today she had a port put in for chemo (unexpected delays caused us to miss our appointment for an echo cardiogram, so we were at the hospital for an extra three hours) which should start next Tuesday, if she can get her blood count up.
So, I apologize, but I do not give a rat’s ass about you and you cats.
DrFidelius, I’m so sorry about your wife. I’m sure you both must be really scared right now.
want2befree, the best thing to do is to come clean when you sign the lease. You don’t have to say how long you’ve had the cats, or how long your ex has, or had, been living with you. But from this point forward, you should be completely above board with the apartment management. Being on the up-and-up does wonders for your peace of mind.
Also, go ahead and start getting your apartment cleaned and rid of the worst cat evidence - any damage to the flooring, walls, etc.
DrFidelius, I’m very sorry to hear about your wife’s health problems. I wish the both of you the best of luck and strength.
I invite you to open a new thread to share and take comfort in the support of the Doper community. However, it is inappropriate, rude and condescending to use your situation to belittle other posters’ problems in their very own threads. Don’t do this again.
want2befree keep your mouth shut and sign the lease. Nobody in the leasing office cares about cats. It’s the dogs they’re concerned about, NOT because of the damage they do to your apartment, (they’ll get that money regardless) but because dogs shit everywhere through out the complex, and they know nobody ever cleans up after their own dogs, so now, the maintenance guys have to spend their time doing it. The “pet deposit” helps make up for that, while at the same time, discourages people from having a dog in the first place.
This is a truth, that can’t actually be talked about. If you bring up the issue with your cats, you may be forcing their hand, then they have to ask you for a deposit in the name of “fairness”. Otherwise dog owners would be bitching “Why do I have to pay a deposit and she doesn’t?”
Thanks all. And Dr. F, I too wish you and your family the best in this trying time.
Shakes, the thing about the “fairness” is I already notified a staff member and he said I did not need to give a deposit. I’m figuring he shouldn’t have done that, but what are you gonna do…I don’t want to get him in trouble, but I feel like why should I try “again.” And when I move out which will be in the next 4-6 months, they will surely see the cats damaged the carpet. So I’m just scared they will penalize me for not telling them/signing an untrue agreement. They say honesty is the best policy, so that’s what I’m thinking. I’ll just have to hope and pray it works in my favor.
Well, a weight has been lifted! I turned in my lease agreement, said I have pets (she didnt even ask if dog or cat!) and she said since the lease is for 3 months (because I know I want to move soon, been here 4 years) that she just made a note that I do have pets but don’t have to worry about a deposit! Phewww!!