my dog damaged the carpet in one bedroom.  Dogs are allowed and I paid my security deposit for the dog.  The manager says that it is the policy of the apartment complex to recarpet the entire apartment and that I must pay for it.  Has anyone else dealt with a similar issue?
129064
Exactly what the landlord can and can't do is determined by the wording of the lease / renter's agreement that you signed, and by the laws of your area.\n\n"Policy" doesn't enter into this, unless that policy is written into your lease. You need to look at the lease and figure out what language in the lease would force you to pay. Also, you might try asking the manager to show you where in the lease this policy is laid out. If they can't show it to you, then there's no "policy" that you agreed to.\n\nOf course, if it's in the lease, you are obligated to pay it, or you're in violation of the contract you signed. In practice, you might be able to bargain a little on this, but it would help to know what you've agreed to.\n\nHope this helps!
179589
With apartments, usually they'll insist all renters be on the lease, for legal and insurance reasons.\nWith private houses, it depends on what the landlord and main renter say; generally they will do month-by-month. \n\nUnless you're talking about staying a short time, pretending to be your friend's house guest and paying him directly. Which is not a great idea.\n\n>should I pay her her for deposit?\nNormally it's handled with the apt manager. This sounds like a dubious proposal. Anyway she may get damages or cleaning deducted from her deposit.\n\n> Is there a way to protect  myself in a new apartment if I don't like the place??\nNot really, but one month's notice is not a huge penalty, you could always just leave early if you disliked it that much.\nAre you concerned about noise, neighbors, the area, crime, traffic or what...? Try to do some research.
553682
This is an interesting matter.  It does seem to me that you may be liable for having an unguarded "attractive nuisance."  That the dog could get in is evidence that it was unguarded, and you knew or should have known that animals such as a dog could be killed on the site in the order of things as they existed.  I'd ask lawyer who does a lot of liability work.\n\nSecondly, though I have forgotten specifics, you will find that owners of animals are liable in varying degrees or not at all for different animals.  Cats go free, and maybe dogs unless they attack a person or a person's property, eg. sheep, etc.  Even then, in some states, the damage must reach some money figure before you can shoot the dog or sue his owner.  Court won't listen to a complaint about a dug up garden.\n\nEven owners of horses are often held to a different standard than cows under the old law of some states if the animal trods on your vegetable garden.\n\nIt's been years since I looked at case law, but you will be surprised.  I would watch out for a counter-claim for the loss of the dog.\n\nI would guess that you have All State or State Farm.  They rarely pay the full damages even were the claim is valid.  I think you should sue them with the argument that the "domestica animal" exclusion envisions only the pets of the insured and not feral animals.\n\nRecently when All State held out a substantial amount of a claim for an accident where their insured was entirely at fault, I filed an action myself, just drew up the cause of action and took it to the clerk and served the company at a local office.  That was Wed. and they called Monday.  I got all my damages plus the $75.00 filing fee.  When it comes to insurance companies, even if you make a simple small claims case, they will not want to defend it.  It will cost them far more to retain counsel where you are than the pool cover.  Besides, they may lose in any case.  Even a half-assed kitchen-talble lawyer want a couple hundred an hour now.  SUE THE BASTARDS!!! And do it yourself, pro se.
376381
You need to call the building or housing inspector who will come out there, take a look at it and order your landlord to make repairs if necessary.  \n\nSmall claims court and lawyers have nothing to do with this.
143898
Your landlord has the right to search the property with reasonable notice.  It is his property, you are just "borrowing it".  That being said, since you are paying to occupy that place you have rights as well.  He can't come unannounced and search your property, the things inside your apartment are yours.  As for the eviction, he can't evict you for pets if there is no pet clause in the rental agreement.  All changes to a rental agreement need to be in writing and signed by the tenant showing that they are aware of the new changes and agree to adhere to them.  If it's not in there it can't be pursued.  Hope this helps.
3959
As usual with legal-related questions on Yahoo! Answers, too little information exists to answer this question adequately.  The state you're in would be helpful.  Not posting the same question five times would be helpful.  Nevertheless, I'll answer what I can in this question, and post another question if you need more details.\n\nAt this date and time, it's getting a little too late to deal with the problems adequately.  A notarized note will not be very helpful - after all, the dispute is not about whether the house exists in that condition, but whether you or the landlord should be responsible for the cost of those conditions.\n\nTaking photographs and video is helpful, but again it only shows that damage exists, not who is responsible for it.  The video, though, may be able to show that it wasn't from your abuse of the apartment, but from natural wear and tear that the landlord refused to repair.\n\nDo you have any record of communication with the landlord?  That's the strongest piece of evidence you'll have.  You'd be able to show that you notified the landlord, or that the landlord acknowledged receipt of that request.\n\nIt's a little too late now, but you should have sent certified mailings to the landlord.  The landlord would have had to sign a card acknowledging that he received your letter, and you would have proof that he received your request.  With just 10 days to go, it's too late for that.\n\nI would carefully catalog everything that has happened, with each date you noticed the problem if possible, if the cause was natural, when you notified the landlord, and the entire history of the dispute.  Photos and video are helpful if you go to court.  A notarized statement is not very helpful.  Records of communication with your landlord are extremely helpful.  Otherwise, if you don't get the security deposit, you may simply have to go to small claims court with the recordings and hope that the judge believes your story.
257121
there's most likely a clause in the lease saying they can enter when they deem it necessary, like putting out a fire if you're not there, or checking for a reported problem when you're gone.  he's probably just abusing this.  either deal with it or suck it up and move.
108170
This is very serious for you. Here is how I interpret the situation. I am taking all the information you gave in your question:\n\n1) one building\n\n2) one electric meter\n \n3) five tenants\n\n4) tenant # 1 lease agreement says the electric is included in rent payment.\n\n5) tenant #2 lease agreement says the electric is divided equally by the five tenants.\n\n6) tenant # 3 (which is you) lease agreement says you will pay 65% of the electric. \n\nYou don't say anything about the other 2 apartments. They must be vacant?\n\nNone of you have received a bill or note from the landlord in at least three months.(Jan. Feb. Mar.). You ask repeatedly and no response from the landlord. THEN you are presented a bill of $2647.00, which you are expected to pay within five days from the date you received it.\n\nYou then called the utility company and they said the bill for $2647.00 was for the entire, total building. You need a copy of the bill showing the specific addresses.\n\nIf I have all this straight it sounds to me like your landlord does not have a clue as to what he does. I will assume all of you have your copy of the leases stating what you signed and agreed to pay, right? Again, if I am correct, you have three choices here.\n1) Go to the landlord and state exactly what you did in your letter above. Ask if he thinks this is a fair deal and why did he do this to you?\n\n2) If you and the other two tenants have the signed leases you really have it made. Here's how: #1 is safe. Take the bill and divide it by five. #2 pays his portion. Since the bill is divided by the five tenants it must be assumed the other four (according to #2s lease) will pay in equal parts the remaining balance of the bill. It is not your fault #1 has his electric included in the rent. It is not your fault that there are two vacant units. SOOOOOOOOOOOO, Divide the$2647.00 by 5 = $529.40 per unit. Right? Now, you do your part and pay 65% of  $529.40= $344.11.  Makes sense, huh?\n\n3) This is the last one, get an attorney.\n\nActually I like my #2 the best. Think about that. I cannot believe I have spent all this time on one answer. I was really angry at the damn landlord. You had better let us know what happens.(me, at least)     MUCH LUCK!!!!
152164
It all depends on who you're renting from.  I would not pay a pet fee without seeing everything in writing.  Yes, they do charge that and even more for pet fees.  Do you have to pay a non-refundable deposit for you and your friend?  Make sure it's all in writing.
572381
Frankly, the best thing would be to call or write your local newspaper or TV stations, especially if they have a consumer help person. You need to get the word out about this place, which should not be foisting damaged dogs on unsuspecting people.
255246
The tenant could be sued for conversion[1]. The movable property in the apartment still belongs to the original owner, so he may sue to recover the monetary damages.\n\nThink about this way, You rent a Hotel room, while you are there you throw a TV set out of the window.\nYou will have to pay for it.\n This is exactly the same thing as what you are describing, except that the lease is longer and the things are more useless. But these are immaterial differences.\n\nIf the tenant lies, The landlord will have to put evidence that he left the stuff. He can testify himself, and put his friends on the stand who saw the stuff at his place, he may also make the moving company testify that they never moved the stuff etc etc etc. The case like this can come out either way depending on what evidence might be obtained.
269311
i don't no how your state works but here in south carolina they don't sue you they just put it on your credit which in some ways are worse than being sued you will never be able to rent again and if the people you are buying your house from happens to call that landlord chances are you may not get your home if i was you i would go talk to the landlord and make some arrangements to pay him and if you have a lease you can be charged for breaking that lease that again is another reason to talk to him also tell him that your house is falling apart put it in writing and take pictures that may help you some and if he is a butt talk to the regional manager explain it all to her or him ,trust me they have the ups on you if they take you to court you will lose i use to manage a 120 unit apartment complex and this is how we did things ,its not worth destroying your credit
11113
Oh you are opening up pandora's box!  Do  you really want tenants working on your property?  You are opening yourself up to a lot of liability issues there.  Definetly speak with a lawyer, but as a property manager I would say not a good idea!  If I let the tenants make decisions about repairs/maintenance/upkeep around here there would be mayhem!  I can't tell you how many people knock on my door daily....to ask to borrow a plunger! ugh!  Seriously though, think about your investment, you want to protect it right?  People tend to care for their own property much better than those who are merely renting!
345281
Your lease should spell out the time frame for returning your deposit.  Most leases don't allow for the termination of the lease for something as voluntary as the want of a pet.  I'm surprised the landlord has agreed to return your money at all.\n\nThat said, if he has agreed to do so and doesn't comply with the time frames defined by the lease you would have to go to small claims court to recover your money.
502117
OK,, you CAN go to small claims court and dispute the damage.\nHowever is 350$ REALLY worth it(keep in mind -- you will have to miss work, pay court fees, etc.)?\nIf it is go to your local small claims and file a claim.\nIf it is not do not do anything. \nDO not pay anything, let the landlord sue you if she Wants 119 so bad she can sue you.
587610
Yes, you can first give notice to the owner of the problem. I would give 10 day, then tell them this is stressful for you, causing you depression, fear, and anything else you are experiencing.  Then tell them if this situation can not be stopped you will be moving on ___________date and expect your security deposit back with references.  Of couse, the state law would need to be looked up just to be sure.  Go to Tenant Landlord Law for ___________state.?
150877
DO NOT tolerate their total lack of regard for YOUR space, YOUR privacy, YOUR home!!!\n\nNot only would I be quick to bring this issue to the manager's attention, (BOTH VERBALLY AND IN WRITING), I would also send a letter expressing my rights, as outlined in my lease agreement, to the Property Managers and/or owners, asking that, they cease, at once, entering my apartment UNLESS I have been given prior notice of their NEED to enter!  I would also make a trip to my local Police Station, the Housing Authority, THEN to a lawyer, IF it were to go that far.\n\nKeep WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION taking note of DATES and TIMES in which you have been violated!  This IS a form of being violated and I don't want to see you taking it lightly.\n\nGo take care of this,...AT ONCE!\n\nBy ALL means, before you leave your apartment, ALWAYS be sure ALL windows AND doors are locked!  DO NOT leave yourself vulnerable to ANYONE, okay?  Take care.\n\nP.S.  Even being "adult" children of the landlord's children---STILL,...NOT! a good thing AT ALL.  PLEASE realize you truly are being violated.  If you don't get this serious matter handled, you're liable to be getting out of your tub or shower and SOMEBODY'S gonna be standing in the doorway!!  We all want you to be safe and put a stop to them entering YOUR apartment unless you know about it BEFOREHAND and WHY.  If you feel uncomfortable handling this on your own, ask someone you feel close to, either a family member or trusted friend, and I'm sure they would be eager to help you any way they can.  Be smart.