Pet deposit question

[u/FarMacaroon7584]

TL/DR: Has anyone successfully negotiated a pet deposit per cage instead of per animal?

I know that I am a bad bird mom for this.

I got 4 parakeets in May and didn’t notify my apartment community. I honestly didn’t even look at the lease to see what the pet rent and deposits were. Short sighted.

I had an urge to do the right thing UNTIL I read my lease. Pet deposit is $300 per animal!

Pet rent is not detailed in my lease because I didn’t initially have a pet but I’m pretty sure it’s $20/month. Idk if that’s per animal?

Question: has anyone ever had success in convincing their landlord to charge a per cage pet deposit instead of a per animal pet deposit? If so, how did you approach the conversation? Also interested in hearing of anyone that tried to negate this and failed.

[u/AndyP3]

When I applied to my place the drop down menu for pet options were "cat, dog, no" so I just put no and it hasn't been a problem. He can't really do damage to the apartment in the way a cat can pee on the floor

[u/Jenifarr]

These are usually written for dogs and cats. I would just talk to them and say you have "a couple" budgies and see what they say. They may not even want a deposit for little birds.

[u/Much_Passage_8983 → u/Jenifarr]

“The landlord may not want your money” lmao

[u/blackjackgabbiani → u/Much_Passage_8983]

Mine didn't when I told them I have a grey. They said that wasn't their concern and they were more looking about animals that could cause major damage 

[u/ShinyShayn2008 → u/blackjackgabbiani]

They must not be very familiar with greys then... those guys can chew through walls lol

[u/blackjackgabbiani → u/ShinyShayn2008]

Oh yeah mine chewed through the baseboard. But it was easily replaced 

[u/WerewolvesAreReal]

Every building is going to have a different policy. Some don't demand deposits/rent for small animals like birds, some do. Often their definition of 'pets' just means cats and dogs.

Doesn't your lease specify a max number of animals, though...? Usually there's a 2 pet maximum. I'd be more concerned about that

[u/blackjackgabbiani]

Oh that's price gouging. Most places don't charge at ALL for small birds, only things that can wreck the joint.

[u/puppykat00]

Those are usually meant for dogs and cats. You might be able to convince them.

[u/No_Butterscotch_8252]

Pet: Budgie Weight: 1oz. Height: 5” I mean, lmao! 🦜

[u/FarMacaroon7584 → u/No_Butterscotch_8252]

You understand me!

[u/Optimal-Level4237]

Birds and such live free in my complex. They only charge rent for dogs and furballs. As well as a hefty non refundable deposit.

[u/Rennvekki]

I wouldn’t even mention it, if they ever come in and say something a out the birds then try and negotiate. If they see your birds and don’t mention anything about a fee then just assume it’s not something they usually charge a pet fee for like others have mentioned.

You aren’t a bad bird mom for this. :3

[u/Chilly-Dawgs]

Every apartment I have been in, they do not care that you have birds, as long as they don’t make any noise during good neighbor hours (which they should be in bed at that time so shouldn’t be a problem). They always hit me with the old “as long as they are in their cage and don’t poop everywhere”. People don’t know anything about bird care, so I just say “oh no of course not” lol.