Thursday, March 3, 2011

Thought we had a big BUMP in the road...

But, instead of a big BUMP, it is a little "bimp" in the road (said in my best Pink Panther detective voice).

They have a pet policy. OK - no biggie; most places do (or should) have a pet policy.

They charge a pet deposit, the pet can't be over 25 pounds, only one per unit, current on shots, spayed or neutered, yada yada yada. Still, no biggie.

Pet deposit - non-refundable. Ouch.

$300.00. Double-ouch. But, Ron loves his girl so I'm willing to pay it for him to be happy.

Got to reading the pet policy paperwork, and it says this in one section...

If the Resident Occupancy Agreement includes a Monthly Occupancy Fee then the resident shall provide a Pet Deposit equal to one month’s rent. The Pet Deposit will be returned to resident upon termination of the Resident Occupancy Agreement less the non-refundable fee of $300 and the cost of any damages to the home...”

And, this in another section:

“If the Resident Occupancy Agreement includes a Monthly Occupancy Fee then the resident shall provide a Pet Deposit equal to one month’s rent less the $300 non-refundable fee. The Pet Deposit will be returned to the resident upon termination of the Resident Occupancy Agreement less the cost of any damages to the home...”

In a 3rd section, it says this:

"If the Resident Occupancy Agreement includes a Monthly Occupancy Fee then the non-refundable fee shall be equal to one months rent.”

Our "Monthly Occupancy Fees" (aka "rent") is $850 per month.

BUMP! No way can this girl afford to pay $850 deposit for us + $850 deposit for Maisey + $850 rent when we move in (plus, the $300 towards escrow, which will be refunded to us in the form of less rent after 12 months*).

I emailed our contact there and she got back with me very quickly. The provision stated in the 3rd location was for the duplexes with "special" month-to-month rental contracts. Our deposit (non-refundable) is "only" $300 plus $10 per month extra in rent. Ouch, but definitely more of a "bimp" than a BUMP in the road. Our monthly rent will be $850 + $300 + $439 + $10 = $1599 per month for the first year; $1299 per month thereafter.

It's a lot of money to pay to rent someplace, but if it means less stress for me (overall) and a better place for Ron - then, so be it.

*They usually charge 12 months worth of rent up front and then you only pay the maintenance fee - in our case, $439 - per month. After 12 months, the rent is added back on monthly (the $850) and residents then pay the rent + maintenance fee. Because they are making a special consideration for us, they are "only" charging us $850 up front (not sure where this is going or if we'll get it back if and when we move), and then an extra $300 per month for 12 months. During months 13, 14, 15, and 16 we'll pay no rent and only pay the maintenance fee. Month 17 we'll have the remainder of the credit (a couple hundred dollars or so) and pay the rent difference plus the maintenance fee. After that, we'll pay the $1299 per month. Confused? Don't feel bad. I have it in red, blue, and white to refer to. Ron was "huh? OK - whatever she says." The entry fee (which is another non-refundable fee) was $3450.00.

12 comments:

Rae said...

Sure is a lot of money to front. Once you get settled it won't seem so bad. Still scary to begin with. I would have to pay the extra for having a dog too. There is no way I could give up my pet.

Southhamsdarling said...

Oh dear. Just as you thought things were starting to move forward, you get hit with all this! It certainly seems a lot of money to take Maisey with you, but, as you say, you have no alternative. She HAS to go with you! I do hope that everything works out for you Teresa.

SkippyMom said...

Anywhere you would rent would have a non refundable pet deposit and the cheapest I have ever seen is $250. And I have never seen a per month fee as low as $10 per month. We usually pay between $20 or $30 for Spot.

I think it is pretty fair to take your Maisey with you. Definitely a hit in the wallet, but to be expected with a four legged family member.

And the entry fee isn't refundable because it is being applied to the rent you don't pay in months 13, 14, 15, 16 and partial 17. Same as if you had paid the actual entry fee of 12 months in advance and then only paid the monthly maintenance fee of $439 for 12 months.

They did a great job of making this more manageable and that makes me very happy for you all.

caterpillar said...

Oh no......I hope it works out well...

Teresa said...

{poking fun at myself...} I thought I made perfect sense but in re-reading it, it does sound like I'm not quite on-board with paying the pet deposit or extra fees. I'm really quite on-board with it because the usual entry fee ($3450) plus 12 months rent ($850x12=$10,200) is what most residents pay (grand total = $13,650). I feel totaly BLESSED to only have to pay $3450 + $850 = $4300 up front. A miracle was totally worked for us and I am exceedingly thankful.

Miracle #2 is that I'm even being allowed to move in here. I'm way too young. 8 years too young. So, life (and God) truly is good.

BB said...

Do you have a closet to rent out to Bruce and I? hahahaha. Glad you're ok with it and can't wait for you to move in and settle in as well.

Anonymous said...

Oh dear indeed. I'm sorry to read this, but based on the animal surrenders at our local shelter, I'm not surprised. Brava to YOU for keeping Maisey and shelling out the extra.

labbie1 said...

Yikes! I'm confused!

labbie1 said...

PS The dog is totally worth it! But, still confused! LOL

Donna B. said...

Whoa. That is alot of money. I am sure you have looked all over. I am sure you thought of what would happen if you lost your job. I agree, Ron needs Maisey.

All I can say is pray. This is a tough one, but I really hope all goes well.

Donna B. said...

Whoa. That is alot of money. I am sure you have looked all over. I am sure you thought of what would happen if you lost your job. I agree, Ron needs Maisey.

All I can say is pray. This is a tough one, but I really hope all goes well.

Marla said...

My head is spinning just reading this. I can't imagine having to go through it. God bless you both.