questions & answers

Question: our landlord knowingly knew pets would be on the premises since the beginning of our lease in november 2016 , our lease is set to end november 2017 and now that we are 4 months away from it ending the landlord is wanting to charge us pet deposits but didn't say anything about it from the beginning. is this valid or can this be fought?

Answer: The lease document should control this situation.  Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 33-1314. The Arizona Landlord Tenant Act states that the lease agreement will control so long as it does not contain illegal provisions.   Look at your original lease agreement.  Does it require a pet deposit?  If it does, you will be responsible for a pet deposit.  If it is silent on pet deposits, you have a solid argument that the landlord cannot change the lease in the middle of the lease term.