A woman named Nicole found herself shocked after discovering a pet fee for fish at a luxury apartment complex in Missouri. She shared her experience on TikTok, and it quickly went viral, sparking a conversation about pet fees and the costs of having a pet in modern apartments.
Nicole discovered the Westover at The Crosswalks, a luxury apartment complex in Missouri, on Apartments.com. She found that the pet policy included a one-time fee of $200 and a monthly pet rent of $15. Nicole shared a screen recording of the pet policy and related pet fees to TikTok, which went viral. Fox News Digital contacted Nicole for comment and found that the pet fee section for fish was not on the Apartments.com listing.
Westover at The Crosswalks is owned by Mac Properties, who stated that they do not charge for birds or fish and are unsure of what “aggressive breeds” would be. Fish tanks that do not exceed 25 gallons are allowed in apartment units, according to Mac Properties’ pet policy.
Some TikTok users said they had seen similar pet charges from landlords, while others shared their own experiences with pet fees and landlords. Some viewers made jokes about adopting more exotic pets to see if they would be subject to pet fees.
Service animals are generally the only group that has federal protection and can be exempt from pet fees and rent.
Research and studies have shown that pet fees for fish are not uncommon. In some cases, landlords have strict rules about fish tanks in apartments, including limiting the number of gallons allowed and requiring insurance coverage for the tanks. The fees charged for pet fish and other animals vary by state and local laws and can be negotiated with landlords.
Tips for Renters: How to Negotiate Pet Fees with Landlords
If you are a renter who wants to keep a pet, it is important to know your rights and how to negotiate with your landlord. Here are some tips:
- Research local and state laws regarding pet fees and rent.
- Ask the landlord about their pet policy before signing a lease.
- Negotiate with the landlord to lower the pet fee or rent.
- Make sure your pet is properly registered, immunized, and well-behaved.
- Keep your pet and apartment clean and free of damage.
- If you have a service animal, make sure you have the proper documentation to prove its status.
In conclusion, pet fees for fish and other animals are a common issue for renters. It is important for renters to research the laws and regulations in their area, negotiate with landlords, and properly care for their pets.
