Manager is giving out fines

[jbrekkestran]

I had a friend over with her 2 small dogs. That day the manager put a notice on my door that was fined $300 for having an unauthorized pet and it was in my lease the paragragh in my lease states "Occupants are not permitted to have animals or pets of any kind without the express written consent of the owner. It is the responsibility of the Occupant to request owner consent and voluntarily submit all associated deposits, rents, and fees. If an unauthorized animal or pet or evidence thereof is discovered, the Occupant will be required to immediately submit the prevailing pet deposit and applicable pet rent to the Owner." I explained to her they were not my pets, I was not hiding them and they were only there for a few hours visiting. It does not state that I will be fined for having a visitor. Also, when I moved in she said I could have dogs visit cause I live on the first floor and they have to go through the patio. Now she said yes but I need written permisson, which, she never said before. Is it legal for her to fine me $300?

 

[jbrekkestran]

State is Minnesota

 

[marishouse]

I don't think this will stand up in a court any where. They are visiting! If your landlord doesn't allow children, will they fine you if children visit! Your landlord is wrong! The magic word is "occupant". Your visitor is not an occupant.

 

[jacksgal]

Actually I think it will hold up. If vistors are allowed pets there is a potential for pet damage from every vistor who brings a pet. Landlord has no protection for this. Even if you do win a court battle its likely you will need to seek new place to rent very soon depending on how much time is left on lease