Fumigation dispute

Before we signed the lease agreement, we told our landlord that we had a cat. She had a no pet policy but said she was okay with us having just one cat.

Now, nearly a year later, we're planning on moving out. She came into the unit and accused us of keeping a cat even though she had said she didn't allow pets. Because of the cat, she says we have to pay for fumigation of the house.

Unfortunately, we took her "word" when she said she was okay with us having a cat. There was never anything in writing.

We're powerless, aren't we? We're going to have to pay for the fumigation, right?

Yes. You have nothing in writing that OKed the pet. In fact, the paperwork you do have says No Pets. You will be held responsible for any pet damages (including smells, extermination of fleas, etc.) Next time, get it in writing!