Monthly "Pet Rent" fee in Boston, MA

[undershootnorth]

I rent an apartment in Boston Massachusetts and our lease has an addendum that adds $25/per cat/per month (totaling an extra $50/month). I have since done some research and it appears that charging nonrefundable pet fees (aside from a deposit) in Boston is illegal. My questions are 1. Is this indeed the case that a monthly Pet Rent charge is illegal, and 2. What can I do about it?

Regards,

Undershootnorth

[mazBut]

Does your agreement explicitly stipulate the so called illegal 'pet rent' clause??
I think you amy have to contine payin it if you mutually consented to it while making the agreement.

If you are sure it is illegal you can sue the LL for fixation of Fair Rent
as per your state laws!

You are confusing a rent with a fee. A "pet fee" is a refundable amount, tandamount to another security deposit. MA has a statute which limits the amount of a security deposit equal to one month's rent. No more may be accepted or required, including an extra pet deposit or fee. If you have already paid one month's rent as deposit, your LL can ask for no more.

But he can require a higher rent for extra occupants, pets, or anything that causes extra wear & tear on the unit. Rent is not refundable and does not violate the security deposit law. If you signed a lease to pay that amount in rent, that is what you are obligated to pay throughout your lease period. Extra pet rent is a standard practice in many parts of the country.