Duplex - Different lease terms on either side?

[Timothy Boyd]

Hi BP Community,

We have a duplex where we inherited the existing tenant on one side.  When we put the existing tenants on a new lease we did not charge a pet fee for their small dog and cat.  We are now screening tenants for the other side, and I wanted to put in a $25/month pet fee.  Am I allowed to charge them a pet fee if the other side (existing tenant) is not being charged for their pets?  Or would I need to have the existing tenants pay a pet fee also to make this legal?  I would plan on revising the existing tenant's lease next year to include a pet fee, but want to make sure I am on the up and up in the meantime.  Any insight is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Tim

[Nathan Gesner]

@Timothy Boyd there is no problem with making changes between the two units. At some point, the two tenants may talk and one may learn they are paying more than other. Head it off at the pass. Talk to your existing renter and let him know that you've decided to start charging pet rent for all future leases, including a renewal if he elects to stay.