Required to Pay a Pet Deposit a Month Before the End of My Lease

[Jysla]

My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: California

It was a month before the end of my lease when I got "Notice to PermanentlyPerform or Quit" from my apartment management.
They were requesting a pet deposit of $500.00 for my dog.

There was no way I would pay $500.00 when my lease is done next month so I called the apartment management.
I was told the pet deposit is required but they will return it to me when I move out.

I contacted the management office for my 30 day notice and etc., but the person I spoke with was not available.
I guess he is sick so he wont be in the office for 2 more weeks. I explained this situation to someone in our management office but they just kept saying pet deposit is not refundable and I would just have to wait till he comes back to work. Meanwhile they said they will try to talk to him and see whats going on?!?

I do not have his statements written on paper or anything because it was disccused over the phone.
Will I be able to get my pet deposit back? If not what can I do?

Please help!

[Mr. Knowitall]

I can't see your lease from here, but if it requires that you pay a $500 pet deposit for bringing a pet into your unit, then it requires that you pay a $500 pet deposit for bringing a pet into your unit. So... Does your lease require the deposit, and did you get a pet?

[Jysla]

On my rental application I marked 'no' under the quetsion regarding whether i owned a pet. I did not have a pet at the time but I got one after I moved in. The management found out about my dog when they were running inspections on all units and saw my dog our apt.

I refused to pay for the pet deposit and called the management office. I was convinced to pay for the pet deposit only because I was told that they would return it to us when we move out. I gave them my 30-day notice last week but I am worried because the person I spoke with is currently on vacation because he is sick.
I am worried I will not be able to get my pet deposit back.
THank you for your reply and Im sorry for my poor english..