Is the $300 fee a refundable deposit if there’s no damage ?
Did you ask them why the extra $40 every month? It’s not as if you’ll be using extra electric or heat just because of the cat.
If this is the prevailing practices in most buildings in that area, that definitely doesn’t bode well for negotiations but it’s always worth a shot.
Why not call any shelter or rescue groups in the area to see if they know about how others have dealt with this. Make an appt. to speak with one of their counselors or staff to see if they may have some helpful suggestions. This is obviously a situation they deal with frequently with potential adopters for their animals.
They might even know of an animal lover attorney who is willing to offer expertise or help out on a volunteer basis.
Also post this Q in the pet adoption section of the local Craigslist. Animal lovers tend to stick together and help out with advice etc.
Most of this revolves around your specific locale and what may or may not work in that specific place.
The more knowledge you can gather BEFORE the negotiation attempt, the greater the likelihood of some measure of sucess.
My personal opinion is that those fees are extraordinarily high. But they are the ones holding most of the cards here unless there are high vacancy rates. And I’m sure they care little for the opinions of me or anyone not in that area.
There are so many variables here that are location-specific that it’s difficult to know how to best advise you other than what I’ve suggested above.
But props to you for being willing to do whatever is necessary to keep your pet. I’m so tired of reading all the ads of people giving away their pet because they’re moving to a place that doesn’t allow pets or the fees are too high or whatever. Where there’s a will there’s a way. Good for you for being willing to do that rather than give up a member of your family.
Good luck and keep us posted.
If you are successful that info might come in handy for someone else in a similar situation.