I'm not completely sure of this (altho my dad's an attorney so I could call him tomorrow), but I don't think they can make you get rid of pets once you're already in there....I know when I lived in an apartment, they allowed small pets when I moved in, and then at some point, banned them; (I lived there for 14 yrs
) but the residents who had been there when it was allowed were "grandfathered" in.
I know it's nuts, but I just don't think I could part with my pets that are dependent on me and love me...and I love them, so I'd do whatever it was that would make it possible to keep them. It would be like taking my children away and I'm just not willing to let that happen.
I feel so bad for you....and I think I'd take it to whoever you need to take it to (not sure who b/c it's late here, LOL..but City Council, attorney, renter's mediation ...check to see if there's such a thing where you live...I wish I could remember what it's called, but I know there was a legit group (county or city employ) when I lived in Napa.... go and present your case and say exactly what you've said here....and see if you can gather up the ohter people who are in the same boat...I would think that it would make a difference and maybe a ruling in your favor. Don't just stand by..you waited so long for that perfect spot as I'm sure the other animal lovers did and I don't think it's right for them to make you get rid of your pets or pay such an exorbitant fee for getting out of the lease early. In fact, they should be providing you with relocation and moving fees if they want you out so badly b/c you have a pet.
And regarding the homing with your parents....I think that's wonderful, and such a great "port in the storm", but I just hate to see people roll over and let these people come in and make your life stressful and unhappy....it's just not right. What is the difference if you keep the pet if you've had it before they took over, or not? Even if it has peed all over everywhere, as long as you're there, the carpet isn't going to be redone or anything else, so I don't get what their problem is. All they need to do is say that from now on, people who are renting there, can't have pets and to tell them that there ARE other people who DO Have pets and that's b/c they've been there since before that regulation went into effect.
All I can say is good luck to you; it's such a shame to have been in such a perfect spot and now someone comes along and couldn't care less about who rents there; as long as they don't have animals. In my experience, animals are the LEAST of their worries!
Oh yeah..contacting the media is Genius! Get all those people to give a call to the local news channel.....it sounds like a made for local news story!!!!