Midlothian, VA · Member since 2015 · 11 posts · 5 votes
My tenant has a dog that they keep in a large pen in the large side lot to our rental property. The neighbors in the house that borders the side lot are complaining that their dog "barks all night and causes our dogs to bark as well." Since my tenants moved in a few months ago, they have had several issues with the neighbor (all the neighbor's fault) over dog issues. The complaints did not start until my neighbor had an argument with the tenants over said dog issues. None of the other neighbors have complained and the other neighbors I am still in contact with said they haven't noticed any excessive dog barking.
Current tenants pay the rent on time, maintain the property, and have not received any complaints from others around them. This feels like a neighbor issue moreso than a tenant issue. How would you handle this? Ask my tenants if they can keep an eye on the dog barking and leave it at that?
Chris, I think I would do a little fact finding (and it seems you have) and even think about thanking the neighbor for the input and letting them know you will be looking into it...I like to try and diagnose if it is an issue conflict, like really a noise problems, or a personal conflict, like the two don't like each other.. Issue conflicts I try to find solutions for if possible. The personal conflicts not so much (can't make people like each other or even get along). I think I would go your route and nicely ask my tenant about it and just monitor it from there. I could go on about later scenarios, escalation, etc... Message me if you have specific questions or ideas and developments....best of luck
Hi, Rebecca. You raise great points, which I have factored into my revised approach. Yes, I still regard them as a tolerably good tenant in regard to this property, which commands a colossal rent by my standards. But if this were taking place at another property I would be more inclined to risk inflaming things. And again, I am more invested in the outcome as I may return to the home again and see the same neighbors my tenant is antagonizing now.
Well... I noticed the tenant and she indignantly responded that the presence of the dog is sporadic as it belongs to her boyfriend, who is not a resident either. In brief, she takes the position there is no lease violation. I am not in a position to police the issue as I live abroad, as mentioned. I suspect the neighbor will sort the matter by reaching out to Animal Control.