Long Term tenants with dog

[Samantha Klein]

I'm interested in a 2 unit property on the MLS. I tell my agent and he sent over the leases. The leases indicate there is a no pet policy but in the MLS photos, a dog food bowl and bucket a water can be seen in the laundry room so I do some more digging. Since I have the leases now, I know the tenants names so I do a facebook search and low and behold they have a large rottweiler dog and obviously never got permission. They are also paying under market rent. They have been there since 2013. I'd like to purchase this property but I do not want that dog in my unit. As far as I can tell from the photos online, they have taken care of the unit and it's in good condition. I just don't want the liability. I am seeing it in person this Sunday. Would you have the unit delivered vacant even though it would be right in the middle of winter or keep the tenants? These tenants do the lawn care and shoveling and do a nice job.

[Linda S.]

@Samantha Klein,

If they've been there almost 5 years,  you got a really good chance they'll stay there another 5, 10+.    If insurance said it was okay, I'd personally keep them.   Do you have a secure back yard fence?     Can you check with your insurance company, and see if they cover rottweilers?   If they don't... it's a done deal, require the dog to be out,  and they will likely voluntarily leave,.. or they may say that they have until their current lease ends.

 My insurance has specifically stated "No Pit Bulls, or Pit Bull Mixes"   so depending on your insurance, it might be fine.    You could also require them to have a rental insurance, with a large amount of liability ( we require $100K if any dog is present) , and also require them list the dog, and list you as a covered party.       You could also change the lease when they are up for renewal, to a M2M lease, and put in there a very large fee if any pets come in without approval, and also charge pet rent?   Maybe I'm a sap because I have a German Shepherd, but   if they are great tenants, and take care of the place and want to stay, and most importantly IMO is obviously treat the dog well and are responsible owners, I just think there are options to help alleviate the liability.