Tenant was “gifted” a dog

Tenant was “gifted” a dog

Real Estate Agent · San Diego, CA · Member since 2014 · 338 posts · 176 votes
My property manager contacted me to let me know a tenant in one of my duplexes has been given a dog. They asked me if I would consider collecting a 200.00 pet deposit and 25.00 a month for pet rent or if I wanted to evict them. It’s a c class property with mostly hardwood floors. I’m waiting to hear back on what type of breed the dog is. If it’s an ‘aggressive ‘ breed I might ask them to get rid of the dog or start the eviction process. What’s everyone’s thoughts? In a perfect world the tenant would have asked first but the dog is already in the house. Does a 200 pet deposit and 25 pet rent a month sound fair? I’d like to keep the tenant in place and not deal with eviction and and temporary vacancy.
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Real Estate Broker · 3412 S. Harlem Avenue Riverside, IL 60546 · Member since 2015 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
7y

@Mark Frattini My partner and I recently decided to accept pets into one of our new projects in Berwyn. The reasoning was that we could get an extra $25 per month for the pet rent. If you have a larger building, that extra $300 per year starts to make sense. Each pet is worth $4,285 in building value... My building has 19 units, so if I collect pet rent in 10 units I can refinance 70% of that $42,850 out when I pull cash out...

Little things like this can make a big difference over time!

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  • Rental Property Investor · St. Petersburg, FL · Member since 2017 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    7y
    @Cosette Trantow while I agree with your premise, and believe most of a dogs behavior is based on their owners, my insurance will not cover my property if what they consider an "aggressive breed" lives there, so I can not allow those breeds on my property. Sometimes you just have to play by the rules....
  • Real Estate Broker · Coppell, TX · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    7y

    My lease says "no pets" not even visiting pets.

  • Cosette TrantowPro Member
    Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2018 · 80 posts · 28 votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @Jason D.:
    @Cosette Trantow while I agree with your premise, and believe most of a dogs behavior is based on their owners, my insurance will not cover my property if what they consider an "aggressive breed" lives there, so I can not allow those breeds on my property. Sometimes you just have to play by the rules....

     If that’s how it is, then I would just stick with no pets at all and let them move on. 

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    7y

    This must be the tenant's lucky day because now they can be gifted a 3-day Cure or Quit Notice along with a daily fine of $50 for violating their lease.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
  • Real Estate Agent · San Diego, CA · Member since 2014 · 338 posts · 176 votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @Anthony Wick:

    Do you allow pets otherwise? My new policy is $250 pet fee (non-refundable) and $50 per month pet rent. 

    I do not typically allow pets unless I have trouble renting out a unit.

  • Real Estate Agent · San Diego, CA · Member since 2014 · 338 posts · 176 votes
    7y

    I wanted to make sure I had all the information from my PM before making a decision. I spoke with them today and got the full story. The tenant said she was given the dog which turns out to be a Pit Bull because her friend is worried about her living there alone. The area is as I mentioned a C type neighborhood. I verified that her lease states animals are NOT allowed to live in the unit. I asked the PM to give her 5-7 days to find a new home for the dog. As nice and docile as some pit bulls can be I am not willing to take on the additional risk and liability. Also my current insurance company may not allow the breed. If she doesn't wish to give up the dog she will be given an option to vacate or we will start the eviction process. 

    This would be my first early lease termination and I am choosing this over evicting the tenant at this point. I want to part ways and have them leave the unit in good condition. It sounds like she is willing to find another living option. Thank you to all who replied. This has given me lots of ideas should this happen again in the future. 

  • Developer · Salem, MA · Member since 2018 · 83 posts · 68 votes
    7y
    @Mark Frattini also make sure to call your insurance company once you learn what type of dog it is. It may have impacts there as well.
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