Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2016 · 17 posts · 0 votes
My tenant moved here from out of state without her husband. She brought one of her three dogs with her. The lease specifically states that one dog is allowed and gives a clear description of that one dog that is allowed.
The husband visits every so often. The last time he came here they asked if they could bring there other two dogs with them. I agreed as long as I had a written email request with very specific dates on when they would arrive and leave.
When he left, they switched which dog they left at the house. Which is not with accordance to the lease.
Now she just informed me that her husband would be moving to the state permanently and asked if her husband could bring the two other dogs for the remainder of the lease (end of July).
I think this is utterly crazy that they would ask this. I NEED some help with how to phrase my response and so that she understands that she violated the lease when she switched the dog.
Investor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2008 · 17k+ posts · 13k+ votes
7y
@Jennifer Sleider before deciding what to say you need to decide, is this a deal killer or not? Would you go to the point of eviction if they don't comply? Knowing exactly where you will draw the line in advance will be helpful in choosing what to say.
Real Estate Agent · West Chester, PA · Member since 2018 · 63 posts · 46 votes
7y
@Jennifer Sleider
Do you want this tenant to stay? As long as the pet addendum was filled out properly they have definitely violated the terms of the lease. Notify them that they are to abide by the terms of the lease and swapping out dogs is not a term everyone agreed to. If they don’t it would be on you to start the eviction process. If you are ok with two more dogs moving in adjust the addendum or write a new one according to your states laws. Charge them more in rent and an additional deposit for the additional dogs.
It is your choice. If you want her to stay, do a pet rent (if allowed). You need to find out what breeds they are in case they void your insurance policy. If you are fine looking for another tenant, tell her no and that she's free to give 30 or 60 days notice and find another place to rent.
New to Real Estate · Waukesha · Member since 2019 · 96 posts · 43 votes
7y
charge a pet fee or per dog fee if you didnt have issues with tenant before this. Cause they will mostly be long term tenants if you let the dogs stay and also factor in the husband for cost or fees
Charge a pet fee that is high enough to reimburse you when you find the damage, when you get calls about barking dogs and when you have to pick up all the dog feces during the turn over.
It's likely they will violate the lease no matter what. So charge a big fat fee for your trouble in advance. This will also encourage them to find another place better suited.
If you aren't planning on renewing their lease, I'd go for the 2nd option and give them an out on the lease. Do 30 or 60 days which gives you time to find a new tenant and them time to find a place before he moves.