Why are people’s thoughts on security cameras on exteriors.

Question

I have two separate tenants who are abusing the dog policy of my units. One is housing a puppy (pit bull) without proper approval and every time I try and force the issue they claim the dog isn’t there and was just visiting (will not accept the fact that even visits are not allowed) second tenant same building keeps having ex wife visit for the weekend with large unregistered dog (pitbull rotty mix)when I call them on it they say it won’t happen again but the women keeps coming and the dog is said to be there by tenant who is disgruntled about their dog and late payment issues. Help!

Wesley W. · Answer

Unfortunately, NY has just made it very difficult to get rid of any tenant whom is currently paying rent ("just cause evictions").  I wish I had an answer for you.  I only offer MTM leases, so if it were me, I would give notice to cure and then terminate the lease with a 30 day notice.  Even then, it could be a challenge with this new law.

My lease says "no animals may enter without written permission from landlord", and I'm sure yours says something similar.  What I hear from this tenant is they are not willing to follow the rules.  She read the lease and agreed to the terms by signing the contract.  If she is not willing to hold up her end of the agreement she has to go.

Here's some language in my lease that gives me permission:

21. SECURITY: We do not provide and have no duty to provide security services to protect you, others, or property. You must look solely to the public police for such protection. We will not be liable for failure to provide security services or for the criminal or wrongful acts of others.  Exterior doors should be locked at all times.  There should be no expectation of privacy in the common areas of the premises.  We reserve the right to place security cameras in those locations in the future.

I think video evidence will help your case if it ends up in court, but it saddens me that we have to go to such lengths because of all these progressive laws being rushed through legislation in order to pander for votes.  NY has always been hostile to business, but recently they are really going after the landlords.  I'll be voting with my feet soon.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I would evict. Most tenants won't push back or try to go through court when they know they're wrong. Your state law will determine how you act.

Michael Noto · Answer

@Susan Clark As others have mentioned, in some states including in Connecticut where I am based, it is very hard to evict someone for a lease violation. Possible? Sure, but how long are you willing to wait it out?

One thing I can tell you is most tenants will not give you a dime in rent once they know they are getting evicted and there will almost certainly be a hefty turnover cost once they eventually do get out.

What is your pet policy stated in your lease? I am assuming it allows some breeds but not the kind these people have?

Trevor Scheiderer · Answer

@Susan Clark Be very careful about evicting based on having a dog. Go through your lease with a fine tooth comb and if they are late on payments, make sure to stick to that eviction process. It is easier to pass to a judge if you need to. Good luck!

Why are people’s thoughts on security cameras on exteriors.

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