Tenant has a pet, but is not paying pet fee.

Member since 2021 · 5 posts · 0 votes

We are aware our tenant has a cat. We have seen it multiple times when we are in the unit for maintenance purposes. Our office has reached out to them letting them know how much our pet fee is and that we need some information on their pet. They have not responded to any of our efforts to contact them concerning this matter. What is the best way to go about getting payment for the pet or having the pet taken away if they refuse to pay?

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Malkia Ra

Rental Property Investor · Prince George's County, MD · Member since 2022 · 177 posts · 187 votes

Sounds like grounds for eviction to me. Or, you can allow the tenant to stay until their lease is up and possibly deduct the pet fee from their security deposit. Always best to have a discussion with an attorney first before proceeding.

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Charles Carillo
Rental Property Investor · North Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3y
@Justin Dighans

I would review their lease and speak to your attorney. A short letter from your attorney (on their letterhead) will assist with this matter. I would have it sent certified from the attorney. Your attorney can word it best but pretty much it is stating you are not renewing the lease or possibly evicting them etc. if they do not "register" the pet with the rental office and begin paying the appropriate fee. You could do this all yourself but, having it from an attorney is going to make this much more effective. If they ignore the attorney; I would just not renew their lease.
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Malkia Ra
Rental Property Investor · Prince George's County, MD · Member since 2022 · 177 posts · 187 votes
3y
Sounds like grounds for eviction to me. Or, you can allow the tenant to stay until their lease is up and possibly deduct the pet fee from their security deposit. Always best to have a discussion with an attorney first before proceeding.
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Richard F.
Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
Aloha,

What does your Rental Agreement (and local law) say about pets, and landlord's remedy? Typically you simply send a "Notice of Violation" informing them of the violation, quoting the appropriate paragraph(s) from the Agreement, and advise them they have X number of days to "cure" their breach. Failure to do so will result in this action (based on the Agreement and/or local law). Then you follow through after X days have passed.

You stated that your office "reached out" to the tenant...was this in writing, mailed to their address, hand delivered, or posted on their door? What does your Rental Agreement (and local law) state about "Notice"...how is it to be given? You really need to know your local LL/Tenant laws and your Rental Agreement terms. A cat is a pretty minor issue, what will you do when a real problem arises? You need your systems in place, and simply follow them. Every Time.
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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Justin Dighans:

We are aware our tenant has a cat. We have seen it multiple times when we are in the unit for maintenance purposes. Our office has reached out to them letting them know how much our pet fee is and that we need some information on their pet. They have not responded to any of our efforts to contact them concerning this matter. What is the best way to go about getting payment for the pet or having the pet taken away if they refuse to pay?

Does your lease say pets are not allowed without authorization? If so, send your Tenants a warning and give them 72 hours to remove the animal or be in compliance. Spell out exactly what they have to do, when they have to do it, how you will verify, and the consequence of failing to comply.
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