as a landlord renting out a house i expressed no pets but have discovered a dog at the property how do i stand

Question

can i terminate the lease etc etc

Answer 1

Let them have a dog you big meanie.

Answer 2

You probably have cause to terminate the lease if the stipulation was in writing, was clear and unambiguous, and if it was part of an agreement signed by the tenants. But, the strength of your position rests to a large extent on the state in which the property is located. Some states are tenants rights states, and some are landlord rights states. If your state is a tenants rights state, there will be significantly greater hurdles in terminating the lease. In California, for example, it can take 3-4 months to evict someone even when you clearly have cause. Every state requires due process before you terminate an agreement and evict a tenant; the difference is in the steps you have to take in order to provide due proces.

You will definitely want to get legal counsel before taking any steps. Any miscue on your part could cost you thousands, so don't take any chances.

A couple questions you will want to consider: could the tenants make an argument that the pet issue is really a pretext for illegal discrimination? Do you have any other tenants or recent tenants who have been in violation of the pet policy? Of any other stipulation of the lease? If so, how were each of these cases handled? Have you always terminated the lease on someone who was in violation? Are you, as a landlord, in violation of any aspects of the lease?

Answer 3

If the lease is not being "followed" by either the renter or by you--the owner--then one or the other can terminate. This can be rather 'drastic" through after all is said and done--a better solution might be to give a warning and a clear understanding about having pets at your rental property. Unless there are other "issues" involved with your tenant(s) I would simply give them a time limit to comply.Eviction can at times become a costly deal for the owner--it all depends-- court costs,collection problems afterwards,time lost-both personal + down time--on and on including cost/labor in doing a "make ready" to get the unit ready for rental again. Like I said --if the dog is the only problem--then talk with your renter. This could be the smart, simple way out of this--- and least costly. Have a nice day.

Answer 4

Hello! i beleive all have have asked you about whats stated in the lease agreement.if u have go t all right there you can either make them get rid of the dog. Or else terminate the agreement. But i would like to suggest since they are not acting upon what was agreed you can allow them to retain the pet by asking a nominal hike in the rent am sure for the love of their pet they will sacrifice and u get a compensation .

Answer 5

If your lease specifically says no pets, guess you can evict. However, remember how beloved pets are to their people. What do you think of the tennants? Do they pay on time? Are they taking good care of the property? Do you think they will be long term tennants? Does the dog have good manners aka well trained? How much effort on your part to re-rent the place if you throw them out? How much $ would you loose in the interim?

Possible solution for both parties: Ask them for a pet deposit in order to stay where they are. An amount equal to the security deposit or one month's rent is not unreasonable to ask. You have the power in this one. As a person owned by a pet, I would sleep under the overpass in a fridge box to be with my well mannered/trained 80# glorious Golden Retriever. good luck

Answer 6

If you have a signed lease that that expressly states that pets are not allowed you can terminate the lease. If the agreement is verbal you must be able to prove the agreement to terminate the lease. If the tenant is month to month, without a signed lease, you can terminate at any time.

Answer 7

Do you have that in writing? If so, they're in violation of the lease. Rather than terminate the contract immediately, you're probably better off sending a warning by way of registered mail. Give them 14 days to remove the dog. If they don't remove the dog, then yes, you can move to evict.

Answer 8

You have to provide them with a Notice of Lease Violation stating that they're in violation and that by whatever date it has to be corrected. If they don't correct the violation by whatever date you chose, then you can proceed with either a Demand for Compliance or Possession Notice or a Notice of Termination -- you'd need to check your local state laws about the amount of time that you are required to provide them with if your going to terminate the lease and evict them.

Answer 9

Hi When you got your tenacy agreement drawen up by your solictor. did you stae no pets witin the contact. Or if you used an estate agent. Did you make it clear to them no pet's. If yes on either account. Go and see you tenants and tell them that they are in breach of the agreement. And simple say. It was agreed no pet's. And you would like it removed from your property. And it this fails. To picture of your tenant over a period of time. With the animal. Entering of exiting your property. Then seek legal help to have the removed from your property over breach of tenacy. That is what i would do. Good luck.

Answer 10

Okay, if they signed a lease that states "no pets," tell these people that they have 2 weeks to rid of the dog, or move, and tell them in a verbal & paper notice "with" a wittness to verify that you did. Then after 2 weeks, if they have not complied, give them a 2 week notice to move & again, make sure your paper work is legal and you have a wittness. good luck.

Answer 11

I think you can terminate the lease. If you especified no pets allowed and have it in writing. You should always have a contract. ALWAYS!