Laws about pit bull ownership?

Question

Pits are not banned in our city (I know they are in some) Our apartments have come under new mangemnet and have told us we have to get rid of our dog, even though we paid our pet deposit, because of her breed we had to sign a waiver that we were responsible for all of her actions. The new manager said it was illegal to have her. She is like my child and not in the least aggresive. She gets along with everyone, and she is well socialized. She is not animal or people aggresive. As a matter of fact her best friend is my mom's miniture toy poodle. I have always been around pits and have never had one turn or be aggresive, I make sure that I show them enough love and make sure they are well taken care of. My dog stays in the bathroom when noone is there that way if someone came in while noone was there, she wouldn't be scared and they wouldn't be scared. and she goes with us as often as she can. What rights do I have to fight this until i can find another place to live?

Answer 1

An eviction takes at least 3 months to process...so you have at least that long, and you can choose to pay or not pay your rent so that you have a first, last and deposit..If they are legal in your city, then the owner is evicting your dog because if insurance costs..It makes a huge difference in the cost of her insurance to have a bully breed.
You might want to talk with her, and ask how much increase she is having to pay, and see if you can work something out. otherwise, unless you are breaking a lease, she can't get rid of you..
If you are not on a lease, but just month to month, she can give you notice to move, but, as I said, even though she may say..one month or else..she can't legally get you out for at least 3 months.
she has to file (expensive) and pay for someone to deliver the notice ( here, it is $500) So, if she thinks you are going to get rid of the dog, and you just play along while you search, you should have time..
If you email me your state and county, I can find the tenant laws for you

Answer 2

Many apartment complexes have specific restrictions about what types of breeds that can be allowed in their apartments. Also, new management has the right to change the pet policy if they choose. I had a friend that was told she could get a puppy in her apartment, then new management took over and said dogs were not allowed. Your lease may state something about understanding that management has the right to change the rules as they see fit. I completely understand where you are coming from- I have a pit bull myself and she is the sweetest, most gentle dog. I would say you should tell them that you are looking for a new place and maybe they will allow you to stay until then.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, I don't have a great answer for you. I would suggest that you dig out all of your lease papers though. I wouldn't think that new management would be able to just magically break the old lease agreement, but that may also depend on your state laws, city/county laws, etc. Read through your lease agreement though. It would probably be a good idea to consult with an attorney. I know that's pricey, so if you have a law school nearby I'd suggest calling them to find out whether or not they offer any sort of "advice". The one near me offers low/no cost consultations, however they can only offer advice, they can't represent you, etc. Another thought is to check with your local housing commission. Again, I'd think that they would be able to tell you whether or not the new management is allowed to do this. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

relatively, any ordinance protecting possession of pit bulls might come under community jurisdiction and not state regulation. i understand that Virginia coastline has some particularly stringent policies pertaining to to crude and obscene language on or close to the coastline front, yet having visited Virginia coastline each and every 3 hundred and sixty 5 days for the previous 4, i've got not heard of a pit bull regulation. Your maximum suitable guess is to touch the city council while you're in touch.

Answer 5

his insurance company probably won't cover him. common problem (i call it prejudice), but if he knew what she was when you signed that waiver, and you've been there at least 3 months, he can't make you get rid of her or throw you out (at least in NH that's the way it is). but you should contact a legal rep. there are some that will give free legal advice on-line or on the phone. your landlord can make things very unpleasant for you though. and he can refuse to renew your lease. but i think he has to let your existing lease run out before he can take legal action. alot depends on your individual state laws. here, a tenant can have a dog in a pet friendly building, but if it's an "aggressive" breed the tenant has to have it insured themselves. if they can find an insurance company that will cover the breed.

Answer 6

My goodness, I surely empathize with you. You should contact your local housing authority in your city or county. Renters have lots of rights. It seems that they would not be able to do that in the middle of your lease....it seems (at least to this reader) that your property manager could only enforce it when you were up for a new lease.

Of course, I am assuming that in your lease and ALWAYS in very FINE PRINT, that your property manager reserves the right to change details of the lease (or some other legal mumbo jumbo) that ultimately protects their right to do whatever they want to...i.e. change their decision to do anything that suits them and the best interest of their company.

I feel you have two approaches; (1) you have to search out your legal rights, and GO BACK AND RE-READ YOUR LEASE.... you want to be prepared in the property manager decides to throw that in your face. (2) Be prepared to try to appeal to their humanity side....i.e. "I've been a tenant here for _______amount of time and we've never gotten any complaints and our pet is a member of the family, and we'd be breaking our lease because of this new rule......." ....whatever needs to be done to not totally disrupt your life.

Again, I empathize...well-loved and nurtured pit bulls get a bad rep. My first childhood experience with dogs was with a Pit Bull and he was the most loving animal I ever encountered- he would let me ride him and wrestle him to the ground. I would dress him up in all sorts of clothes and he never "complained"....he seemed like he came back for more.

I now have a Chinese Shar-Pei and people are generally afraid of her because she looks like a strong dog and most people are unfamiliar with the breed.

Good Luck to you. It is my sincere hope that you are successful at staying at the apartment.

Answer 7

Well if your dog is already on the lease with you and you haven't been in violation then I think you should be ok. I don't think your new manager is willing to give you r deposit back that was paid for you dog to stay. Seek some legal advise to be completely sure.

Answer 8

its sad that people pull this crap with pitt bull owners, i have one and it sucks trying to find a place that will let you have them, and I will NEVER get rid of my dog. try a search for animal laws in your area, I know that here in New Mexico if you have the pet for 6 mo. even if you are not allowed to have them nobody can do anything about it, also i believe state farm insurance has pet coverage its like 12 bucks a month but it covers your pet if they do anything. also the new owner cant just kick you out of your apartment, if so screw them, don't pay rent, and squat until you can find another place. if they want to be dick's about it then be a dick back.

Answer 9

Id start looking for another place, but if you signed a lease with her being okay youre fine until the end of the lease. New management cant just come in and change the lease agreement as they see fit.

Answer 10

Throw the lease up in her face. Sounds like she is being a b i t c h just because. If you can locate the company that owns the complex, call them, tell them the circumstances and see what they say.