My tenants just told me they now have to take care of their old dog (a German shepard!) 3 weeks after they signed the lease. It's not that I do not allow dogs, but I certainly would not have allowed them a huge german shepard--- In a one bedroom apartment!
They said they had no dogs at the time of the lease. And the lease simply states that I need a pet deposit.
Now that I have realized the legal implications such as if the dog bites someone I get sued, etc. How do I approach them about this?
2007-01-04 09:22:50 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
You would not be liable for the dogs behavior however your tenants would be.
Now since you lease simply states that you will need a pet deposit you set yourself up to accept pets. Charge the pet deposit, if the lease doesn't say the amount you could ask for a high amount based upon the fact it's a 'large breed'. Specify a amount of time in which the pet deposit is due (ie 14 days, etc). Does you lease require them to have rental insurance for personal property? If so perhaps you could request that a separate liability rider for the dog be in order.
You really need to have your lease reviewed before renting in the future, it seems that you also need to educate yourself in landlord/tenant law. There are many resources available through non profits and state run support. It's important that any landlord know the laws to protect their investments.
This is actually a common problem, so it's best you protect yourself and your property in the future, but as of now I would say the way your lease reads a pet deposit is your only recourse.
2007-01-04 09:37:51 · answer #1 · answered by Wicked Good 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you wanted to restrict certain breeds or limit the size, you should have done so in the lease. It sounds like you left it open to them to just notify you if they got a dog and give you a deposit.
As of now, all you can do is ask for the pet deposit within a certain time frame and if they dont pay, make them get rid of the dog or get evicted.
Hopefully in your lease you required them to hold renter's insurance, which should include the liability of the dog.
2007-01-04 17:30:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why do you allow dogs in the first place??
Since your lease says nothing about requiring your approval or limiting what breeds may live there, you make sure you get your deposit and hope all works out well. I would not re-new their lease when it comes up, however.
2007-01-04 17:41:07 · answer #3 · answered by kingstubborn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the lease says that you require a pet deposit, then you are implying that you allow pets in the apartment. The only recourse you have now is you can require them to provide you with a pet deposit.
In the future, you should put restrictions into your lease as to type of animal (i.e. cats only, no dogs), or size of animal (i.e. no larger than 35 pounds).
2007-01-04 17:28:30 · answer #4 · answered by jseah114 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The dog is not your legal liability.
Simply collect the pet deposit and keep it, plus any amount needed from their regular deposit, if necessary.
Next time, get it in the lease.
2007-01-04 17:37:18 · answer #5 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Collect the pet deposit. Look at it this way - the house is more secure with that dog there. Good luck with your tenants, I jst got rid of the "tenants from hell" who not only had a dog, but 3 kids who were worse than the dog
2007-01-04 17:36:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The landlord would not get sued, the pet owner would if their was an accident......nothing to worry about if I were you... Its their space that they have to live w/the dog... not you --Ease up...If they pay the rent, I would just ask for the deposit as you stipulated...
2007-01-04 17:28:04 · answer #7 · answered by momof3 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try the site below for refernce on this issue. Hope this is of help to you. Make sure you change the State in which you reside.
2007-01-04 17:30:01 · answer #8 · answered by citronge69 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋