allowing dogs : ezLandlordForms

J

Jacob W

started a topic over 14 years ago

Is it acceptable to allow dogs in one half of a duplex and not the other? I've heard different things one being that if allow one half to have pets I legally have to let the other.

D

Darlene D

said almost 7 years ago

If you are going to change your policy of allowing pets on all future tenants, then no you are ok to not allow pets with one tenant grandfathered in prior to the change in your policy and once they move there will be no pets allowed in any unit. You will be safe under these circumstances. Just be careful you apply the no pet rule consistently in the future and you'll be within the law.

K

Karen M

said about 9 years ago

Ive done a little reading and I don't know if this applies to California my tenant moved in at the beginning of this month and now is asking to have a dog i read that if I have them give a "pet deposit", let's just say of $500, that I am only able to use up to $500 for any pet damage and that I can't take additional money from the standard deposit for pet damage? so, it's better to charge a "pet rent" and leave her initial deposit open to any damage--including pet damage? ¿

K

Karen M

said about 9 years ago

Ive done a little reading and I don't know if this applies to California my tenant moved in at the beginning of this month and now is asking to have a dog i read that if I have them give a "pet deposit", let's just say of $500, that I am only able to use up to $500 for any pet damage and that I can't take additional money from the standard deposit for pet damage? so, it's better to charge a "pet rent" and leave her initial deposit open to any damage--including pet damage? ¿

R

Richard B

said over 8 years ago

I'm fairly new to the landlord industry. After reviewing the comments I can see the variety of concerns and outcomes. Correct me if I'm wrong, I'd impose upon the tenant a pet policy that strictly enforces responsible actions; 1. Quarterly inspections of the property which must require all carpeted surfaces to be professionally cleaned prior to. Proof of receipt must be provided. 2. Any wear and tear would be noted at that time (photo history of each inspection). Any conclusive evidence that the pet(s) are the source then enforce the repair(s) and the tenant becomes responsible to pay the invoice. 3. Pet must be licensed and meet required medical records with proof provided annually or semi-annually. 4. Additional monthly charge as a pet allowance beyond normal occupancy. 5. Any illicit discharges (poop) are required to be removed from property immediately as a pollutant to stormwater run-off. 6. Any violation of these actions shall have a penalty fee imposed similar to a late fee for rent. (suggested). Now maybe some of you do this or I'm just a newbie. Either you allow a pet or you do with guidelines. These are just my examples if I were to do it.

N

Nancy S

said over 8 years ago

Our tenant just moved out (with an approved dog) and we discovered about 5 bright yellow dog urine stains on the beige carpet. Even after a professional carpet cleaning the bright stains remain. Do other landlords keep the full amount required to re-carpet the unit (downstairs) or do you keep a fraction? Any advice/experience would be greatly appreciated.

N

Nancy R

said about 8 years ago

In my lease agreement - I charge a non-refundable pet deposit per pet, and the max allowed is 2 pets per unit. The pet can not weigh more than 20 pounds. And Landlord must approve of the pet. Tenant must get permission if they want to get a pet during their rental time. I write in lease the description of pet/pet name. Also that landlord has the right to ask tenant to have pet removed if the pet causes disturbance to other tenants or neighbors. And last I state that any damage caused by pet where the pet deposit does not cover and security deposit does not cover tenant is financially responsible for damages /repair. I charge a non-refundable pet deposit of $450.00 to also detract people who have pets. I don't like having pets but when times are tuff in the rental market the apartment gets rented because I offer pets allowed. After reading other messages, I plan to adding to lease, that pets must have proof of shots and neutered. Make sure you get everything in writing so if you have to bring your issues to court you have that protection because tenant agreed by signing the lease. Hope this helps

N

Nancy R

said about 8 years ago

Nancy S - security deposit is used to cover all damages and in some cases the damage cost exceeds the amount of the security deposit. You must give the tenant a list of how the security deposit was spent and you have x amount of days to get the list to them. I think Rhode Island is 30days. I live in Rhode Island and we only give back what was not used in fixing the damages plus they also get the interest the deposit earned wile siting in bank account.

M

Mary S

said about 8 years ago

Has anyone run into a situation with a tenant that requires an emotional support animal? (ESA) We don't allow animals in our duplex because of the shared walls and yard. We have a tenant that now says they need this animal. From what I can find, I am unable to require more rent or more of a deposit. This dog wont stop barking and is bothering the other tenant! What can I do?

S

Scott H

said about 8 years ago

If the dog won't stop barking treat it as a noise problem.

d

Dana B

said almost 8 years ago

I charge a non refundable pet deposit and an additional charge per month for the pet to be on premises. when I rented I was charged both. and after replacing carpets in both rentals. it helps to soften the cost of replacing carpets. I only allow dogs not cats. cats can actually do more damage.

S

Scott H

said over 7 years ago

Don't call it a non-refundable pet deposit. Call it a pet fee.

D

Darlene D

said almost 6 years ago

My research came up with the following Federal ruling: The medical profession has determined a theapy/support dog can be very therapeutic for someone with emotional or mental disability. If a tenant meets this criteria and I would assume you could require some proof of this, if would be unlawful to deny to rent to them or allow the service dog. I'm sure you could find more on this subject under Federal Housing Authorities or Federal Disabilities Act. The one thing you don't want to do is be on the wrong side of those laws. Hope the dog isn't old and you have carpet too.

D

Darlene D

said almost 6 years ago

My research came up with the following Federal ruling: The medical profession has determined a theapy/support dog can be very therapeutic for someone with emotional or mental disability. If a tenant meets this criteria and I would assume you could require some proof of this, if would be unlawful to deny to rent to them or allow the service dog. I'm sure you could find more on this subject under Federal Housing Authorities or Federal Disabilities Act. The one thing you don't want to do is be on the wrong side of those laws. Hope the dog isn't old and you have carpet too.

D

Darlene D

said almost 6 years ago

My research came up with the following Federal ruling: The medical profession has determined a theapy/support dog can be very therapeutic for someone with emotional or mental disability. If a tenant meets this criteria and I would assume you could require some proof of this, if would be unlawful to deny to rent to them or allow the service dog. I'm sure you could find more on this subject under Federal Housing Authorities or Federal Disabilities Act. The one thing you don't want to do is be on the wrong side of those laws. Hope the dog isn't old and you have carpet too.

j

Jahfwkwi J

said about 6 years ago

20