Dear all,
I just bought an apartment complex and found that almost all
units had pets in there, including but no limited to , dogs and cats…
just like a zoo!!!
I studied the their current leases which said pets are not permitted in
the units and if they want to have, they should pay non-refundable pets deposit for it.
Because I just bought it and I don’t want to piss off those tenants,
Do you guys have any good idea to get rid of those pets without
too much trouble?
The tenants argue that the previous owner allow them to
have pets even though the leases do not. One tenant is a
dog sitter, and she said she has to keep the dog inside.
Word of mouth is not enforceable.
The prior owner is gone and the pet provisions
are not on the lease.
You have the following choice
a) Sign a new lease with the tenants adding
provisions for the pets.
b) Have them pay just the pet deposit and offer
them receipts for it.
c) Have them pay the pet deposit as well as a
signed agreement to foot all damages caused
by the pets.
Stay in control. You own the place and are the boss.
-Krish
I think Krish is right on the money…it’s like training a dog (no offense to tenants!) – only one of you can be in charge. If you let the tenants be in charge, they will always try to be…
Tell them to show you the written permission from the previous landlord.
I’ve had some folks in here criticize some of the terms of my leases…this is a perfect example. I have a no pet clause, unless a waiver is granted in writing. I have never granted a waiver (I’ve never been asked to!) but if (for example) an elderly lady had a neutered, declawed cat for 15 years, I’m pretty sure that she’d get a waiver. A strong, enforced lease is the key!
Keith
And, oh yeah…the lady with the pet sitting business would also need written permission to operate a for-profit business on the premises!
I may be strict, but I know what’s going on in my units and it’s under control!
Keith
Folks,
I hate to be an ass, but as congenial and compassionate
as i am, i have learnt it the hard way to be firm with
tenants. You can treat the good tenants very well, but
the bad apples need a good whip.
My tenants had written permission to have 2 small dogs.
They offered 2 months deposit and signed an addendum
that they will foot all damages beyond the pet deposit
of $500.
I was generous enough to split the deposit as 2 payments.
They paid just $250 , got rid off 1 dog and used that as
an excuse to not pay the other $250. I just let it go, since
they paid the rent on time .
It was 3 months later that my maintenance person tipped
me about the cats. I went for a visit and found 4 cats.
I was told that the cats were neutered and are older
animals.
Was i pissed?
They agreed to sign an agreement to foot all costs for
damages. So i drafted an agreement and then they
wanted me to add a clause that they will have a say
on the costs involved in fix as well as will shop for the
service.
I said take a hike. I was trying to accommodate a violation
and on top of that, they wanted me to cut a slack.
Right now, they were served a notice of lease violation.
If they dont fix in 21 days, i will send a notice of lease
termination and file an unlawful detainer.
I would suggest this to all landlords. Rules are there to
be followed. Act fast and be firm. Document, Document
and Document all violations and communcations.
Good luck
-Krish
Donald,
I am supporting krish1 here with his three options. You can provide your terms/options, its a take it or leave it type of situation. If its in the lease than you should enforce it. If they dont like it, they can live else where. Tell them to refer to the lease agreement for the terms to which they can exit the lease if they feel the need.
I assumed tenants with a property early this year. The tenants realize that its new management and I have changed some things. Yes I had to be firm about a couple things but at the same time they gained a couple things as well. I treat them fairly.
I recently had a situation where a tenant threatened to escrow rent and consult a lawyer if I didnt come to there terms. Without going into to much detail…I stuck to my guns and documented everything. I acted within the guidelines of the law and I gave them my terms. I was prepared to evict if it came to that though I expressed to them that isnt what I wanted. I presented the basic supporting facts on how I made the decision to the tenant. Though they didnt like it, the bottom line is that they backed down.
It all started because I entertained the idea of negotiating with them. I gave an inch and they tried to take a mile. Fortunately for me I didnt give in and have learned a lesson without doing it the hard way. I took the advice of others on this forum.
Best of luck to you!!
Happy Holidays…OHLandlord
as congenial and compassionate as i am,You should meet me. I grew up in the church, I was not just there every time the doors opened...I had keys to the church while I was growing up. I am as nice as you can be. But I learned that if you are a stearn rules spouting SOB before they sign the lease, that allows you to be nice after the lease is signed.
Thank you so much folks, your advice is very helpful!!