Tenant has a guest with a puppy

[Steve Balinski]

Hello everyone and Happy Easter!

it seems one of my tenants has a guest with a puppy staying over the weekend. I sent him an email first thing yesterday morning saying zero tolerance for the pet policy which is in the lease.

My security camera shows as of midnight someone taking the dog out to go to the bathroom and then walking back in the unit.  He has been a good tenant, but I want to make it clear to respect the rules of the lease, especially the not pet policy.  What do you advise?

[Dale Degagne]

@Steve Balinski tenant relations are about good relationships. You look at this like a business relationship but they look at it like it is their place to live. Fines, eviction notices, harsh letters, all should be last resorts. You don't fire someone the first time they are late by 5 minutes do you?

And I don't know about your area but up here I would never get an eviction or a fine upheld for a pet unless it was in the lease AND the pet caused damage that I could clearly prove. To be honest this post is in line with the person above who wanted to take their tenant to task because they moved out without paying their $8 garbage bill.

My suggestion would be to call him. Tell him what you saw. Ask how long the pet will be staying (it is easter weekend ya know....) and remind him no pets means no pets and ask that he not do it again. Then document the communication and go enjoy your Easter.