Tenant wants a german shepherd

[Bryce Y.]

I just moved a tenant in yesterday. Young couple with a small child. They seem very nice and easy to work with. They said they would like to get a pet in the future, specifically a german shepherd (puppy). I know nothing about dogs, except that they are considered an aggressive breed.

I called my insurance company and they don't have any restrictions. If the dog bit anyone my liability insurance would cover it. The renters also have renters insurance if it matters. I am more worried about what an 80+ pound dog can do to my property.

What do you guys think? I am leaning towards telling them no...

[Chris Da]

I have a twisted take on this. I rent to a lot of section 8 tenants. Depending on the tenant and how long they have been with me I sometimes allow this. The reason being is this... if they are decent and semi responsible, and they have young children that will become attached to the dog, I allow it. not because I am a nice guy, but because they usually can't move. That's right, if they are decent tenants why not keep,them as long as possible. I had a tenant once absolutely hate living in my one unit, but he couldn't move out because nobody would allow his dog, and he wasn't gonna give it up. That bought me 3 years until he finally bought a house.