Renters asking to have pet, I have no pet policy

[Cindy Schneider]

I have a duplex and I live in one side and rent the other. I have had renters in there for 10 months and they're asking if they can get a rescue dog. I have a no pet policy which was on the lease. I had remodeled their unit to repair pet damage from past renters, as well as I remodeled my unit for the same reasons, therefore I chose not to allow pets. I don't want to deal with more pet damage, and I live in a country subdivision with alot of families with small children so I wouldn't want the dog to be disruptive, plus I live in the house as well. Am I wrong to stick with my no pet policy or should I allow them to get one? My insurance will not cover bully breeds, which are the majority of the rescue dogs I've seen on the websites.

[Shiela R.]

@Cindy Schneider it sounds like a clear "no" for very sound reasons.  You are not wrong! We don't allow pets in most of our rentals. If we do, there is an interview with the pet and renters. If approved, a non refundable pet fee (not a deposit) and increase of monthly rent in a lease addendum.