Tenant got Pit Bull without notice

[Bruce L.]

So, my tenant's neighbor called me today and told me that my tenant got a pit bull. He think he’s had the pit for 2-3 weeks now. My lease does not allow for a Pit Bull and I clearly stated to my tenant when they applied my pet application that I don’t allow pit bulls. I gave him a call and he told that me he was just pet sitting for a friend and only had it for a couple of days.

This tenant has only been with me for about 4 months now and has been a pain in the butt even before this issue. At least every two week or so, some issue would arise because of this tenant, but that’s another story. The only thing he has going for him is that his dad co-signed for him and he has been paying rent on time as his dad pays the rent.

I already called him and his father to tell them about it, the son says that he will take care of it. BTW, the son lied to me more than once, so I really don’t believe what he tells me.

What should I do?

1)Charge a fee for violating the lease? On my pet application.....

"“If Tenant obtains a pet without written permission of Landlord/Agent, Tenant agrees to pay an immediate fine of ($500.00) dollars. Additionally, Landlord/Agent reserves the right to terminate the lease agreement with the Tenant upon giving written notice to the Tenant, as outlined in said lease agreement."

2)Evict him, but school is about to start in late Aug. I would be in a tight squeeze to try to find a replacement tenant.

3)Or……????

Thanks in advance.

[Joel Owens]

I would evict.

Can't keep a tenant based on constant lies and deception. Give written notice to tenant that dogs such as a pit bull permanent or otherwise are not allowed in the property

I have heard of the just keeping the pit for a few days BS before. It's all a lie. Next you will see puppies and all kinds of stuff. Nip it in the bud before your place gets trashed. Call animal control on them and say you have a random animal in one of your units. Animal control will come and make the tenant claim ownership and sign documents or they take the animal and the rightful owners will have to come get them out of the pound. Unfortunately I have been through this before with tenants in the past. They will also lie and say that they will get insurance and they don't or they get it and let expire after showing to you.

No legal advice.