New Tenant in my Condo - What should I add in my lease for pets?

[Lafi S.]

So I have a very qualified tenant that wants to move into my condo. It's the only property I own as a rental and my last tenant was a police officer who I never really saw but just collected rent from. (He was the best tenant ever)

Him and his girlfriend own 2 small dogs that they have agreed to pay an extra $150/month for. I haven't asked for an additional security deposit yet so I'm just curious are there any things I should be adding to the lease to help protect me incase the dogs wreck the place? This is only the 2nd tenant I've ever had to deal with so just hoping I can protect myself! Any sample lease agreements or clauses would help too!

[Katy C.]

If you are getting $150/month additional rent, that's great. You could add a non-refundable cleaning deposit if you don't already have one, or increase it if you think that's appropriate. I've added some verbiage to the lease to define which animals are permitted to live on the premises. Here's the excerpt, in case that helps you. The clean-up service I refer to is having a pooper scooper coming to the house every 2 weeks, because the HOA does not allow pet waste to be in the yards (a rule I appreciate!). Wouldn't really apply for the condo, but it's what I used.

• A)  One domestic dog (NAME, TYPE) has been approved to live on the Premises. Any other animals are subject to prior approval by Landlord and additional pet deposit and rent at the discretion of the Landlord. Tenant is responsible for cleaning up after approved animals both indoors and outdoors. Should the Tenant fail to fulfill this requirement, clean-up services will be hired and any cost added to Tenant’s monthly utility cost.