Lease Violation - Potential Legal Issues?

[Rich C.]

I came to find out that my tenants have acquired a "long term guest".  One roommate just left for several months and the long term guest has now moved into their room and pays them a portion of rent.  This new person also has a dog.  This is all a violation of the lease because it was done without my knowledge and approval.  I am wondering if I need to be concerned legally that this person is living there and not on the lease?

[Account Closed]

Dear (Tenants)

I have been advised that you have an extra person living with you and a dog.   Since I didn't approve this tenant or their dog, you are in violation of our lease agreement, and therefore  I am enclosing a Termination of Tenancy with you making your last day with us,   (type in the date)

Whoa you say to yourself as you are reading this post.  Wow, she's going to kick out two paying tenants without so much as a blink of an eye.

Well, for one thing they didn't ask the landlord's permission and they brought in a dog.  Clearly they didn't think the landlord deserved to know and what else would they think the landlord shouldn't know.   So this letter has given the landlord an upper hand with these tenants, showing them who is in control and who isn't.

I'm sure these tenants don't want to move and they will call the landlords office post haste to plea for forgiveness, and you will say to them.  (if you want the other guest and the dog) this is what you have to do. 

Your guest will have to fill out an application form and he or she will have to qualify just like you did.  If they check out okay, I'll put him or her on the lease, if  they don't qualify,  they have to go.

If you want the dog you say this.

As far as the dog is concerned there will be a $250.00 Non Refundable Pet cleaning Fee and an extra $25 a month pet rent. 

And if you don't want the dog, you will say, As far as the dog is concerned, it has to go. 

You must take control now!  If not you will always be tested.  Whether with them or someone else.  

Nip it in the bud, when stuff like this happens, right away!

Nancy Neville