Tenant dogs

[Hector Reyes]

Hello everyone, I saw this in one of the local FB groups here in Souther California.

How can a landlord protect them self?

[Nicole A.]

Just because you don't allow pets doesn't mean a tenant wouldn't sneak in a pet. Just because you have a great fence doesn't mean a gate isn't left open or that they allowed the dog in and everything was fine at first. Also, just because some lady named Barbara on Facebook says you can go after the landlord doesn't mean she's 100% right. 

I guess anyone can sue a person for anything even if nothing wrong was done. Be prepared to countersue for costs...IF it even goes that far....although I realize this isn't your situation, you're just asking what if.

Have insurance. If you don't allow pets, have it clearly stated in your lease that is signed by both you and the tenant. If you have a great fence, take pictures of it. Demand proof that the pet is kept up-to-date on shots. Perhaps have a picture of the dog to prove it's definitely a dog you allowed in the home. Perhaps only allow certain breeds of dogs (Although even "nice" ones can attack. My father-in-law's dog was recently attacked by 2 Australian Shepards and it left their dog with drain tubes and a cone for weeks while she healed--lucky she wasn't killed).