tenant lying about pet

[Mike R.]

hi,

we have a tenant that is lying about having a pet(s) and not sure how to proceed given we haven't actually seen the animal(s).  We know there is at least a dog and possibly a cat because a few months after she moved in, we were in the place and smelled a dog.  she claimed it wasn't hers but her boyfriend's (who is not on the lease and "doesn't" live there) and it is a service dog (yeah, right).  yesterday, the carpet person was there and essentially told us not to bother reparing a portion of the carpet because the overwhelming small of cat marking.  BTW, we inherited this tenant and she is still covered by the previous owners lease.   can we give a 3-day even though we havent seen the animal?  can we keep her deposite (to replace carpet and pad)?  thank you for your insight.

[Mindy Jensen]

@Mike R., not all is lost regarding the service animal. You are entitled to ask for documentation regarding the service animal if the disability is not obvious. You can't ask about a seeing-eye dog for someone who is blind. You CAN request documentation for "emotional support animals", which DO have to be prescribed by a physician to be covered by the laws, but do NOT have to be trained in any special way. You cannot ask about the nature of the illness, only the documentation for the prescription of the animal.

Like @Michael Boyer said, how much time is left on the lease? Give them plenty of notice that you will not be renewing their lease. Do you think they will just leave, or do you think they will put up a fight? If they seem the type to put up a fight, start thinking about a cash for keys offer, to keep the property from being destroyed and get them out on time. Evictions take a really long time, and will still cost you money. $500 cash for keys if they leave the property in broom clean condition may be your your most affordable option.