sketchy not sketchy?

[Neal Little]

I rented to a guy in Feb.  All of his references checked, had a good local job, was divorced but getting remarried, plus he was a nice guy.  I have three things I emphasize...Rent is due on the first, no pets, no smoking.

For 7 mos. he is Johnny on the spot with rent.  The eighth month we get in a texting battle about a late payment made with a bad check.  He covers all fees and we get back on track.  Month 9 he tells me he will pay on 3rd...thanks for the heads up, he pays.  A week later he says he changed jobs, likely will be breaking the lease two months early to move closer to his new job.  I explain he will still be responsible for any rent I miss until I find a tenant, to give me as much notice as possible so I can advertise.  I am really not too worried, I am in a 1% vacancy market in a very 'Hot' area of town.

As I was leaving the property last night, I see a cat in the window.  WTF?  He knows, we discussed it completely more than once.

What are my BMP options here?

[JR T.]

Do whatever your lease says about the cat. If you do not charge additional monthly or daily rent for unauthorized pets start doing so with your next lease.

Be sure to congratulate him on his new job, try to find out where and the company so you have a place to serve him with your suit for the breach.