2 tenants multiple dogs-shared yard-lots of poop in the yard

[Julie Thevenow]

I have 4 units with a shared yard. I inherited 2 tenants with dogs(total of 7 dogs). They both have year leases that I also inherited. The leases don't have a pet clause or anything about the consequences of not picking up dog waste. I've spoken to both of them several times about picking up poop every time their dog poops. The tenant that has 4 dogs does go around the yard with a pooper scooper several times a week picking up poop. The other tenant with 3 dogs I don't think picks up after her dogs ever. I've seen them in the yard a lot unattended. So now it's mowing season and there's dog poop everywhere in the yard that I mow. I'm extremely mad about the poop in the yard. Not sure what to do all summer. Their leases expire in September. 

[Nathan Gesner]

Call the City and file a complaint. The city should have ordinances about this and can force the tenants to clean up or face fines. You might also check regarding all pet ordinances. One of the towns I work in has a city ordinance that says no more than two pets per unit. If yours had a limit, you may be able to get rid of them that way.

You should also remember most apartment tenants are unsophisticated. They don't read their lease, they don't know the law, and you can use this to your advantage. Notify them in writing of two things:

1. If the yard is not picked up before you mow the lawn, you will clean up and charge $100 ($50 each) to do it for them. Then stick to it. Failure to pay may be grounds for eviction.

2. You are converting the property to a no-pet property. When their lease expires, you will not renew them under any circumstances. If they wish to leave early, allow them to leave without penalty.

I can't understand how any Landlord would think it's acceptable to allow four dogs in an apartment. I hope you got a good deal on it!