Potential pet issue in unit

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Potential pet issue in unit

Jennifer A.
Sun Prairie, WI · Member since 2013 · 150 posts · 69 votes

Looking for advice on one of my tenants.  All of my units are within a 4 mile radius of my house.  I periodically drive by mostly because I like to look at them and just check the condition.  I drove by last week Wednesday as my mother was in town and she wanted to see all my units.  We did not go into any units or get out of the car.  In driving by one of the units I noticed a woman sitting on the front steps smoking with two small dogs on a leash.  This unit is rented to a single male.  The steps are for his unit only.  Fast forward to Sunday when I am in the neighborhood and I drive by again and notice the same woman and dogs on the front steps.

I have no issue with him having guests.  This is an older woman who could well be his mother or someone else.  I allow pets in some of my units after screening and pet deposit and additional rent.

What would you do in this situation?  I assume she and her dogs are staying with him.  I have no idea for how long.  As long as the dogs aren't destroying my property I don't have a real issue with it, but I'm concerned because I haven't screened these animals.

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  • Drew Kimminau
    Rental Property Investor · Washington, MO · Member since 2015 · 30 posts · 14 votes
    9y

    Something you could do is just set up a time to do a walk through of the property. Your the owner so just make something up. Some excuses could be that you need to check the filters or the vents in the unit. The tenant doesn't have to be there when you do this walk through either. In most leases you have to give your tenant some notice, so if they are smart and take the dogs somewhere else while you are checking the property just look for signs of dogs. Like dog hair or scratches on the flooring.  

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  • Deanna McCormick
    Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9y

    Next time your by if you see dogs stop,, If you stop and don't see them listen,, go pick up some trash , weeds by front door.. listen,, dogs ?? barking.. Knock..  photos of dogs.. video of barking..

    Say Well please have >>> call me I'd like to talk with him. 

    when he calls just say,, you have a no pet lease, you have had dogs their several times.. and I need to know what the situation is.. 

    ** so either you permit pets with deposit or not..

    Personally I don't do animals.. period.. never had a pet owner in any complex I managed that maintained the pet let alone the apartment the pet was in. 

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  • Jennifer A.
    OP
    Sun Prairie, WI · Member since 2013 · 150 posts · 69 votes
    9y

    Thanks for the replies.  This particular tenant is a neat freak.  Everything at right angles, etc.  I'd be surprised if he allowed any disorder from the pets but I won't know until I look into it.  I've had okay luck allowing pets so far.  Of course, that can all change on a dime.  I will stop next time I go past and knock on the door.

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  • Al Williamson
    Rental Property Investor · Sacramento, CA · Member since 2011 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9y

    I would tackle issue head on. Take a picture when you see something out of order and send picture in an email to your tenant. No need to sneak around - this give you another opportunity to review lease with tenant.

    Throw some sunshine on it.

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