Inherited tenant has litter of dogs. What to do?

Question

Thomas S. · Answer

After you reno instigate a no pet rule for your future tenants. It is far easier to inforce than trying to prevent tenants with pets from bring in more.

No means No. Yes to pets just creates more headaches.

Chris Szepessy · Answer

If/when he gets rid of the puppies, you may want to require him to get his older dogs spayed/neutered otherwise it's probably going to happen again.  I love animals, but I see it a lot where someone starts off with two dogs or cats and a year later, they have 40 because they can't find anyone to take the babies or afford to fix them all, so they start inbreeding and then it just gets out of control.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I think the puppies need to be 6-8 weeks old before he can legally give them away. Regardless, this is what you get for keeping a questionable tenant. It may work but I wouldn't bet my paycheck on it.

Thomas S. · Answer

My opinion...neither. He is a inherited tenant, most of which do not work out, and you clearly state you do not want him to leave.

Stay on him to follow through and remind him regularily of any lease violations. Make plans to renovate the property as soon as you can aford it. At that point in time you get rid of him.

Strict enforcement of your rules begins with new tenants.

Dick Rosen · Answer

I believe you can increase rent at anytime with 30 day notice (in AZ we can). I would charge an additional amount for each pet and reduce the charge as he gets rid of them.

Ned J. · Answer

Whenever I hear about "not wanting to lose a long term tenant", the first question you have to ask is, if you are truly maximizing that property by keeping them in there?

Are that at or near market rent?

By having them be there so long, have you really been delaying long term Capex and maintenance issues to the point that you are actually going to cost yourself more $$ because you put that stuff off too long? Those expenses are coming no matter what....but sometimes delaying them too far ends up costing you more.

Its very easy to get into cruise control and let things slide too far because its the easy path

Yes, kicking this guy out is going to cost you some $$ in the short term, but in the long term it may make you more.

Jenny Jones · Answer

Look for Rescues close to your property for the pups.... work with the owner to have the pups once they are done nursing and weaned  , released to the rescue.... donate a tax deductable donation to be sure the pups are taken care of properly,and they hopefully will have room for your  tenants pups!... Tell tenant if they are small dog gates are to be used inside to contain the pups. and  puppy pens outside if little guys.. Leases renew. When was his move in date? originally? Make a lease for this man at his renewal date,(or before) to gain some control of things bothering you.. The man will or should be very happy  you  are willing to work with and value his renting from you....On your next lease to this man require proof of the spay and neuter and shots, rabies ect. proper flea treatment is use on the original dogs.  Flea treatment is very important  to use quality flea meds for safety of the pet and so your home isnt filled with fleas... Have this man show you proof of the flea reciept medication monthly till you can trust him..You can find rescues for your tenant  on petfinder.com. Type in your  zip code, or the rental  zip code, than youll see a list pop up of close by rescues. This is puppy season, so give it a shot...  Build a fence for the  dogs and any future dogs you may rent to ! Folks are looking for pet friendly homes to rent! A fence is a investment/improvment for your property. I believe you can spread it on your depreciation even. We do.  You can if low on funds even make a deal with the guy , youll buy the parts, he does the labor to your specs(you watch him do work closely).... Communication is key to a good tenant relationship. I will not rent to folks who dont have or will not have there pets spayed and neutered..... totally vetted and cared for.... even up here in Indiana, i require they are heart worm tested and meds given monthly! Folks willing to care for there fur family, are willing to take care of your properties generally ! As finding landlords/owners who rent to folks with pets is somtimes a hard thing to find! Solves any miscommunications later and litters of pups, kittens ect......  You will need to require renters liability insurance as well with the dogs listed yearly, and  a rabies shot each year. Youll need copies..... I dont require the other shots except at move in.....  Normally pet folks are good people...

Matthew Paul · Answer

i am glad I read the post , the title said the " tenant had a litter of Puppies "    My first thought was what type of tenants are you renting to .

Inherited tenant has litter of dogs. What to do?

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