Tenant asked if I could take his dog out?

Question

Hello everyone, I received a text from my tenant saying how there was a family emergency and asked if I could stop by the house and let their dog outside to use the bathroom. Does this grant me (landlord) legal permission to enter the property? Or should I stay out altogether? I live in Texas. Thanks in advance!

Chris Szepessy · Answer

I'm assuming he/she asked you to do it because they know you have a key to the place.  A friend probably would not have one.  I would let the dog out since you have more to lose if you don't, like @Patrick M. said.  I would not use it as a reason to check the whole house, but you can probably see everything you need to see with a brief scan of the place while getting the dogs leash or making sure it has water. You have the text from them that says it's ok to go in, so that should protect you if they say you entered illegally.  Highly doubt they would since you're doing them a favor. It's a tricky business sometimes. Maybe tell them that you may not always be available so they should make sure someone else has a key to get in to help them if there is an issue in the future.

What did you decide to do?

Patrick M. · Answer

“That’ll teach him!” will not abate the smell of stale urine which will have seeped into your flooring. and last long after the tenant has left.

You have held yourself out as a pet friendly landlord and your tenant is trying to do you a solid.

This is your asset that is about to become damaged. If you are upset by it then don’t renew the lease... I would not be, but I care more about my assets then to allow them to be turned into zoos.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I would only do it if I had the time and they paid me a decent fee to cover my time and an ice-cream cone.  It would give me the opportunity to inspect the property and ensure there are no other issues.

This is not a scalable practice. You need to educate your tenants about taking personal responsibility, even when there is an emergency. You should be the Landlord, not the concierge.

Bart H. · Answer

I am with you on this.  I dont know what the letter of the law is.  And really I dont care that much.

If a tenant is in need, and its not going to be too much of an inconvenience, I will help them out.  Especially if its a one time thing.  I would probably say something along the lines of, hey no problem I can do it this time, but its as a favor.  Going forward please find a dog sitter etc.

I have put packages left on the step into the apartment for tenants.

If that same tenant was asking me for something every month, then I would push back and not keep doing favors.  And I am sure as we get more and more properties, then we will be less able and less inclined to do those things.

But end of the day I think a little bit of compassion goes a long way to maximizing profits.  Because I think reasonable accommodation will have fewer tenant changes, less damage and higher rents.  (Over time. )

Plus end of the day, while I dont want to be buddy buddy with my tenants, I do want to be cordial.

Jeff D. · Answer

I agree with Mike and Bart.  I would help them if I lived close by.  You help someone out and it makes the world a better place.  Just would not let them make a habit out of it.

Cody C. · Answer

I have a no pet policy, however, if I was you I would go let the dog out but politely point out to the tenant that this is a favor and in the future try to find other arrangements. Sure, there's some 'what if' type things that could go wrong, but as a dog owner odds are its a 5-7 minute favor and life moves on.

I also respectfully disagree with Thomas. What I call "an emergency" is something along the lines of a family member/close friend who was just in a serious auto accident and is undergoing life saving surgery. In that case, no, I am not getting away temporarily to go have a meal. I'm in the hospital, every minute, waiting for an update.

I guess it could depend on the 'emergency' also. If their simply visiting grandma who had her kidney removed and is in a private room fully stable and it was just a convenient vising time for the renter, then I may decline.

Derrick E. · Answer

Agree with others. Sounds like tenant is trying to be responsible. I wouldn't make a habit of it but would definitely do this for them. Best of luck!

Anne Smith · Answer

I dont know your relationship with your tenant, but I wouldnt do it. Even people with family emergencies can get their dogs to a kennel or a vet, if they know they wont be home. Do they not have a friend they can call? I dont think its a good idea for a landlord to become a "friend". If they ask once, they will ask again. Not to mention the fact that the dog might get loose and run into the road, or get injured somehow. Just no.

Dick Rosen · Answer

I would not do it, yes you probably do have legal permission to enter but your setting yourself up for other liability issues and more favors down the road

Tenant asked if I could take his dog out?

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