How to handle a tenant that moved a dog in

[Leah LaRue]

Good evening. We inherited a tenant when a seller signed a one-year lease on a vacant unit two days before our closing. We expected the unit to be vacant at closing and were in for quite a surprise. We decided to give the tenant a chance. February rent paid on time. March rent paid on time. April rent paid on time. Then the boyfriend moved out, and the struggle began. May rent late. June rent late. July rent late. 3-day notice given. Rent paid on the 2nd day. August rent paid on time. Some time ago, we noticed signs of a dog. It was later confirmed. The tenant said she was dog sitting. Several more visits revealed that the dog lived there. On another occasion, we saw two dogs. Today, I saw one of the dogs on the deck. (1) She wouldn't have been approved had we been included in the vetting process, but we don't want to evict her (unless she stops paying rent). (2) I do not like pit bulls and these dogs are pit bulls (not interested in discussing pit bulls or any dog breeds for that matter). What would YOU do in this situation?