An Ideal Dog Agreement

[Robin W.]

I got myself into trouble by verbally agreeing to a tenant's question during a signing over a year ago:

These A+ tenants said, "We're interested in getting a dog at some point. If that's ok, we can sign a two year lease." My eyes widened at the idea of a break from reletting my little family duplex. I verbally said that when they were ready we could sign a separate pet agreement with a new deposit. Then I never heard about it again - until two weeks ago (14 months into their lease). 

In their email they "hope to adopt a breed under 50 lbs that will likely not reach full size before their lease ends." 

To me: that statement reveals that they do not intend to stay. I told them, with that in mind, I had little incentive to grant a dog to a tenant with only 8 months left, who won't renew. 

To them: I'm breaking my verbal agreement that made them sign for 2 years. And if I don't compromise, they would like to break the lease.

It's disappointing, and stressful for me to have to re-rent. They are honestly great tenants and I'd love to have them for 8 more months. But it's also worrisome to have an unspecified dog I never met near wood floors, new laminate, possibly barking, and disturbing my second tenant. 

I'm considering offering a compromise of this strict dog agreement that adheres to my insurance policy and personal concerns, but I'm wondering what kind of early termination options I can offer? Or if anyone has any general advice to include. 

I just want to do this correctly and not overlook anything.

[Mike Cumbie]

Once they have the dog they are going to have a harder time finding a place that will accept it and they will end up saying.