Tenant wants out - second set of eyes needed please

[Alex O.]

Hi All,

Long time lurker here; I just want to make sure I'm playing this right. I have a unit in my 4 Flat where we just leased to the tenant in August. She was separating from her husband and flew through the screening with no problem. When we list all units, we are very clear about the no pets policy, no exceptions. It's in the leases and we had a conversation with the tenant that reinforced this. We had absolutely no indication that this would ever be an issue.

Fast forward to Friday, I get an email that the tenant is reconciling with her husband and he wants to move in. I send a link to the screening site we use and tell them we have no problem adding him to the lease assuming he passes the screening like everyone else. On paper it all seems fine, except he wants to bring his 50 lbs dog, which is clearly forbidden. There was an email with pushback, talking about how wonderful (blah blah blah) the dog is - but I made it clear it's non-negotiable.

I then get a 4 paragraph email (from the husband) with way too much personal information that boiled down to them asking how she can get out of the lease if we cannot accept the dog. My reply was that the lease is still being enforced and that should they want to sublet, they would need to pay the fee per the lease (one month's rent) and any new tenant would need to clear screening. That no matter what, I expect full amount of rent paid on time each month for the duration of the lease. I even offered to assist with finding a new tenant if she would be flexible with showings.

I think my mistake was even replying to the husband, as he is not on the lease and I have absolutely no business with him. I did offer to meet them today, but they went completely quiet. During this whole time, aside from the initial request about the husband, my tenant has kept quiet. I have not acknowledged their personal issues and will not get involved with those; all I care about is my money and the apartment.

Aside from learning not to lease to someone who is admittedly "separating" from their spouse. Is there anything I should/could be doing differently?

Thanks!