Unapproved pet during covid-19..

[Rasheed Mcdaniel]

Hello everyone,

I've recently gone pro and im excited about jumping into the community and becoming active. I have an interesting situation and figured what better to start with.

I currently house hack a duplex and have great tenants. They always pay on time, infact they pay early most months. They have been effected by the recent lay offs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Coincidental two weeks before the shut down they decided to foster a dog (a pitbull). The lease states pets are allowed only with prior written approval from management. Also all pets require an additional deposit and a $25 addition to the rent. So, how should i proceed when an otherwise great tenant moves in an unapproved pet?

The simple answer, I imagine, is to serve them a notice to comply and require the additional deposit or the removal of the pet. however they are the best tenants I've had in my investment career (4 years), moreover evictions are temporarily on hold till who knows when so my threat to evict can be drawn out dramatically longer. Also it could be months before the economy gets back to business as usual. Now does not seem like a good time to be looking for a new tenant. any suggestions?

[JD Martin]

Turn it into a win win, since you do allow pets. Tell them you are giving them some leeway that you don't have to give since they are violating the lease, but that you do have to collect that pet deposit & rent if they want to keep the dog as this is policy for all your rentals (even if this is your only property it is true). If they are as great as you say they will appreciate the leeway and pay as appropriate. If not, they will tell you to pound sand and then you can either have them move when their lease is up or evict for cause when the virus lifts.