How would you handle this situation ?

[Manmath D.]

So my tenants that live in my duplex got a dog that is not well behaved and destroying property. I'm sending them a notice today, what corrections would you make to this. *Insurance agent quote is just make up story below.Thank you for your feedback.

Neighbors,

Just wanted to bring this to your attention that your dog is destroying the property. Remember this was one reason I did not want to have any pets when I signed your lease but reluctantly agreed for you to have one dog. But then you got another dog which was ok with me but he’s not well behaved and now destroying the property. So far he’s

- Chewed up privacy screen

-Dug up backyard and creating weak spots around fencing poles

-Chewed up electrical outlet in the back yard

-And chewed up outdoor faucet freeze covering.

Look I wanted to be fair and gave you ok to bring in the dog. I’ve talked to my insurance agent and according to them my insurance will go from $950/yr to $3200/yr with damages and that is NOT FAIR TO ME. If that happens I’ll have to increase your rent to $1041.66 and that is NOT FAIR TO YOU.

It’s going to cost me upwards of $900 to fix fence, $200 to fix outlet and replace privacy screen. It’s an unnecessary expense I’ve to deal that I don’t want to.

I’m already very stressed at my job, so much so that I was rushed to Emergency Room for chest pains at midnight last month. And then I come home and have to deal with another stress.

Look I’ve thought about this and really don’t like to tell you but you have to take that dog off the property by Friday evening (April 17) or my insurance premium will sky rocket. I hope you understand and get this taken care of as soon as possible.

Please be a good neighbor. I’m here to help you with anything else but cannot help you in this regard. Hope you understand.

You are my guests and I’ll treat you fair and take care of you as much as I can within means. Help me help you.

PS: Please if possible don’t run or play inside at night, it’s really noisy when I’m trying to sleep after 11 hr shift. If you want I can put more lights outside or provide lawn furniture for you to relax.

[Kenny Dahill]

@Manmath D., definitely edit that letter before you send it.  Here's my feedback, some of it is blunt.

• Professional Letter:  This letter is not professional.  Remember you are their landlord and that is a professional relationship.
  
• ALL CAPS: Don't use all caps to prove your point.
• Your Issue Isn't Theirs:  Take out the part about your personal life and stress.  That isn't any of their obligation.  This letter needs to focus on the damages the dog is causing to the property, not your life.  You get paid monthly to deal with this.
• Past Decisions:  Your 'willingness' to allow the dogs in the first place have no merit.  The issue isn't you allowed the pets.  The issue is their dog is destroying the property.  The past decision you made is not conducive to their dog misbehaving.
• Calling them guest:  They are tenants.  Not guests.  I assume they are on a lease which officially makes them tenants.
  P.S.:  Remove this.  Again, needs to be professional.  This noise compliant is a separate issue.  Handle it as such.
  

A few questions for you regarding their status:

• Pet Deposit / Fee:  What type of pet deposit or fee are you using?  Technically that is what this is supposed to cover.
• Security Deposit:  How much security deposit did you get?  Again, technically that is what this is supposed to cover.  Some states only allow you to use pet deposit to cover pet destruction.  That is why PM's prefer pet rent instead.
• Breach of Contract:  Are any actions from the tenant breaching the lease agreement?  if so, that is an opportunity to strong arm your request.

Overall, this needs to be a professional letter.  It is written mostly as an emotional neighbor.  Your relationship is a legally binding professional, your letter should match that.