Tenant dishonest about pets - what would you do?

[Peter Ricca]

Hi BP community,

I purchased a SFH in a Columbus, OH suburb. Got 2 tenants to rent the house for slightly above market.

Their credit is awful, but their income is solid so I went with it. I allowed one dog in the lease and they never mentioned other animals.

My handyman went to repair the shower today and reported back that there are in fact 2 dogs and possibly up to 3 cats.

The tenants have only been in the house for a month, but have paid their 2nd months rent on time and are otherwise low touch.

The property is older and not updated, but I’m obviously concerned about what the excess animals will do to the house’s condition.

I don’t want to sour the rapport I have, plus the rent is very solid, but this is a huge red flag. What else are they not telling me?

Thoughts on how to handle this? COVID times makes eviction nearly impossible so I’m treading lightly.

- Peter

[Karl B.]

If you're afraid of them potentially giving you problems and possibly ceasing paying on time then you can always wait until the eviction nonsense is over; at that time you can tell them to get rid of the additional pets or charge them a pet fee for their zoo.