Sneaking in an extra pet

[Amanda Thompson]

I have brand new tenants who apparently snuck in an extra cat. I was clear when we met that we have a 2 pet maximum. It's also stated more than once in the lease, and they have a pet addendum. My maintenance guy told me he saw 2 cats and a dog.

My fault: I didn't add a fine or fee for violating this specific rule. I guess it just falls under violating the lease... which means termination of lease. That seems excessive for a cat... but they did break the rules. Like, right away.

What are my options? I know I should follow the lease but can I do something else? I was thinking about telling them they either get rid of a pet or pay $50/mo for it. Our current pet rent is $50/mo for dogs and $25/mo for cats.

[Scott Mac]

If it were mine, I'd just "Don't Know" the cat(s) are there.

Maybe they pay the extra $50 for a time (if they can afford it) then move out--to somewhere with a less punitive owner.

That way the rent checks just keep coming in and paying down the mortgage.

 And the likelihood of a turn is less.

Turns are costly, and best avoided.

Now I said cats, because:

[1] Two cats are not two puppies or two Pit Bulls.

[2] It will magically become the neighbors cat they just let in to play with their cat (and it may be).

I would not even bring it up, and just keep collecting the rent checks and paying down the mortgage.

Good Luck!