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Updated over 1 year ago,
How to approach Lease Violations--Rookie First Timer Landlord
To clarify my situation, I am in my first year of landlording, househacking a duplex, so I live next door to tenant.
Tenant hasn't even been here a full six months and has broken the lease I feel several ways, but Im not sure how to approach.
1. Smoking excessively: during pre screen tenant stated that they only smoke outside, but now the bedroom smells like an ashtray and they are leaving butts all over the premises.
2. Pets: stated clearly during pre screen that they would not have any pets becuase they didn't want the extra responsibility, but they now have a rabbit.
I first became aware when I was working on the kitchen sink and saw a bag of rabbit food under the sink, and since then have confirmed that they do indeed have one, but they are not aware that I have seen it.
3. Longterm guests: this one doesn't bother me as much but they have a minor that has basically been living there, not so much that I don't like them staying, but I believe she's been doing laundry over there (can't really prove that) and I pay for water/sewer.
I have been taking pictures of all this.
Not sure if I should just go ahead and put a notice to comply in the mailbox or are there other steps I need to take first?