Tenants pet died should I end pet fee?

[Joe Capobianco]

Tenants have been in my rental since February with their dog and they pay $50 month extra as a pet fee. In NJ I cannot accept a pet deposit and security deposit so I decided to add the monthly pet fee.  

  The dog died a couple weeks ago and I wasn't sure if I should continue with collecting the $50 until the lease is up because I'm not sure if any damage from the pet these last few months occurred. I didn't specify in the lease about "in case of pets death" and they didn't mention to me about going out to find another pet immediately either. I wasn't sure if I should just stop the pet fee or ask to do an inspection to make sure the pet didn't damage anything. 

  They have been great tenants as far as timely payments and will notified me if there was an issues in or around the home since they've been there. I also pick up the rent in person every month so I don't think hiding a dog would be very easy for them if they do decide to not tell me

[Ryder Cotton]

IMO - 1. Send condolences 
2. Security deposit collected should remain in place until they move out

3. Ask what their plans are regarding a new pet. 

4. If they say they don't plan on getting another animal, amend the contract and remove the $50/mo. Or if they do plan on getting another dog then pause payments for them until they do. 

At the end of the day, the security deposit has been collected to cover any damages at the end of their lease (outside of normal wear & tear) & they shouldn't be forced to pay a pet fee is there is no pet. 

If you're concerned about them lying to you about another potential pet, just remember that you have their security deposit to lean on as well. 

Let me know if you have any questions.