All Forum Posts by: Alicia Hensley

Someone on BP shared some of what is below with me, some of it was in BP's file place, and some I've developed, so I like to pay it forward whenever I can.  ***Not legal advice*** 

Here is my pet addendum.  Item #1 covers what the city determines is the law.  So, I reference that and that's what I follow.  Honestly, I've never had to check.  Mostly because I meet with the pet as part of the application process.  If they are well behaved and not aggressive in nature I'm good. 

PET ADDENDUM

Addendum to Lease signed _______________________________________________ (Date & Address)

between Landlord and Tenants: ________________________________________________

This Addendum states the responsibilities involved with being both a Tenant and a pet owner. Only the pet(s) listed on this Addendum or in the Rental Application are allowed. No pet sitting allowed.

Name of pet _______________________ Age _______________________

Breed ____________________________Size _______________________

Name of pet _______________________ Age _______________________

Breed ____________________________Size _______________________

1. The pet(s) and Tenant(s) will comply with all Rules, Laws and Regulations of the Owners' Association (if any) and legal jurisdiction that the city of Virginia Beach, VA requires; including licensing. Dogs will not be allowed out of the property without a leash. Pet(s)shall not be left unattended outside the Dwelling Unit.Tenant shall not inflict or cause cruelty in connection with any pet(s).Commercial breeding of pet(s)is prohibited.Tenant will remove or secure any pet(s) on the premises when property is on the market or when repairs are scheduled.

2. Rats and other pests are attracted by pet feces and food. Tenant is responsible for keeping property free of feces. Tenant is responsible for extermination of all pests. Pet(s)will be fed indoors only. Food will not be left outdoors.

3. Tenant shall ensure that the pet(s) shall not bite, injure or harm any individual or other pet(s), and shall not disturb others (neighbors or guests) or cause damage to the Dwelling Unit or the premises. If, in Landlord’s opinion, the pet(s) has injured or disturbed others, or has damaged property, Tenant must permanently remove the pet(s) within fifteen (15) days (or sooner in the case of an emergency) of receiving written notice, and failure to do so shall constitute a violation of the Lease Agreement, and may subject Tenant to eviction. Tenant is financially responsible for any property damage, injury, or disturbances the pet may cause or inflict and releases the Landlord from all liability. Tenant agrees to promptly pay the Landlord for any damage or expenses caused by the pet(s) or the pet(s) actions.

4. Landlord and/or Agent reserves the right to enter the property to investigate any violations. Reasonable notice will be given unless circumstances require otherwise, such as in the event of an emergency. If pet(s) become vicious, severely ill, or poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of the pet(s), or others, Owner or Agent may enter the Premises and remove, or cause to be removed, the pet(s) and take any other action the Owner or Agent determines appropriate. Tenant shall be responsible for all costs involved and releases Owner or Agent from any liability.

5. At termination of occupancy, Tenant will have premises de-flead and de-ticked by a professional exterminator. Tenant will have carpet professionally cleaned and deodorized. Paid receipts are required from both contractors.

6. Landlord reserves the right to require Tenant to maintain liability insurance for the pet(s) identified in this PetAddendum.

7. Landlord reserves the right to revoke permission to keep the pet and to terminate the Lease Agreement for violation of this addendum. Tenant will be responsible for the remaining unexpired term of the lease until property is rented to a new tenant

8. INERPRETATION: This Addendum supplements the terms and conditions of the Lease. If any provisions of this Addendum conflicts with any provisions of the Lease, this Addendum shall control.

_____________________________________

Tenant Date

_____________________________________

Tenant Date

____________________________________

LandlordDate

I appreciate that you own a pit bull and personally like them. This is a business decision, though. If you allow a breed that is considered dangerous or aggressive to live in your property, and if that dog hurts someone, are you putting yourself and your assets at risk? I think you are. I would err on the side of caution to ensure that you protect the neighbors and yourself. 

@Alicia Hensley

This 'outrageous price' how would it compare to an empty lot in the same area? If the house is free, then you are comparing similar land purchase prices. If you truly think the house has value, then you can try and quantify it. I am assuming if the agent says the house is free, it's very near to a teardown/hard gut.

I would also suggest just asking it flat-out like it's no big deal. Don't hesitate or him-haw around about it. Just ask in the same tone and pace as every other question (like "How long have you owned the property?") and they're likely to just blurt out the answer without even thinking about it or they'll at least not think it odd to give you the information. Then, as Josh said, if they question why you need to know tell them you have to have all the information to put together the best offer for them.