All Forum Posts by: Maria Matthew

If having a pet is causing problems, it's important to handle it appropriately. Start by scheduling a meeting to review the lease and discuss basic "roommate" courtesy expectations. If the issue persists, consider issuing lease violations. Keep detailed records of each incident and any attempts made to resolve the matter.

That's too bad. Since the other tenants are unhappy with her, I'd talk to her and see if she's unhappy with the situation too. Maybe you'll be lucky and she'll feel like it isn't working and want out too. If so offer to let her out of her lease if she leaves her space in good condition.

If she doesn't want to move, I'd make it clear what specific behaviors are unacceptable and must stop. Do you have cameras outside? Does your lease allow you to fine her for failing to clean up after her dog? You'll need to keep a written log of complaints and your response to the complaints with dates and details in case you need to go to court. Make sure to follow up with her in writing.

Hey Maria. If you feel like you do want to consult with an attorney after running through all options, Tschetter Sulzer is one of the main landlord attorneys in Denver. We’ve used them for years as well as their lease agreement. Best of luck to you! 

 https://www.thslawfirm.com/

My wife and I have rented by the room.

In managing residents, we screen diligently and conduct house meetings when a new group is put together in a home and thus set out ground rules. We have to intervene when there are conflicts, which are inevitable. My wife used to be a school disciplinarian so she is used to this. But if you truly dislike dealing with adult conflicts, you will tire of this niche. We find that when we a) set out ground rules from the beginning, and b) allow existing roommates to interview and give us feedback on potential new roommates, conflicts are minimized. We, on the other hand, are willing to deal with the conflict for the added rent yield. For us, it's worth it.

Happy to answer any questions and share our roommate meeting agenda.

Best wishes to you

@Maria Matthew,  Is the lease month to month? If so, I would just get rid of one of them. I had a similar situation before, although one roommate was just a straight up degenerate so I pretty much always sided with the other one. 

From the sounds of it, I would probably get rid of the one with the dog. I think you're kind of taking on a lot by allowing one of your housemates to have a pet (unless if you're being paid extra for it). And there's a good chance the dog is being bothersome to your other roommates as well, but they're not speaking up. I tend to like clean freaks (as long as they're not crazy or anything) since you can probably count on them to take care of your property. 

@Maria Matthew

Great question. I self manage two student rentals with 5 tenants in each and there certainly has been drama in the past. 

I think what you said and how you said it makes sense. You are the property owner, not a parent, and it sounds like you're doing your best to make the space a safe, secure, and enjoyable experience while they are renting there. 

That is your job. 

I think you can make that clear in a similar way that you stated it in this post. State that this is an issue that they will need to work out between each other, remind them of when the lease ends if they wish to move out at that point, and if there is legitimate animal cruelty that's a completely different conversation. You are not aware of this and are not living in the house so you don't know how the other tenant is truly treating their dog. 

If true, they could potentially report it to local animal control, a humane organization, or authorities depending on how severe it is. 

I'm sorry you're dealing with this, but I wish you the best of luck!

Hope this helps. 

^ Definitely post on in the general lanlording forum 

Hopefully they aren't actually mistreating their doggy :(