Hello BP.
Seeking some advice on a rental. Tenants asked for me to repair the wooden fence. I met with tenants and saw that it was leaning a bit and a few of the panels were loose. Informed tenant I could do some small repairs at my earliest opportunity since there was no obvious emergency. I first contacted them 2 week ago to go by to do the work. They asked if I could come back the next day or the weekend. Said I couldn't and would call them the following week. Called this past Friday, again they asked if I could come back in the evening or weekend because they had left the dog outside during lunch. I normally contact tenants a day prior but did not think it was necessary since the repair was going to be outside and did not need to enter the home. Plus, in the past when I needed to go by to do repairs they always asked if I can go in the evening because they don't keep the dog locked in the home during the day. So all this was very odd to me. Something told me to go by plus I wanted to check again what supplies I was going to need for the repair (since it is a corner house I could check from the outside). When I arrived I knocked on the door as I always do. To my surprise, 3 dogs came to the window. 2 pitbulls and another smaller breed (there was no dog in the backyard). In our original contract, though I advertised no pets, I made the exception to allow their elderly pitbull into the lease and charged a nonrefundable pet fee plus a monthly fee. I am very upset now because not only did they lie to me but now have 2 additional pets on the premises not on the pet addendum. 1 being a much younger and larger pitbull. I also checked the fence and it was in much worse condition than a month earlier. The panels have become detached completely from the posts in multiple locations. Though I can't prove it, I'm not stupid and know this is not normal wear and tear. And now seeing there are multiple pets. I'm pretty sure the damage is being caused from the pets trying to push their way through the fence. I have chosen not to say anything yet and will go by again tomorrow to see if by chance they were maybe dogsitting. Plus I was so upset it completely slipped my mind to take photos.
Tenants do pay ontime each month, so I would prefer not to terminate the contract. But I definitely need to take some action. I also do not feel it is my responsibility of repairing the fence without any ramification to the tenants. Would love to hear your input on this matter. If I decide to fine (charge a fee) for either the extra pets and/or the repairs. How is that done. Do I simply email them or send them a letter informing them of the fine or additional fee on top of the normal rent.
Sorry for the long story, just wanted to give as much detail as possible. Thank in advance!
