It's human nature.

Had you met with the plumber you might have learned first hand from him about how toilet system works and that questioning if the tenant was responsible is really an absurd accusation.

The software takes the human emotion out of the equation and tenants react to it like they would getting a bank fee or credit card fee which leaves little room for the typically excuses as well as having to deal with them.

It sounds absurd but there are tenants out there who will do it, and depending on what county you are in judges who will allow it.As far as pets, I allow pets with a one time non-refundable $1,200 fee due up front.

Being a landlord is a real eye opener into learning the worst about human nature. 

"Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere" -Van Wilder With that being said, renting a home is investing, like all investments there is no guarantee of a good return. the only things you can do are a) keep some capital in reserve for emergencies b) screen screen screen c) diversify with multiple properties d) realize that you are only human and you will not make the best decision 100% of time...you cant always win, that's why you should hedge your risk with strong cash reserves just in case. good luck to you!  

A verbal warning is always better than formal action.Be a human first in all interactions.

No code states that a landlord must give preferential treatment to any protected class.Our human rights laws up here are very similar and the fact is that discrimination is impossible to prove if a landlord is diligent in maintaining their screening standards.  

And it's up to the human to clean their cages, and they may not do it regularly.So, guinea pigs are not better than dogs or cats, in my opinion, and may, in fact, be worse.Although, the same is true for cats that I mention above.  

Pets are animals not human family members and should never take priory when making real life decisions.