How To Stop Tenants From Keeping Pets in the House

Introduction

When a homeowner rents out their home, they may not want future tenants to have pets in the house. This is well within the landlords rights. While some do allow pets in the house, others do not want pets in the house. Some will decide to allow pets in the house as long as there is a pet deposit. While some homeowners decide whether or not pets are allowed on a case by case basis.  This is something that each individual home owner must decide for themselves. If you do determine that you want no pets in the house, there are some steps that you can take to enforce this.  

Step 1

• Tell the renters that you actually mean absolutely no pets in the house. Some homeowners who say no pets, do not take that to encompass pets such as fish and birds, while others mean none, not even those in a tank or cage. The decision is yours as the homeowner and you must decide what "pet" means to you.

Step 2

• Discuss the no pets policy with prospective tenants before they agree to rent the home. Let them know that this rule is strictly enforced. Being clear about this upfront helps to avoid issues later.

Step 3

• Put a no pets in the house clause into the lease that your tenants will sign. The lease is where all rules, rights and responsibilities should be clearly written out and signed by both the homeowner and the tenant. Each party should get a copy of the lease for their records.

Step 4

• If you feel that your tenants have pets in the house even though you have discussed this with them and have the no pets in the house clause in the lease, you can always ask a neighbor to keep an eye out. This is especially easy to do if you previously lived in the home and have maintained relationships with neighbors.You can also try driving by the house at different times to see if you spot any animals on the premises. 

Step 5

• Once you determine that your tenants do in fact have pets in the house, you can choose to have them move or you may give them a chance to remove the animals. The choice is yours, however the tenants have broken the agreement and you are within your rights to ask them to move. This may be your best option since they have already broken on of your rules by bringing pets into the house. It may be difficult to trust that they will not break other rules as well.

Tips

Those looking for a home to rent that allows pets in it, should be upfront about this from the beginning. Always be honest with your landlord, it makes things easier for you in the long run.Even if you love a house, if bringing a pet with you is important, avoid homes that say no pets in the ad.

Do not think that a homeowner will not be able to tell that you have pets in the home.

Be sure to have pet information in the lease. Discussing it verbally will do no good if you do not take the time to incorporate it into the lease.

 

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