Being a pet owner comes with great responsibility and care for your furry friend. When renting a home, it is important to understand the rules around pets according to your lease and local landlord-tenant laws.
In this article, we will explore a renter's rights regarding pets and the steps a landlord must take if attempting to remove a tenant's dog.
Can a landlord make you get rid of your dog?
While landlords have the right to enforce lease terms such as a no-pet policy, they cannot simply demand a tenant remove their dog or evict them without due process. Unless an animal poses a direct threat or nuisance, the landlord must use legal eviction procedures if attempting to remove a tenant's dog from the rental property.
Related: Can A Landlord Stop A Dog Visiting?
What rights do renters have with pets?
Renters have certain rights when it comes to pets depending on location and lease terms. For example, service animals cannot be prohibited even in no-pet buildings and must be allowed as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act.
Additionally, if a pet openly lived in a rental for over three months in some jurisdictions, any no-pet clause in the existing lease would become void. Renters also have the right to proper notice by landlords and a chance to remedy issues before being evicted.
What should you not sign in a lease?
Tenants should avoid signing a lease that specifies no pets if they intend to have an animal. This limits a renter's rights going forward even if the landlord verbally agreed to pets. It is best to only sign an updated lease clearly stating pets are allowed to avoid potential disputes down the line. Verbal agreements do not overrule written lease terms.
What actions cannot landlords take?
Landlords are prohibited from certain actions under property and tenant laws. They cannot enter a rental without permission to remove a tenant's dog themselves. This would be an illegal eviction. All removal of a tenant and their possessions, including pets, must be done through the legal court-ordered eviction process.
Landlords also cannot ban or charge fees for legitimate service animals according to disability rights laws.
What should you do if a landlord threatens to remove your pet?
If a landlord threatens unauthorized entry or immediate removal of a pet, a tenant should seek legal advice right away. They have the right to due process before an eviction. Consulting with a local housing advocacy group or attorney can help tenants understand the eviction timeline and protect their rights, for example by sending a cease and desist letter. Tenants should also thoroughly document any threats or improper actions by a landlord.
How should you respond to a new landlord requesting pet removal?
After a property is sold, the incoming landlord must generally honor existing leases, including the right to keep a pet. If a no-pet clause goes into effect after the current lease expires, tenants have time to find suitable new housing and rehome their pet responsibly rather than giving in to demands. It is important for renters to know their exact lease terms and duration of rights under the law to avoid unnecessary rehoming of a family pet.
Are there steps to prevent issues with a landlord?
Being upfront, responsible pet owners can help avoid conflicts. Tenants should disclose pets during move-in, pay required fees, and ensure dogs are well-trained and do not cause disturbances. Cleaning up after pets and abiding by community rules are courtesy steps to being considerate renters. Proactively open communication also resolves most landlord concerns before they escalate.
Overall, knowing your lease terms and location's tenant laws provides protection on both sides.
What should you do if a landlord wants the dog gone?
While landlords generally must use legal channels, ultimately they may pursue rehoming a pet if adamantly opposed. In this situation, it is best for tenants to accept this is not a suitable long-term situation and discreetly make alternate arrangements.
Starting a discreet search and having a new home lined up before a lease expires helps rehome pets into loving homes instead of potential shelters and avoids unnecessary stress or conflicts.
Conclusion
With responsible pet ownership and clear communication, most landlord-tenant concerns over pets can be addressed amicably. Tenants have rights under property and disability laws but should also be respectful of property rules. Understanding local housing ordinances allows renters to assert their legal right to keep pets when reasonable while finding alternative arrangements for the well-being of pets when conflicts cannot be resolved. With open minds and common courtesy on both sides, landlord and tenant goals of safe, quiet housing need not be at odds with pet ownership.
