New York landlords should carefully weigh the pros and cons of renting to tenants with pets. Many responsible and reliable tenants cannot obtain apartments because they have pets. Landlords who rent to tenants with pets should take the following precautions:
- Use leases that require: the tenant to provide proof of renter’s insurance containing liability coverage of $500,000 against claims and suits brought by others who are bitten or otherwise injured by the tenant’s pet (page 9:8); a cleaning charge for the carpets; an additional security deposit; a limitation as to what particular animal will be permitted and termination of the lease and eviction if the pet causes excessive noise or damage.
- “Interview” the pet.
- Require proof that the animal is licensed and inoculated as required by local and state law.
- Strictly enforce all lease provisions.
- Use a pet registration form.
The advantages of renting to tenants with pets are:
- A higher rent can be charged.
- The landlord will get a better response to advertising if he advertises that pets are allowed.
- Landlords may not refuse to rent to tenants who have seeing eye, emotional assistance or guide animal.
The disadvantages to renting to tenants with pets are:
- The landlord may not be able to enter the apartment in an emergency if the pet is dangerous.
- There is increased liability exposure to the landlord if the dog bites or otherwise attacks others.
- The pet may be a nuisance to other tenants by causing excessive noise or damage.
For a free guide to New York landlord/tenant law click here:
http://www.wny-lawyers.com/pamphlets-mentioned-in-robert-friedmans-newspaper-column/
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