Service dogs and assistance animals are often an tough issue for landlords and property managers. But what happens when a service dog damages property? This week a landlord asks veteran landlord and property manager Hank Rossi how he handles damage from a service dog.
Dear Landlord Hank:
Service dog ruined the large grassy back yard. Looks like crap now. Do you try to maintain the yard or not. Summer time renters don’t water, and grass turns to dirt and in winter the dog turns it into mud. It was a main rental feature but, now?
-Landlord Bob
Dear Landlord Bob,
I want my properties to look good all the time so I normally pay for landscape maintenance.
Service animals are a very touchy subject and I would proceed in this area with the help of an attorney that specializes in Landlord-tenant law.
You can give warnings (official and written notices) or evict tenant for property damage, excessive noise or if service animal threatens the safety of anyone.
If the service dog of your tenant has ruined your back yard, that is not something you have to put up with.
Your property is damaged and you have rights too.
Just make sure you have plenty of evidence (photographs of before and after, maybe some of dog in action, witnesses, etc) and an attorney to help you go forward.
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
Other recent Dear Landlord Hank posts you may have missed:
If A Good Tenant Loses A Job How Long Before You Evict Them?
How Do You Raise Rent For A Long-Time Tenant?
How Do You Know When To Change Property Managers?
Where Do You Draw The Line On Normal Wear And Tear?
Dear Landlord Hank: Do You Conduct Rental Inspections? How Often?
Dear Landlord Hank: How Do I Motivate My Tenants To Conserve Water?
Is An Old Drug Conviction A Big Deal?
Dear Landlord Hank: Should I Give A Tenant More Time To Pay?
Dear Landlord Hank: Tenant’s Sewer Line Clogged With Tree Roots
Do You Call A Prospective Tenant’s Employer For Verification?
