The dog is man's best friend, and the numbers prove it. Roughly 50% of American households have a pet dog, and dog owners are 53% more likely to consider their furry friend a family member.
As a renter in Clarksville, Tennessee, you should know that landlords have a right to create a pet policy that they deem fit for their rental properties. And where pets are allowed, you might be wondering whether there are any conditions you must follow.
So, can a landlord make you get rid of your dog?
Let's find out!
A No-Pet Policy
If you move with your dog into a rental with a no pets allowed policy, you'll only have yourself to blame when the landlord asks you to get rid of Fido.
The lease agreement you signed had a clause forbidding all kinds of pets, so you'll be on the losing end if you decide to put up a fight against the landlord's quest to evict your pet. They can even start the eviction process against you on grounds of lease violations.
If you don't want to part ways with your dog or get evicted, always comb through lease agreements to find out what a landlord's pet policy is.
Absence of a Pet Policy
Sometimes, landlords fail, either by design or oversight, to include a pet policy in the lease agreement.
However, even when a rental agreement is silent on pets, a landlord can still ask renters with pets to get rid of them. The only difference here is you may have grounds to resist the landlord's aggression. This, though, may mean taking your case to court, a process that will cost you money.
You can try to negotiate with the landlord. Offering a pet deposit for rentals without a pet policy, for instance, may soften the landlord's stance.
Legal Exceptions
There are instances when landlords cannot ask a tenant to get rid of their dog. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects your right to live with an emotional support dog. There may also be fair housing laws in your state that offer similar protections.
If a licensed mental health professional prescribes you an ESA, you have a right to live with your dog, as long as it's the ESA.
Pet-Friendly Policy with Restrictions
Some landlords allow pets but with some restrictions. For example, they can disallow certain dog breeds because of their aggressiveness, size, or other undesirable characteristics. Exotic pets, such as snakes and ferrets, can also be disallowed.
As a renter, you're bound to comply with the landlords' policy; otherwise, don't be surprised when a 'dog eviction' notice arrives.
Can a Landlord Make You Get Rid of Your Dog?
To this end, you should have an answer to "Can a landlord make you get rid of your dog?"
To recap, though, the short answer is yes. But, if you're living with an emotional support dog, your landlord will have to make do with your situation.
For renters with dog pets, the journey to an awesome rental living experience starts with finding the right house. PMI Clarksville has been helping renters like you find rental properties for several years.
Check out our homes for rent, and contact us if you need help.
