What rights does a tenant have to “companion” animals?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What rights does a tenant have to “companion” animals?
I currently live in rent-controlled 4-plex and my landlord is trying to evict me because I have 1 dog and 2 cats (which I’ve for a little over a year). I’ve given my landlord 2 doctor’s notes indicating the need for the animals, however the notes doesn’t seem to have any affect on her decision to try to evict me. The other thing in question is back in 09/10, my landlord informed me that she wanted to take over my apartment due to a short sell of her home. Since she found out that it would cost her $7000 to relocate me, she has tried to find ways to kick me out.
Asked on March 23, 2011 under Real Estate Law, California
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
You need to get help from someone in your area that knows the rent control laws. They are very specific and can be "worked" by those that know how to do it. But they are really pro-tenant and I am sure that your area has a rent control board that can help you answer these issues if you can not afford an attorney. As for the issues with the pets, many states do indeed have laws that deal with what you call companion animals for health and well being issues. Check with someone on the matter. And check what kind of documentation you need (i.e., what the wording of the letter needs to be). You have a lot of resources open to you here. Use them.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.