What to do about a renter refusing to sign pet addendum now that they have 2 pets?
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What to do about a renter refusing to sign pet addendum now that they have 2 pets?
Rented house out 2 months ago to family that said, “We don’t have any pets.” During the interview. Lease does not specifically say no pets but I would have added a pet addendum if pets were allowed or agreed upon. Renter is now refusing to sign pet addendum or pay security deposit for pets. What can I do? Is this a violation of the lease?
Asked on November 21, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Washington
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You need to carefully read your written lease to see if the refusal of the tenants to sign an addendum concerning newly acquired pets is a violation of the written agreement. Many times a written lease will have a provision stating that the parties will sign all new agreements pertaining to the rental as situations change. Perhaps your lease may have a provision regarding this.
If the renter refuses to sign the pet addednum or pay the security deposit for the pets, I would serve the renter with a three day notice to sign the requested documents or quit. If after the time period runs and there is no newly signed document, your option may be to file an unlawful detainer action to end the lease. If the tenant is on a month-to-monthlease, you could serve the tenant with a 30 day termination notice of the lease. I would consult with a landlord tenant attorney further about your situation
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