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Property Management in Columbia SC | What to do About Tenants Who Sneak in Pets

There are many reasons why property management in Columbia SC companies do not allow pets in their rental homes. Pets likes dogs and cats can scratch up carpets, walls, doors, and can leave stains and odors that are impossible to get out. The investor’s insurance may not cover pets or the risk that comes with some pets such as dogs which is one of the biggest reasons to put a no pets policy in the lease. Nonetheless, some tenants will want to have a cat or dog in the home and property managers will be left to figure out how to deal with the violation.

Confronting a tenant about their lease violations can be a tricky situation, but we have tips and best practices to make it easier on everyone.

Make Multiple Attempts to Contact-
The first time a property manager notices evidence of a pet they should contact the tenant immediately via phone call and a follow-up email. The tenant may admit to the animal being present in the home and have an excuse, but they could also deny they have a pet. If there is no answer, try again the next day and post a letter to their door asking the tenant to contact you. When all attempts to contact have been exhausted, you can send a certified letter to the tenant giving them notice of inspection.

Use Proper Escalation-
Unless the lease provides for immediate eviction on discovery of an animal, property management in Columbia SC should follow reasonable steps of escalation. First offense of a lease violation could result in a warning and demand to remove the animal. The second offense could result in a lease violation fine and a call to animal control. If a third offense is noted a move to eviction could be necessary.

Keep the Rules Consistent-
One of the key rules for property management in Columbia SC and anywhere is to make sure you keep the rules consistent. If all the properties are pet-free, you should not make concessions for some tenants and not others. The last thing a property manager wants is a lawsuit claiming discrimination because a tenant was treated differently than another.

Working in property management sometimes puts managers in confrontational situations with tenants but following our tips for tenants who sneak in pets can be applied to many different situations.

When you are ready to have a professional property manager handle the nitty gritty stuff, call
Auben Realty of the Midlands
at .