Step-by-Step: What To Do
1
Verify lease terms
Confirm your lease explicitly prohibits pets or requires approval.
2
Document the pet
Photos, neighbor statements, any evidence of the unauthorized pet.
3
4
Offer options (optional)
You may offer: pet deposit, pet rent, or pet removal by deadline.
5
Follow up on deadline
If pet remains, proceed with further action per your lease terms.
Important Legal Warning
- Never attempt "self-help" eviction (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing belongings)
- Laws vary by state and city - verify requirements for your location
- Consult a local attorney for complex situations or if tenant has legal representation
Related Landlord Issues
Tenant Breaking Lease Rules
How to handle tenants who are violating their lease agreement terms
Unauthorized Person Living in Rental
What to do when someone is living in your rental who isn't on the lease
Noise Complaints About Tenant
Addressing repeated noise complaints and disturbances from tenants
What Can I Deduct From Security Deposit
Understanding what can legally be deducted from a tenant's security deposit