Can a landlord change pet policies after a lease has started?

Full question:

A friend of mine has been living in her apartment for 10 years, for 8 of which she has owned a small dog. The landlord just informed all tenants that they needed to get rid of their pets by the end of the month (pets were previously permitted). What kind of language on the lease should she look for to determine whether or not this is permissible?

Answer:

The lease should specify the tenant's responsibilities and any pet policies. Generally, landlords can create rules about tenant use of the property to ensure safety and maintain the premises. If these rules are reasonable and clearly communicated, they can be enforced if the tenant was informed at the lease's start or when the rule was established. If a rule is introduced after the lease is signed and significantly alters the agreement, the tenant typically must agree to it in writing.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

A tenant who wrongfully remains in possession after their lease has expired is often referred to as a 'holdover tenant.' This situation can lead to legal action by the landlord, who may seek to evict the tenant. The landlord can typically file for eviction if the tenant does not vacate the premises after the lease term ends. It's important for landlords to follow proper legal procedures for eviction to avoid potential claims of illegal eviction.

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