I’m on a Monthly Lease. Can My Landlord Suddenly Evict Me and My Dog?

Q: My spouse and I have rented an condominium in a 3-family members dwelling in Queens, N.Y., for the previous 10 years. When our son is on rotation in the U.S. navy, we puppy sit his golden retriever. Our primary lease gave us permission to do this, but it expired many years ago and we have been on a thirty day period-to-thirty day period settlement at any time considering that. We are now puppy sitting all over again. The other working day, the landlord explained to me that the building allowed canines only less than 20 lbs ., even though our authentic lease did not include things like fat limits. (Other tenants in the making have pet dogs, though theirs are scaled-down than ours.) The landlord then advised me that we could transfer out at any time. Can he actually evict us?

A: Your situation is precarious for the reason that you are residing on a thirty day period-to-thirty day period rental arrangement. Your landlord could decide to conclusion it at any time — with appropriate discover — as lengthy as his actions are not discriminatory. In your circumstance, he could terminate the lease with 90 times of discover, under New York legislation. So, if he decides he’s experienced more than enough of bigger puppies in the making, even if the unique lease allows pet-sitting down, you could lose the apartment, in accordance to Darryl M. Vernon, a true estate lawyer who signifies people today with companion animals.

But hope is not shed. Your landlord does let canine underneath certain circumstances. “They may possibly be capable to perform this out,” Mr. Vernon mentioned.


If size is the situation, the landlord could be concerned about security. Given that this distinct puppy has lived in the making from time to time (presumably with out incident), you can converse from working experience about his behavior and temperament.

Ask your landlord to have a discussion about the puppy and your lease terms. Clarify that your son is a serviceman absent for a time period of time and that the pet has been well behaved in the earlier. Handle the dimensions problems straight, asking how you could mitigate the landlord’s issues. For case in point, you could concur to maintain a distance from other tenants and pets. If you can get the landlord to concur to this, inquire for a new one particular- or two-yr lease that includes these phrases.

But if the landlord does not budge, your son could will need to obtain other preparations for his dog, or you and your wife risk shedding the condominium.

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