State Specific Question About: NEW YORK (NY)

Ok I just bought my first 4 unit . Surprise . One tenant has a dog. I did not know this when I purchased. I like dogs and I am not worried about damage but I am deeply concerned for my liability for dog bites.

DO I have any recourse ? If I tell them no dogs they may or may not move . I don't know what is legal ?

Any suggestions or a compromise ? Thanks BOB

Was the dog in the unit when you purchased it? If so, you were responsible to do your due diligence and learn of this PRIOR to the purchase. If the tenant had an agreement with previous land lord to have a pet, you must honor that agreement until it expires. Is there a lease? If so, how much time is left? Is it month to month? If yes, you can change the terms by giving 30 day notice, or whatever time frame for notice that is required by your state.

For the time-being, ensure you have a minimum of 1/2 million to 1 million in liability insurance on this property. This should ALWAYS be in place, regardless of dogs, cats, etc.

You must protect yourself, which is why you NEED liability insurance. There is no substitute. Get it today.

In the meantime, you need to come up with a pet policy for your rental, and as your tenant's leases expire and renew, have them sign new leases that either allow or don't allow pets.

Most of us on here charge additional for pets: a registration fee (not deposit) that is non-refundable, and additional rent for the extra wear and tear that comes with animals. My fee is a one time $100 registration fee (again, not a deposit), plus rent goes up $10 - $20 per month starting day 1 the animal enters the premises and continuing to the end of the lease period regardless of when/if the pet leaves the premises. The fee and rent are not transferable to different animals.

so you concern is:

deeply concerned for my liability for dog bites.

What is your concern? is the breed of dog vicious? Has the do bit anyone? What is your insurance and whet does your lease say about pets?

All your concerns warren your attention however they may not be as serve as you are making them out to be.

Do NOT, repeat, DO NOT allow your tenant to have a dog that your insurance company refuses to cover. They either get rid of the dog or get their own policy and name you as additional insured. How would you like to get sued by your contractor or neighbor because the "nice doggy" bit them? Oh, but they NEVER bite anyone! Yeah, heard that one before!