Tenant has been pleasant and pays on time. We allowed him to reduce expenses and moved him into a smaller unit when his roommate left a year ago. Then a girlfriend finds him. She brings over a dog: one that is on the insurance “most wanted” list and he gets caught with evidence of a dog, He confesses that the dog comes over. Lease says no dogs, so he receives a 7 day notice. He was put off that he received an official notice instead of just a verbal warning. He then said he wants to leave to get an apartment with her, and gives verbal notice, I tell him to put it in writing. The next day he recants. He then moves her furniture into his unit because he says he doesn’t have much furniture and her lease was up, but that she is living with her sister, and the dog doesn’t come over. I previously gave him notice to move on a 45 day notice (he is month to month). Tonight he calls, is friendly and says he will be out the 28th and asks if we can do the walk through on June 30th.

A half hour later he confesses he hadn’t found a place and do I know of any apartments. A bit later he texts to ask if he can stay in this unit.

He is obligated to move and we do not plan to let him stay.

I haven’t responded yet.

How would you handle this?

I would stop texting him and only e-mail or use the US postal system.

Dear Mr. Wishy Washy,

Thank you for your tenancy at 123 Main Street. As per the 45 day move out letter, your last day will be date, day, year.

We have enclosed the move out instructions which were referenced in your lease to ensure you receive the maximum return of your security deposit.

The move out instructions will cover timelines for the walk-through (if applicable), cleaning guidelines, utility disconnects, and security deposit return timelines.

We wish you well in your future.

Sincerely,

Tenants who pay on time every month are gold to me. I would let him stay. The offenses you describe are not so bad. In my lease, the dog visitation would trigger a permanent $75 rent increase. It doesn't go away after he says the dog is no longer there. Same increase for each roommate moved in without permission (you know she is coming).