Another question: What does your tenant's renter's insurance policy say? Are they required to have it? If you have an agreement (which you should), if you ever had to litigate it, it may be more hassle than it's worth. Filing an insurance claim may be the better way rather than have to sue or mediate. Just a thought. Hope that helps!

Yes you can. You should also get a pet deposit besides the security deposit. If you need help with a rental, I suggest you call Fay the rental queen. She specializes in rentals and screens them, runs their credit, and more importantly does a check list walk thru that is very impressive. http://www.Faytherentalqueen or Femarie@aol.com.

Good luck,

Dave Tap Tapper

As has been stated below, yes, you can make tenants liable for damage caused by pets. In fact, that would be true even if you did not have a written lease so stating.

However, it should be noted that the maximum security deposit you can require is an amount equal to 2 months of rent for an unfunished apartment. Any type of deposit counts toward this 2 month maximu whether you call is a last month's rent, security deposit or pet deposit. I recommend you simply take only a "security deposit."

It should also be noted that there has been an increase of demands by tenants to have a "comfort pet" as may be prescribed by a doctor. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may be required to allow such pets.

Jeffery Woo, Esq.
Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold LLP
Complex Rental Property Group
415-627-3607
jeff.woo@sdma.com

Yes, a tenant can be liable for damages caused by their pets, their guests and themselves. Most landlords also require an additional pet deposit.