Can my landlord make me get rid of my cats?
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Can my landlord make me get rid of my cats?
I have received a letter from my landlord telling me to remove my cats from the premises. The landlord stated that because their litter box was a little dirty that I am failing to comply with the lease and keep the place clean. This is the first problem with the cats that the landlord has ever mentioned in the 6 months I have lived here. The lease had stated that we could have 2 cats but it also said that the landlord reserves the right to revoke consent to have pets. I was wondering if there is any way I could possibly keep my cats and my apartment?
Asked on October 17, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
You have to look to the lease. If the lease states that the landlord can revoke consent to have cats, that would imply that even if he/she has no good reason or even if the cats have not caused problems, he or she can tell you to get rid of them--and if you don't you'd be in breach of the lease and therefore could potentially be evicted. This clause or paragraph is critical, since it could itself mean that you are only allowed to have cats so long as the landlord lets you. Also, if there is a housekeeping or hygiene or cleanliness requirement in the lease and you violate it, that could also provide grounds for eviction--though in that case, if you keep the premises sufficiently clean (i.e. don't violate whatever the requirements or standards are) you should be able to have the cats.
Since the language of the contract or lease is what controls here, you should bring it to an attorney to review with you, so you can understand exactly what your and your landlord's rights are.
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