If I recently got a dog, can I be evicted?
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If I recently got a dog, can I be evicted?
My lease agreement does not state pets are not alowed but states there may be applicable fees and there is some paperwork that needs to be filled out. That being said, I have tried on 3 occassions to obtain the paper work, pay any fees, etc with no cooporation by the landlord.
Asked on January 28, 2013 under Real Estate Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
A lease is a contract; both parties (landlord and tenant) are bound by it, and neither may add to or change its terms without the consent of the other. Also, so long as the tenant honors his/her obligations under the lease, the landlord may not evict. Therefore, based on what you write, it appears that you may not be evicted for having a dog:
1) The lease does not bar pets; therefore, you cannot be evicted for having one.
2) If the lease requires certain paperwork and/or fees, as long as you have demonstrated that you are ready, willing, and able to abide by these requirements, the landlord cannot use its failure to cooperate as grounds for eviction.
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