My current tenant moved in last summer with his girlfriend who has a medium-sized dog that they claimed to be "friendly and well behaved". Our 1 year least expired end of May and they wanted to renew at that time. However, I told them I can only sign month to month lease with them because they still have outstanding rent they owe me from the prior month which they promised to pay off in June (middle of June, still owe half). We were going to sign the new lease contract end of May then they got COVID so I had to wait for few weeks and finally we decided to do next week. So basically June kind of in limbo and not covered by any lease agreement. Then couple of days ago my husband and I went there to inspect some repair work done by the contractor and when my husband was talking to the tenant's son the dog jumped out of the front door, suddenly and viciously attacked him. My husband was bit by the dog, painfully injured and we had to go to the emergency. He got his tetanus shot and has to take antibiotics. The entire experience was terrifying.
My tenant phoned us saying they were very sorry and excused the dog is a "guard dog", he also mentioned his son can't handle the dog and he always keep the dog inside the house and make sure he is home if there's anyone visiting the house. After that they didn't do anything further. His comments and the incident make me feel the dog is dangerous to the public and I don't want that dog stay in that property anymore. I want to send them a letter saying either remove the dog within 30 days or find a new place to move. I don't know if I am over reacting this case or should I give them another chance? But what about it happened again on our neighbors? Who will be fully liable? If I ask them to leave should I give them 3 month lease or less, we are not under new lease now.
Thanks
My tenant phoned us saying they were very sorry and excused the dog is a "guard dog", he also mentioned his son can't handle the dog and he always keep the dog inside the house and make sure he is home if there's anyone visiting the house. After that they didn't do anything further. His comments and the incident make me feel the dog is dangerous to the public and I don't want that dog stay in that property anymore. I want to send them a letter saying either remove the dog within 30 days or find a new place to move. I don't know if I am over reacting this case or should I give them another chance? But what about it happened again on our neighbors? Who will be fully liable? If I ask them to leave should I give them 3 month lease or less, we are not under new lease now.
Thanks