Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York

Landlord Changing Pet Policy

I live in a managed apartment complex in Long Island,NY for five years now. About 1 1/2 years ago the Mgmt. decided on their own to allow dogs in the complex. So my children were thrilled with the new policy and we bought a little dog. We paid the $500 non-refundable fee. Well, now because some tenants did not pickup after their dogs they have decided to change back to no dogs and are refusing to renew any tenants lease who owns a pet. This is heartless and wrong. I have children who I would have to take out of their school district. Do we tenants have any legal recourse at all? Why should the tenants who cleaned up after their own pets be punished.


Asked on 8/04/06, 10:28 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
W. ADAM MANDELBAUM W. ADAM MANDELBAUM

Re: Landlord Changing Pet Policy

Reality Check:If the landlord does not want to renew your lease--are you willing to go to the expenditure of a lawsuit, even though there's a good chance you might not win? This would not be any "small claims" action. You are talking thousands of dollars in legal fees. Plus, the landlord can alway say it's not because of the dog, it's for another reason. If you are more worried about moving the children--get rid of the dog. (I know that is a tough thing to do, but to my mind bipeds come before quadripeds).

You have to think about priorities and practicalities here.

For more NY law and forms go to

http://justiceneversleeps.net

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Answered on 8/07/06, 1:35 pm
Carlos Gonzalez Gonzalez Legal Associates PLLC

Re: Landlord Changing Pet Policy

If this is a cooperative building it may make things somewhat more difficult, but if you relied upon their rule and are now being harmed as a result of their change then you may have a suit against the building for this potential harm... feel free to contact my office regarding this matter #2127098303

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Answered on 8/05/06, 11:04 am
Debra Palazzo Law Offices of Debra Palazzo, LLC

Re: Landlord Changing Pet Policy

DO NOT GET RID OF YOUR PET! DO NOT MOVE OUT!

They have waived their right to enforce a no pet policy against you (even if it was a co-op which I can see it is not).

Please email/call me for further info. There is a "pet law" that protects you (and the other Tenants who got pets).

Debra Palazzo

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Answered on 8/05/06, 11:53 am


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