In a studio apartment, one tenant has an emotional support cat, but now she is asking for an emotional support dog. Am I obligated to permit two emotional support animals (ESAs)? Is there a limit to the number of animals permitted in an apartment? The short answer is “no,” there...
Author Archives: wasserman
Wellness Checks
I have not received rent from a tenant in three months. Nor has he responded to emails or phone calls, so we have had no communication. Should I check to see if he is okay? The short answer is “yes,” you should do a wellness check. Sadly, due in part...
New Roommate Considerations
A resident added her new spouse’s name to her checks. By cashing these checks, am I also acknowledging her partner as a co-occupant? The answer is “probably not.” If the original resident signed the check, and you have been and remain diligent about not recognizing the new spouse as a...
Criteria for Renting
A tenant attorney submitted an application to rent a vacant unit in my building, but I would rather not rent to a tenant attorney. Is there a way to lawfully deny her application? This is one of those questions where the technical answer is “yes, you may deny the applicant...
Smoke Free Apartment Living
I’ve received multiple complaints about one tenant vaping and smoking marijuana. How should I approach the offending tenant? Can I request to see his medical marijuana card? “Smoke is smoke. Both tobacco and marijuana smoke impair blood vessel function similarly. People should avoid both….”-Matthew Springer, cardiovascular researcher and Associate Professor...
When There is No Written Lease Agreement
I purchased an older multi-unit building. One unit has been occupied by the same tenant for forty years (through three different owners). There is no lease agreement in place. As the new owner, can I request that he sign a new lease? The short answer is yes, you may request that they sign a...