The following FAQ page will list the process for issuing a leasing violation for an unauthorized pet along with different forms of acceptable evidence in order to issue a formal leasing violation.
Alcove's Pet Policy as Stated in the Lease
Pets: Pets are not permitted unless they are approved by Alcove and a pet addendum is completed. (Page 3)
12. Pets: Occupant agrees not to keep or allow anywhere on or about the Premises any unauthorized animals or pets of any kind, including but not limited to, dogs, cats, birds, rodents, reptiles or marine animals. (Page 16).
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Soft Evidence |
Description |
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General complaint |
One or more formal complaints sent to Alcove directly from a roommate or landlord. This may be submitted in a support ticket or by emailing the support team. |
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Messages |
Screenshots of texts or messages indicating that a roommate or group of roommates are in possession of an unauthorized pet, sent through texts or instant messaging apps. Must show the date and person responsible. |
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Landlord inspection |
Details from a self-inspection report conducted by the landlord, indicating lease violations. |
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Hard Evidence |
Description |
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Alcove inspection report |
Alcove vendor has found a pet present that is not registered. Either in a bedroom or common area. |
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Photos and videos |
Photos/videos submitted showing the presence of unauthorized pets onsite. |
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Pet Damage Report |
Photos/ videos or Alcove inspection report, showing damage to the property caused by a pet, who was not approved. |
FAQ When Reporting an Unauthorized Pet
Q: What should I do if I suspect a roommate is bringing in an unauthorized pet?
- A tenant should submit an email or support ticket to Alcove Support, detailing the situation. This notice should include the accused leasing violation, the tenant responsible, and any evidence to support the claim, such as photos/videos.
Q: What happens after I submit a complaint?
- Alcove will review the information, categorizing the complaint as falling under either 'soft or hard evidence.' Examples of these can be found in the table below.
Q: What does Alcove require as evidence?
- Alcove will request hard evidence.
- Hard Evidence: Photos or videos of the unauthorized pet.
- Soft Evidence: Pictures of pet-related items such as toys or food.
- Basic Evidence: Screenshots of text conversations (though not considered hard evidence).
- Tenants should aim to provide a picture of the pet along with the name of the lease violator.
Q: What if only soft evidence is provided?
- Alcove may conduct an investigation to gather further, hard evidence. This may include contacting other roommates for additional information and reaching out to the landlord. Depending on the severity and specifics of the case, we may also schedule an inspection on behalf of the landlord to conduct a walkthrough of the property to collect more evidence.
- Alcove will make the final determination on next steps based on the evidence.
Q: What happens once the inspection is completed or all evidence is gathered?
- Alcove may issue a lease violation warning and notice to quit to the lease offender. The corrective action will be to remove or register the pet (if the home is pet friendly).
- Alcove will make the final determination on next steps based on the evidence.
Q: What if the lease violator continues to bring the pet into the property?
- If the lease violator persists, the tenant or tenants should communicate this to Alcove.
- Alcove may then issue a fine and secondary, final warning.
Q: What further actions does Alcove take if the violation persists?
- Alcove may conduct a general inspection to collect further hard evidence.
- If the pet is still present, Alcove may issue a final warning notice and possible fine.
- The pet fine is equal to $500.00 and may be charged to the tenant following a Notice to Quit.
- Alcove will make the final determination on next steps based on the evidence.
Q: What if the roommate refuses to remove the pet after the final warning?
- Alcove will notify the Landlord and recommend that they proceed with an eviction.
- Should they chose to do so, Alcove will issue a notice to vacate, giving the tenant 10 days to vacate the property before the Landlord files for an eviction.
- Alcove will offer our full cooperation in filing the eviction and may turnover all evidence collected to the courts.