Unauthorized Pet Violation Policy

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). 

 

Soft Evidence 

Description 

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. 

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. 

Landlord inspection

Details from a self-inspection report conducted by the landlord, indicating lease violations. 

Hard Evidence

Description

Alcove inspection report

Alcove vendor has found a pet present that is not registered. Either in a bedroom or common area. 

Photos and videos

Photos/videos submitted showing the presence of unauthorized pets onsite. 

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 will schedule an inspection, in order to collect further evidence.

 

Q: What happens once hard evidence is provided?

Alcove will 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).

 

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 will then issue a fine and secondary, final warning. 

 

Q: What further actions does Alcove take if the violation persists?

Alcove will conduct a general inspection to collect further hard evidence.

If the pet is still present, Alcove will issue a final warning notice and possible fine. 

 

Q: What if the roommate refuses to remove the pet after the final warning?

Alcove will issue a notice to vacate, potentially leading to eviction and further, weekly fines if the violation persists.