Cleaning After Tenants with Pets: A Guide for Ontario Landlords

Cleaning After Tenants with Pets

Owning a rental property in Ontario comes with its share of challenges, especially when tenants have pets. While pets can bring joy to tenants, they can also leave behind a mess that requires extra cleaning and maintenance. As a landlord, it’s important to understand both your rights and your tenants’ responsibilities when it comes to cleaning after pets. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key points Ontario landlords need to know about cleaning after tenants with pets, how to address the issue, and why hiring a professional Bad Tenant Cleanout Service can help make the process smoother and quicker.

Tenant Responsibilities for Pet Cleanliness

Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), tenants are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the rental property during their stay, and this includes managing any damage or mess caused by their pets. Here are some key responsibilities tenants have regarding their pets:

1. Cleaning Up After Pets: Tenants must ensure that their pets do not leave excessive hair, urine stains, or other messes that could damage the property. This includes regularly cleaning pet areas, vacuuming fur, and promptly cleaning up accidents.
2. Pet Damage: If a tenant’s pet causes damage to the property, such as scratching floors, chewing on fixtures, or soiling carpets, it is the tenant’s responsibility to repair or pay for these damages.
3. Yard Maintenance: For tenants with pets that spend time outdoors, the yard or garden must be kept clean. Pet waste should be regularly picked up, and the yard should not be left with holes or damaged landscaping caused by digging.
4. End-of-Lease Clean-up: Before moving out, tenants are expected to thoroughly clean the property, including addressing any pet-related messes. This could involve deep cleaning carpets, scrubbing floors, or removing pet odors from furniture.

If a tenant leaves behind a mess caused by their pet, the landlord may take appropriate action under Ontario law.

Landlord Rights in Ontario Regarding Pet Mess

In Ontario, landlords cannot refuse to rent to a tenant simply because they have pets, thanks to the Human Rights Code which protects tenants with service animals and also the Residential Tenancies Act, which generally limits restrictions on pets. However, landlords do have rights when it comes to dealing with property damage and cleanliness caused by a tenant’s pet:

1. Property Damage Claims: If a tenant’s pet causes damage beyond normal wear and tear, landlords have the right to claim the cost of repairs from the tenant. However, landlords cannot charge a “pet deposit” in Ontario, so any costs for cleaning or damage would need to be deducted from the security deposit or pursued through other legal means.
2. Cleaning After Move-Out: If a tenant moves out and leaves behind a significant mess caused by their pet, such as damaged floors, stained carpets, or foul odors, landlords have the right to hire a professional Bad Tenant Cleanout Service to bring the property back to its original condition. The cost of these services can be deducted from the tenant’s security deposit if outlined in the rental agreement.
3. Small Claims Court: If the security deposit does not cover the full cost of repairs or cleaning after the tenant’s pet, landlords may file a claim in Small Claims Court to recover the remaining costs. This is often done if the pet caused severe damage that requires extensive repairs.

Common Cleaning Issues After Tenants with Pets

Cleaning up after tenants who have pets can be a much larger task than for those without. Some common issues landlords face include:

1. Pet Hair and Dander: Pet hair can get stuck in carpets, upholstery, and even air ducts, making it difficult to remove without specialized cleaning equipment. Pet dander can also cause allergic reactions in future tenants, so thorough cleaning is necessary.
2. Odors: Pets, particularly cats and dogs, can leave behind strong odors from urine, feces, or even their natural body oils. These odors can linger in carpets, curtains, and furniture long after the tenant has moved out, requiring deep cleaning to eliminate.
3. Carpet and Flooring Damage: Pets can easily damage carpets by scratching or staining them. Urine, especially, can seep deep into carpets and padding, causing permanent damage if not cleaned promptly. In severe cases, carpets may need to be replaced entirely.
4. Yard Clean-Up: Tenants with pets may leave behind waste in the yard or damage caused by digging. This can lead to foul smells, dead grass, or ruined landscaping that needs to be cleaned up before showing the property to new tenants.

Hiring a Bad Tenant Cleanout Service

Handling pet-related messes left behind by tenants can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to prepare the property for new renters. This is where hiring a professional Bad Tenant Cleanout Service can help. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

1. Efficient Clean-Up: A Bad Tenant Cleanout Service can handle the removal of damaged items, pet waste, and any other unwanted materials left behind by tenants. This could include removing soiled carpets, old furniture, or even pet equipment left on the property.
2. Thorough Cleaning: Pet-related messes often require deep cleaning to fully remove hair, odors, and stains. Professional cleaners have the right equipment and expertise to handle these situations, ensuring the property is spotless and ready for new tenants.
3. Proper Disposal: Dealing with large amounts of waste or damaged items requires proper disposal, especially when it comes to environmentally sensitive materials like pet waste. Bad Tenant Cleanouts knows how to handle these materials responsibly.
4. Time-Saving: Cleaning up after tenants with pets can be a lengthy process. Hiring professionals allows you to save time and get your property back on the market faster.

Steps to Take When a Tenant Leaves a Pet Mess Behind

If you find yourself dealing with a pet-related mess after a tenant moves out, follow these steps to address the issue effectively:

1. Document the Damage: Take photos or videos of the property, documenting any damage or mess caused by the tenant’s pet. This will be helpful if you need to claim repair costs from the tenant or pursue legal action.
2. Contact the Tenant: If the lease agreement holds the tenant responsible for cleaning or repairs, reach out to them to notify them of the issue. Give them an opportunity to address the mess before you proceed with professional cleaning or a Bad Tenant Cleanout Service.
3. Hire a Bad Tenant Cleanout Service: If the tenant does not clean up or if the mess is too significant, contact Bad Tenant Cleanouts for a fast and thorough cleanout service. They can help remove any damaged items, clean the property, and ensure it is ready for new tenants.
4. Deduct Cleaning Costs: After the cleanout is complete, deduct the cost of the service from the tenant’s security deposit, if allowed by the lease. Be sure to keep all receipts and records of the expenses.
5. Prepare for New Tenants: Once the property has been cleaned and any damage has been repaired, you can begin advertising the property for new tenants.

Preventing Future Issues

While cleaning up after tenants with pets can be challenging, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of it happening again in the future:

• Clear Pet Guidelines in the Lease: Be sure to include clear language in the lease agreement regarding pet responsibilities, including cleaning expectations and potential damage.
• Regular Property Inspections: Conduct periodic inspections during the tenant’s stay to ensure that their pet is not causing damage or creating an excessive mess.
• End-of-Lease Inspections: Schedule a move-out inspection with the tenant before they leave to review the condition of the property. This gives the tenant a chance to address any issues, such as cleaning up pet messes, before they hand over the keys.

Cleaning Up After Tenants With Pets

Cleaning up after tenants with pets can be a daunting task, but as a landlord in Ontario, it’s important to know your rights and ensure tenants meet their responsibilities. With clear lease agreements, proper documentation, and the support of professional services like Bad Tenant Cleanouts, you can efficiently handle pet-related messes and keep your property in top condition.