Can I ask a tenant to get rid of her pets?

First, are you in a city with rent control or a just-cause-eviction law? If so, then you'll need to talk to a rent control specialist. Some city's would treat eliminating the right to have a pet a decrease in the services provided and require a corresponding reduction of the rent. Some might prohibit such a change completely. Others may let you do it. If you have rent control, consult a lawyer who knows that city's law. If rent control and just-cause are not an issue, then you can amend the lease on 60 days written notice. However, you should consult with a real estate attorney. If the tenants refuse to get rid of the pet, refuse to move, and force you to sue to evict them, if they consult an attorney, they will raise any other problems with the property as defenses. Retaliation is a defense. If the dog damaged the fence and you can prove it, then they are responsible for the damage and owe you the money to pay for repairing the fence. Maybe instead of losing a tenant with whom you have no other problems, maybe you should talk to her about paying for these repairs and any further damage the dog has caused or causes in the future. Have you inspected her apartment? You need to. Dana Sack 510-286-2200