Landlord Question and Answer Forum

Tenant just moved in and didn't tell me he brought a large fish aquarium with fish. But I have periodic inspections of my apartments and my Caretaker notified me of this. I always have my tenants sign a wavier if they choose not to get rental insurance. This is a Arizona rental unit. But maybe in this case I should? Or Is this considered a pet? If so what kind of a deposit should I charge? mj

You can restrict or charge for aquariums based upon their capacities. (i.e., 20 gal, 30 gal) etc.

Posted by Matthew M, IL on Thursday, September 20, 2018

Could be a huge problem. Water damage as a result could cost thousands. Your insurer as a result may not cover any damage resulting from this. Having just found this you could look at your hazard policy as it relates to water damage coverage. I would probably insist on some sort of policy, a rider, to insure against potential damage from water. Any deposit you could think of would not cover damages related to a mishap from a large aquarium. Gallons of water can result in gallons of problems.

Posted by John K, FL on Friday, September 21, 2018

We just had a tenant who had a 200 gallon aquarium..which had a leak and caused almost $2,000 in damage to a wood floor.

Posted by Sybil A, TX on Tuesday, September 25, 2018