Can I evict a New York tenant for unauthorized pets?
Yes, if the lease prohibits pets or requires landlord approval and the tenant has an unauthorized pet, this is a material lease breach that supports eviction. New York requires the landlord to serve a cure-or-quit notice (typical periods: 14 days for pay-or-quit under RPL 711(2), 30-60-90 tenure-based for non-renewal under RPL 226-c) demanding the pet be removed or possession returned. Service animals and emotional support animals under the federal Fair Housing Act are NOT pets and cannot be the basis for eviction; refusing them can violate federal law. Document the unauthorized pet (photos, witness reports) before serving notice.
Source: New York eviction statute + federal Fair Housing Act
This is an informational answer based on New York eviction statute + federal Fair Housing Act as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a New York-licensed attorney.