The Tenant Who Kept a Pig in Their Apartment

This piece is part of our International Bizarre Landlord Stories series. Today’s story was first reported in the United States.

Most landlords are used to tenants having pets like cats, dogs, or even the occasional parrot. However, one landlord in the United States was shocked to find a full-grown pig living inside an apartment. The animal, which the tenant described as their “emotional support companion,” had been kept indoors for months.

The discovery

The landlord only learned of the situation after neighbours complained about strong smells and loud grunts. On inspection, the flat showed signs of extensive damage. Carpets were torn up where the pig had rooted around, doors were scratched, and the bathroom had been repurposed with straw as a makeshift pen.

The aftermath

The landlord faced a dispute with the tenant, who claimed protection under “emotional support animal” laws. Eventually, local housing authorities intervened, and the pig was removed to a sanctuary. The landlord was left with thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs and a legal bill after contesting the tenant’s claim.

Lessons for landlords

• Pet policies. Ensure tenancy agreements clearly define which animals are allowed.
• Emotional support loopholes. Some tenants may misuse animal support laws to keep unusual pets.
• Neighbour complaints. Early complaints can be vital in identifying problems before they escalate.
• Repair costs. Unusual pets can cause serious and unexpected damage.

Your experience

What is the strangest animal you have ever discovered in a rental property? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Series so far

• The Tenant Who Kept a Tiger in a Harlem Apartment
• The Day a Cow Knocked at a Fourth-Floor Flat
• When a Tenant Found a Python in the Toilet
• The Tenants Who Turned a Flat into a Miniature Zoo
• The Room Filled With 200 Bottles of Urine
• The Tenant Who Took the Roof With Them
• The Apartment That Became a Cat Colony
• The Tenant Who Grew Mushrooms in the Sitting Room
• The Tenant Who Stabled a Horse Indoors
• The Tenants Who Built a Swimming Pool Indoors
• The Tenant Who Raised a Lion Cub at Home
• The Tenant Who Built a Pub in Their Living Room
• The Tenant Who Turned Their Flat into a Chicken Coop
• The Tenant Who Kept a Crocodile in Their Rental Home
• The Tenant Who Turned Their Flat into a Boxing Gym

Background coverage: New York Post.