what is everybodys take on accepting pets for their rentals? I have a perspective tennant that wants me to accept 2 cats. All i know about them right now is the both declawed. I dont know anything about cats, but would like some opinions on cats and is it bad to accept them?
Dont know a whole lot about cats but I rented recently to a renter who had a taco bell dog and they kept it in a cage when they were away. Things went fine, I guess it depends on the owners, Im finding in my area alot of land lords are acepting small pets now. I guess they will try anything to get the house rented. I know I would not rent where there is a big dog, because of the barking and digging the yard up. Also I charged 25 more for the dog but waived it if they paid on the 30th each month…they were trilled with that idea and they are always on time to the day.
Here is the only bad thing about cats that I have seen if they move there are a ton of people that have a Cat allergy. Now if you shampoo the carpets there is still the dander which might make it hard to find a new tenant on the other hand I take everything except PITBULLS and large snakes! As both of them are not allowed in most counties in Colorado!
If a renter could make a case about a cat, I might make an exception…the cat would need to be declawed and neutered. WE have cats and they’re both immaculate.
I actualy rented one time to a guy with a Doberman…she was a show dog and actually came with letters of recommendation from previous landlords! Turns out, she was the smartest of the three! Great dog! Smart as could be…not a lick of trouble (from her). They moved out, didn’t pay rent, burned holes in the carpet (I guess if you buy cheap dope, the seeds pop(??)…stole the lawnmower and all the light bulbs!
Keith
Keith
Thanks for the replys. I too will accept most dogs. I probalbly wont accept pitbulls, dobermans, or Rotweillers because of the possible liability. Most are probalby ok depending on the owners, but who knows.
;D I am a cat rescuer. I will always accept cats only if they are neutered…an intact male will spray carpet, floors, walls, curtains, etc. etc. etc. and the smell is very difficult to get out! Enzematic cleaners from Petsmart or other supplier will work, as will Kilz if you paint over the spray. Intact females will usually tear things up in season…they can’t help it. Declawing is not an issue for me; however, cats who are not declawed can easily ruin carpet and door facings. Altered cats are considerably more docile and some sleep as many as 22 hours per day, the older the cat the more they sleep. I love them all and would much rather rent to a cat owner than to a dog owner any day of the week. I, too, turn down large dogs and pit bulls. I charge additional $25 per month pet rent and $500 pet deposit. I would also not permit most reptiles. The lease states eviction if there is a undisclosed pet. Good luck!
Rather than install carpet, I install very durable (and affordable)ceramic tile throughout my rental properties. This is a nice perk for my area and allows me to charge higher rent. Also, I dont have to worryabout pets damaging the carpet. I charge a non-refundable pet fee upfront and have no worries about nasty carpets.
I got into a situation this past weekend.
Had to go to check out the property to replace a
thermostat. Found that the owners had got rid off
the 2 small dogs they were allowed to have and
had 4 cats in the basement.
They had altered the patio door to have an extra
attachement that has a trap door to let the cats in
and out.
They said the cats are neutered. Boy, the litter boxes
in the basement did have a strong odour.
I have 2 months rent as deposit. I have a non-refundable
$250 pet fee.
In addition, i got them to sign that they are in violation
of the original contract by introducing the cats without
permission and the landlord out of humane consideration
is accepting cats , since it is winter and hard to find a
good home.
They also signed acceptance of total liability that includes
replacement of anything and if the costs go over the
2 months deposit.
- Also the agreement contains clause that they will not
dispute the charges nor file frivolous court proceedings. - A third party firm will come up with the cost estimates to
fix the property to a re-rentable condition and they will
accept the charges. - They will bear the lost rent while such work is performed.
- That cats are known to spay around and the smell/stench
is hard to get rid off. In order to fix, the following will be
done, but is not limited to just these - replace carpet,
replace subfloor, replace concrete pad etc. - They signed this agreement in sane state of mind and
are not under any undue influence that could impair
proper judgement.
I just came up with these on my own. I am not an attorney.
But i guess this makes a good strong agreement should it
go to court, given that they were in violation and on top
of it agreed for all liabilities.
They said they were confident on the cats not damaging
the property. Anyway, i trust my paperwork and not
words.
The crap is, while at the house, i could find suspended
cat hair in the air.
I will need to investigate a way to get rid off all suspended
particles when these folks leave.
My 2 cents.
Krish