Renting with cats - Pet Deposit?

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KPassa

KPassa

Member Since 2012
I'm moving soon (April) and have been looking at rental places in my area. All of them require pet deposits around $300-500 (sometimes per pet), regardless of whether it's a cat or a dog. I figured what better place to ask this question than here. If you rent, do you tell your property management that you have cats? If so, do they charge a deposit and how much? If not, are you ever worried about them finding out?

My current place doesn't even technically allow pets and has a "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding them, so this is unfamiliar territory for me.
 
Pet deposits are pretty common around here but more on the $250 range. I tell my landlord because... What a stupid thing to get evicted for. Also maintenance people need to know you have a cat so they don't let it out. :/
 
Ugh! The pet situation seems to be getting worse! Half the places that allow pets charge not only a $500 pet deposit, but also charge a monthly pet fee ranging anywhere from $25-$50, per pet! :o :evil: Highway robbery, if you ask me! I'm just shocked that this seems to be the norm around here. I'm about ready to have both Henry and Mikey declared "Emotional Support Animals" because according to the FHA they can't charge deposits or rent for them.
 
Check these out:
Firepaw; click on CARP for Companion Animal Renters Program Materials

Part of the problem is irresponsible owners who don't take precautions not to affect the landlord's bottom line. Proving you are responsible may allow you to negotiate those deposits and monthly fees. This may be more likely with smaller rental units.
 
Ooo! I like the point about having Renter's Insurance with a rider for pet damage! I'll have to call my insurance guy and see if he can add that on for me (if it's not already on there). I might even be able to convince someone to waive the deposit or possibly the monthly fee!
 
If you negotiate it, showing proof of insurance, that could help.

When you find a place, be sure to document the condition of the rental first using duplicate photographs that both of you sign, with a copy to you and to the Landlord.
 
While I'm all about not paying when you don't have to, I would be concerned that if they did not know about your pets and they entered your apartment that something could happen. Additionally, if there were an emergency (say a fire) and they don't know you have pets, nobody will look for them.

When I first rented, I didn't have pets so it was never an issue. After I did get them, the landlords (I rented a condo from an individual owner) would stop in on occasion and saw that I had cats.

As a condo owner, I posted Pet Emergency Alerts (with photos of each cat) on my windows in case something happens when I'm not home, that hopefully the fire department will see the alerts and look for my cats. Just another thing to think about and consider posting on your doors/windows.

When you find the place(s) you want to rent, talk with the owners/lease agents, etc and see what you can work out. Some of them may be reasonable. The big thing they care about is the damage a pet will do to the floors, walls and if going outside the poop left on ground.
 
Hillary & Maui (GA) said:
...The big thing they care about is the damage a pet will do to the floors, walls and if going outside the poop left on ground.
Click to expand...

Exactly. A responsible pet owner prevents or remediates anything the pets may do to the unit or grounds.
 
OT: We rented once with a dog. Asked about the deposit. They asked what kind of dog? We said poodle. They said ok. They apparently allowed small dogs but with a small deposit. We show up with a 60 pound black standard :-D
 
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