Pet policy. Cat - yes or no, male or female!

[Tom Mills]

So my tenants have come back to me after paying rent on time for their first 5 months with no issues or complaints. They are taking care of the place, the yard looks great, house is kept very clean. Although  my lease states no pets, they are asking if I would reconsider.  I am considering saying yes to a single cat, declawed, and a female assuming it would be less likey to spray?? They mentioned it will be declawed.

Your thoughts and experiences would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Tom

[Thomas S.]

You either have a no pet policy or you do not have a no pet policy which is it..

It particularly irritates me when tenants ask to change the lease the have already signed. Obviously if I put something in my lease it is because it is what I want. Once you allow an exception that part of the lease can no longer ever be legally enforced. 

If you allow a declawed female cat from that point on they may bring in any pet they choose.

[Max T.]

I disagree with Greg S. If all parties agree changes can be made to the lease. Write up an addendum to the lease and get it signed if that's what you want to do. Be specific with your wording. You could even require documentation of spaying and declawing. This will not make it okay for them to bring in any pets they want in the future.

If you are comfortable with a cat you could give this privilege in exchange for a higher monthly rent and/or one time non refundable pet fee. You should get something in return.

[Thomas S.]

Max is correct in what your options are. You should also remove the no pet clause as that is a contradiction of the addendum and will no longer apply.

Keep in mind you may choose to put whatever you wish in the lease, enforcing it is a much different matter. Your tenants now believe that your lease is open to negotiation in that they are asking you to ignore your no pet rule. Your response to their request will send a message to your tenants as to whether your lease is in fact negotiable. Good luck opening that pandoras box.

[Tom Mills]

Thanks for the input. I will make it very clear in an addendum and update the lease. Will plan to charge  a pet fee of around $200. Seems reasonable with the rent at $1075.

Thanks

Tom

[Gail K.]

If you agree to a cat, your tenants need to get a female (males are the ones who spray to mark territory) and yes, the declawed variety would be good to save woodwork.  Explain to your tenants the need for a DAILY cleaning of the litter box so avoid urinating in other places in the home.  Cat food is higher in protein than dog food; thus cat urine has a higher urea content; VERY difficult to get out of carpet/padding/floors.

[Bryan O.]

@Tom Mills I would make sure to do a whole new lease with a higher rent just in case they take the ridiculous ESA route. Also, require that they spay that cat!

I have not had the situation, but I know many landlords that won't allow puppies or kittens. They have to already be house trained and past the initial destruction phase.

But I say that if you don't like want animals in your units, don't allow the animals in your unit! They knew coming in, you knew coming in, there should be no issue if you don't want to allow that.