Investor · Bethlehem, PA · Member since 2016 · 229 posts · 122 votes
hi guys, I'm renting out my first property and we have a prospective tenant who has 780 credit score great income and seems like the kind of person I would want to rent to. The only problem is I put on my ads that's I don't want cats and he has 2 kittens. I never had a cat but I was told that if they are not properly trained and they urinate on rugs or hardwood that I will never be able to get the smell out. So it was suggested not to allow cats so that's why I put bit in my ad. What do you guys think, would you allow cats in your rentals?
Also, I'm a dog person and I have dogs, so I am okay with small dogs.
that is a preference thing, personally I dont mind, but we dont have carpet in our properties, well 1 of 8 does, we charge a little higher rent to off set the pets, yea they can do damage, but so can dogs, and smokers, and dirty people, its all part of the game, you will open up a huge number of potential renters if you allow animals. just my opinion
Hey Matt, consider charging a monthly pet fee. Like $20 or $30 per pet to cover the costs of the urine which you ABSOLUTELY WILL have to clean up, no matter how well trained the cats are. Expect urine and replacing carpets at least 2x as often when you have pets, hence the monthly fee for them.
hey all. A little update on this. I ended up renting to the cat people. Turns out they are very clean and organized people. They rented from the same people for years without an issue. They are looking for something long term with a great landlord. When I called them to say we chose you they were ecstatic. Every time we met they were clean and properly dressed and they gave off such a great vibe. I did not charge them extra. 1500 security and 1st month rent (also 1500) up front and 1500 a month going forward. I feel like I made the right decision. Thank you all for your guidance and insight.
We stopped allowing cats after a couple of instances of later tenants having allergy issues. Very hard to clean all the cat hair and dander after a cat owner has moved out.
We allow cats but on the condition that the prospective tenant provides proof that each cat is spayed or neutered. If they are not spayed or neutered they will make a mess. If the owners are responsible and clean the litter boxes frequently having two cats should not be a problem.
Applicants with 780 credit scores do not grow on trees. Do not overthink it, if they are responsible in every other aspect of their lives i would take the leap that they are responsible with their 2 cats also. Collect a pet deposit and move forward with them would be my advice.
@Jason Urso Everything is is going great. I still have the tenants and they are great tenants. Never had a problem. Every time I go there the place is neat, clean and organized. No smells or damages. I really lucked out with them.
Another 4 years have gone by. How is the unit with cat tenants doing?
I think cat smell is real. I just showed a unit to a prospective tenant, she had a strong scent, not necessarily bad(not pleasant either) but really strong. As soon as she left I remembered she said she had a cat…
@Adah N. I actually sold that property back in 2018. I rented to the cat people for 2 years and they were excellent tenants. I sold the property to a young couple as a starter home. There was no damage or smell in the property when the tenant moved out. It was a complete success and I was very fortunate to realize some very attractive appreciation on the property.
Rentals in our area are in such demand, I would only allow pets if you absolutely had to. after seeing and smelling rentals as a contractor for the last 18 years, I don’t allow pets in mine. It’s just easier and much less bs.
As a multifamily owner I have a different perspective, and allow cats but not dogs. Dogs can destroy the quality of life for a whole building with their barking, and to a lesser extent noise in the hallways going in and out. Some people don't even know their dogs bark all day when they're out. My neighbor's 2 dachshunds actually start baying in their yard several times a day!
I've had many cat owners over the years, but even the messy hoarders I had did not create a lasting smell. None of my units are carpeted.