Guinea Pigs?

[Donald M.]

I have not had tenants with pets in the past but I am being asked by a prospective tenant about 2 guinea pigs. They will be in a cage but I believe they have to be let out to exercise and hay is needed for the cage I think. Does anyone have experience with them? Potential for causing damage (eg, to the carpet), etc? Do you allow it?

[David Faulkner]

If you do allow it, just be sure to explicitly state on the lease and explain verbally that they are allowed "2 Guinea Pigs" only and that any other animals are prohibited without your prior written consent. I say this because I have had tenants where I approved for 1 small dog, but that one small dog magically turned to 3 dogs and 5 cats ... when I called the tenant on it, they said that I allowed pets so it was not a problem. When they left, the house was trashed from cat pee and dog claw marks. Give an inch and sometimes they take a mile ...