Temporary pet? How do i ensure the pet is gone?

[Beau Pearson]

Great qualified tenant with excellent credentials. On paper at least. You never know until they get in. But on paper, they really check out. They have a “temporary” cat. They are trying to find a home. The skeptic in me is nervous. Not a fan of cats. Don’t want to pass on the great qualified tenant. Any suggestions?

[Vee K.]

@Beau Pearson, if an applicant is good on paper, good reference check, and good credit, and you are alright with the temporary cat situation, I can see a few options. 

1) You can have this person move in. BUT you charge for pet fee and some kind of non-refundable fee for allowing pet. This way if the cat becomes permanent then you already have your fee to cover for damages. 

2) You have this person move in, give you a hefty deposit for having this temporary cat, and specify a move out date in your rental contract. When it's time, you inspect the property to make sure cat is gone and no damage was done to your property. You can give back the money minus whatever fee you two agree ahead of time. 

I had to do the same thing a few years ago and didn't ask for anything as she was great a great tenant. However, she took in one puppy then 2 then 3 and the whole thing went south from there. You should do whatever legal in your state to cover for yourself. 

Good luck!

Vi