Cats, would you let to them?

yvonne13_2

ognum wrote: »

Many thanks to all you who replied to my question regarding dogs in rentals.

Now my question is how about cats?

I have had a call from my letting agent to say they have a renter with two cats, how do I feel about it?

As I said before this is an unfurnished village home with large garden, 4 beds to baths, has new carpets.

I have agreed in principle, LA suggested an extra £500 deposit for each.

I have also asked that there should be no more than two cats at any time do you feel this is reasonable.

Thanks for helping me out on this!

OP did I read this right your LA is suggesting you to charge £1000 extra for 2 cats?

I really don't understand what kind of damage they think two cat's can do more than two small toddlers.

Yorkie1

Although I don't have a cat at present, I do like them. However, they can do a significant amount of damage. I know a friend's cat which, although old, would be costly for any renter at deposit time. It ripped the stair carpet to shreds, scratched a bannister, and sprayed the walls. It declined to use the scratching post bought for it. It also had fleas (though that was down to the owner, I agree, rather than the cat's fault per se).

You cannot control or train a cat, unlike most dogs and children (!).

jamie11

I don't see the need for pet deposits

They have to make their deposits somewhere.

rising_from_the_ashes

yvonne13 wrote: »

OP did I read this right your LA is suggesting you to charge £1000 extra for 2 cats?

I really don't understand what kind of damage they think two cat's can do more than two small toddlers.

Have to say I agree 100% - £1,000 for 2 cats .... seriously?

I've rented and have been asked (and happy to agree to) professional carpet / flea treatment clean when I've left but have never been asked for an extra amount on the deposit.

(TBH a lot of deposits are so hefty anyway, they'd have covered any possible damage the cats could have done).

I've always had my deposits returned in full and firmly believe that even if I'm renting, I treat the house as if it were my own and would look after it the same way (although obviously not everyone does this).

Kids do way more damage (and others have said red wine drinkers .... party animals etc) than a couple of cats - and most dogs - could do.

ognum

yvonne13 wrote: »

OP did I read this right your LA is suggesting you to charge £1000 extra for 2 cats?

I really don't understand what kind of damage they think two cat's can do more than two small toddlers.

This was their suggestion and is apparently their standard request for tenants with pets, I agree it seems fairly steep to me and as I have never let to pet owners before I admit to being led by them!!!

I could easily let to someone without a pet but thought I would consider as I was asked.

This house let's for £1500 a month so you are right the extra deposit would put me off.

Thanks for all the replies anyway

yvonne13_2

OP do you have something like this below similar in your licence so it covers animal's? Or perhaps not protecting the deposit?
The Occupier shall not (nor allow others to) cause any damage or injury to the exterior, structure or any part of the Property.

hcb42

fannyanna wrote: »

Phew, I'm just on the right side of being a mad cat lady

I am wrong side then...




(thankfully my own house or I would be saving up for a big deposit it would seem!,,,)

sooz

3 is probably just a mild case. But watch out for when you start doing this

http://mmg.photobucket.com/image/simpsons%20cat%20lady/fishy0689/Simpsons-cat-lady.png.html?o=23

hazyjo

If it's carpeted, be prepared for some damage. And they love some wallpapers. One of my cats is very good - no damage, rarely does claws anywhere other than scratching posts. She's about 4, is a massive furry lump, but very dainty and doesn't cause any damage (apart from her fur getting everywhere, but she does tend to stay in one place a lot of the time and loves a blanket), and when she plays, it's generally with one toy which she rolls round with, or she chases shadows. She never really runs or has a mad fit.

The other one is about 11 and a right bruiser. He does his claws on the carpet, mainly to get attention when he's feeling naughty, he tears around the house like someone's shot a rocket up his rear, knocks things off of surfaces, he used to do his claws up the wallpaper in my old house (just one bobbly raised sort of paper, hasn't done it since on any other paper), he grabs the side of the leather sofa and scoots himself round the bottom of it, he kicks the litter EVERYWHERE like he's playing in a sandpit... he's also sick a lot which tends to stain. And he gets an abscess on his face regularly which means he shakes his head and it chucks out gunk all over the walls, sofas, floor... Gross. Free of it at the moment (just!), but it's been pretty constant for years.

Basically, some will cause damage, others won't! So long as you're prepared for it and accept it, all should be fine! Would want a deal that any carpets are cleaned on exit, or that you're prepared to do that yourself, or replace them. I am a cat lover, I accept all that comes with them. My hubby loves them, but isn't so tolerant with the damage they cause (well, one causes!).

Jx

redlady_1

Dont forget though it depends on the time spent in the property. I had 2 cats and a dog in my cottage and all carpets were professionally cleaned when I left. I lived there for 4 years and the carpet wasnt new when I went in. You would also expect to see wear and tear, not trashed mind you. I had an excellent relationship with my landlord and I received my deposit back in full.

I now own my cottage and without doubt would rent to pet owners. It can be very difficult to find places who are willing to allow animals. My current neighbours have been there for 5 years with a dog and cat and the otherside also had a dog (both rented out). You may find they dont want to move as often.

Not all tenants are dirty with uncontrollable pets, just as not all LLs are rip off merchants. I certainly wouldnt discount someone because of pets though.

That deposit is outrageous mind!