Renting with cats -- when do we meet the landlord?

charlamine

We have just started looking for a rental house. The first house we viewed the letting agent rang the Landlord and asked about the cat first as the listing had no pets - the landlord said they would be fine. When we turned up for viewing the current tenant had a dog anyway.


The second viewing we said we had a cat and they asked if we would be willing to pay a pet deposit if required which I said yes to


So, so far we are seeing that people seem to not mind cats.

Guest101

I always wonder about these 'pet' deposits?

What's the point?!

jimjames

Peter333 wrote: »

In my experience, landlords don't mind cats. NO PETS usually translates to NO DOGS.

If you have just cats, most landlords will be OK; as they don't cause noise and smell and a nuisance like (some) dogs do.

Depends on whether it's furnished or not.

Having new sofa clawed to bits takes a lot of deposit out.

slopemaster

Guest101 wrote: »

I always wonder about these 'pet' deposits? What's the point?!

The point is that the landlord has the money to have the carpets treated to remove allergens (as well as possible fleas) before next tenant moves in, if the outgoing tenant doesn't get it done.

Guest101

slopemaster wrote: »

The point is that the landlord has the money to have the carpets treated to remove allergens (as well as possible fleas) before next tenant moves in, if the outgoing tenant doesn't get it done.

But he has the deposit for that?

ognum

As a LL I am more than happy for tenants to have their pets after all it is their home BUT I own flats that have no pet clauses written into the lease. At that point it is not my choice.

So look for a freehold house rather than a leasehold flat for a greater likelihood of allowing pets.

solentsusie

Guest101 wrote: »

But he has the deposit for that?

It is pretty standard practise. Another way to squeeze more money out of you...

The children from the previous tenants in the house I am currently renting caused far more damage and mess than even a rabid dog would.

Unfortunately agency fees are not regulated so they can pretty much charge for whatever they like.

The house I am moving into has allowed my cat and I was charged an additional £100 non refundable deposit.

slopemaster

solentsusie wrote: »

The children from the previous tenants in the house I am currently renting caused far more damage and mess than even a rabid dog would.

I agree.
I ask for higher deposit from families with children too.
(I just don't tell them that's the reason, as they would probably be insulted.)

caronoel

For all the reasons above, I don't rent to people with pets or small children.

Guest101

solentsusie wrote: »

It is pretty standard practise. Another way to squeeze more money out of you...

The children from the previous tenants in the house I am currently renting caused far more damage and mess than even a rabid dog would.

Unfortunately agency fees are not regulated so they can pretty much charge for whatever they like.

The house I am moving into has allowed my cat and I was charged an additional £100 non refundable deposit.

That's not a deposit. It's a fee. I suggest you complain to the Letting agent and the the overarching sheme to which they are accredited.

... Another reason to not tell them that you have pets.