I have two pet rats and looking to rent, what should I tell them?

BarryBlue

wishuponastar wrote: »

I think it would be better to tell your landlord in advance and start off on good footing with a landlord.

Quite right. Many properties, especially flats, have terms in the lease that specifically prohibits pets. The properties I own certainly do. It means there is no argument to be had about pets - they are not allowed. Which suits me fine as I simply don't want animals of any sort as they pose a potential for damage. Other landlords may think differently, of course.

prosaver

maybe it will keep the otherone company

HappyMJ

BarryBlue wrote: »

Quite right. Many properties, especially flats, have terms in the lease that specifically prohibits pets. The properties I own certainly do. It means there is no argument to be had about pets - they are not allowed. Which suits me fine as I simply don't want animals of any sort as they pose a potential for damage. Other landlords may think differently, of course.

A person occupying your property will cause more wear and tear than a rat in a cage. Do you only rent your property to single people who are employed and are therefore not at home wearing out the carpet?

OP, due to the attitude of some landlords and the flat out refusal to consider any pets I wouldn't mention any caged animals at all. I would even go further and not mention any pet at all. Many letting agencies charge an extra £75 per pet fee for the matter to be considered. That money does not go to the landlord it's kept by the letting agent for what reason exactly? None...so even if I had a cat or a dog I wouldn't even mention it. If the landlord does find out it is very unlikely to lead to instant eviction if the rent is being paid on time every month.

BallboBiggins

I don't think the rats will mind either way. Just be honest with them.

ripplyuk

I had pet rats years ago and they are wonderful pets and very clean. However, some people still hear the word 'Rat' and think of vermin, disease, fleas etc. Rather than mention the dreaded word straight off, I think I'd start by asking if 'small caged pets' are allowed. If they seem OK with that, then don't go into more detail unless they ask.

If they do, I'd describe them as 'Fancy Rats'. Mention how you got them from pets at home, or somewhere similar (even if you didn't) just so they get the idea that these are normal, common pets.

If you're still refused everywhere regardless, then you have to decide whether to risk not telling the landlord and hide the rats when necessary. This wouldn't be hard to do, but not everyone feels comfortable about it.

Good Luck OP.

Doom_and_Gloom

We've had rats, 6 of them, and never had a problem renting with them. We now have 2 chinchillas and again no problem. Just said we had caged pets to the estate agents who said about it to the LL and all was good. The chinchillas are mentioned on tenancy agreement and no extra was paid on deposit despite saying they have out time in their pen and even in hallway - this was okayed by LL.
I would say about them. Most LL's are fine with caged animals to be honest. If you don't say about them and EA or LL find out you could get evicted at the end of your tenancy period.

uk_american

As a landlord who rents out a house and a flat directly to tenants (no agency), I'd rather know.

I like responsible 'pet people' as tenants, as a cat person myself I find that tenants with pets tend to want to put down roots and live quiet lives. As I know the landlords and neighbors of the properties next to mine, I'd want to know if anything is causing them harm or damage.

As well, I know a landlord next door who was out of pocket for damages for a tenant's rabbit who nibbled on cables and anything wood at ground level. So if you told me that you had a caged rat as opposed to a free range rabbit, I'd be much happier. I think of gerbils like rabbits (just based on my limited background), so I'd prefer rats as a pet.

If you were up front with me that you had caged rats and explained how you care for them (in particular how they came out x minutes per day for socialisation etc) or if you had vet history showing that you were a responsible pet owner (apologies, have no idea about vet stuff for rats, but where I'd go for a cat, rabbit etc. owner) then I would have no issues to rent to you with minimal (if any) additional deposit depending on circumstances.

Hope this helps.

seven-day-weekend

My son has four pet rats, they are lovely pets, so intelligent and affectionate and can be trained just like a dog; my son's come to a whistle

However, if they are not fully supervised, they will chew things and cause damage, they have in my son's flat (not a rented one).

So I personally, as a landlord, would say no.

HappyMJ

uk_american wrote: »

If you were up front with me that you had caged rats and explained how you care for them (in particular how they came out x minutes per day for socialisation etc) or if you had vet history showing that you were a responsible pet owner (apologies, have no idea about vet stuff for rats, but where I'd go for a cat, rabbit etc. owner) then I would have no issues to rent to you with minimal (if any) additional deposit depending on circumstances.

Hope this helps.

Rats don't tend to visit the vet very often if ever during their lifetime.

We have several guinea pigs and they do not visit the vet either on a regular basis.

Person_one

Quizzical_Squirrel wrote: »

And rats are pretty smelly so there would be lingering odours to deal with too.

Male rats stink, females only smell if you're lax on cage cleaning/hygiene.