by Adopt a Pet, | January 8, 2024
Offering to pay an extra deposit or a non-refundable cleaning fee may help to convince your landlord to let you have a cat. If you live in a rental with several units and a no-pet policy, you may have a harder time convincing the landlord than if you lived in a single-family rental. That’s because if he lets you have a cat, he may feel he needs to allow everyone to have a cat. Still, there are some things you can try.
Getting a pet waiver in a no-pet property is tough, and it really depends on the mindset of the landlord more than anything else. Understanding the reasons landlords don’t want pets on the property can help. They are usually trying to avoid:
Noise (less of a problem with cats than with dogs)
Odor
Damage
Fleas
When you go to present your case to the landlord, be prepared to alleviate his concerns by telling him that as part of the agreement you will:
Ensure the cat always has effective flea treatment
Pay a non-refundable cleaning deposit
Keep the litter box clean
Address any odor complaints immediately
If your cat is an emotional support animal (ESA) or service animal, your landlord must legally allow you to have your cat in the house with you. You’ll need to get a letter from your therapist or other medical professional to present to your landlord in this scenario.
As much as you want a cat, you should never sneak a cat into the rental. If you get caught (and you’ll probably get caught,) you could be faced with the decision of having to immediately rehome the cat or move. That’s not fair to the cat and would be heartbreaking for you.