Not all people who rent a home approve of pets and often, where it is not allowed, many tenants have to consider the painful choice between looking for a place where animals are accepted and asking someone else to take them. care of your puppy. In the case of a cat, it may be worth asking, although there are rules that explicitly prohibit keeping animals. However, there are arguments on your side that you can use to get the landlord to accept you as a tenant despite your cat.
Steps
Step 1. Introduce yourself as a good tenant
Make sure you have excellent references and a sound credit standing in relation to paying the rent; prove that you are a tenant who pays every time on time. Within the references, make sure that your current and previous homeowner enter positive comments on the behavior of the cat and that of its owner.
Step 2. If the transaction is through a real estate agent, try to arrange a meeting to discuss your pet's needs
Many agents appreciate the value of a tenant who looks good, has excellent references and is a punctual payer, as well as a responsible pet owner. If you can get the real estate agent to your side, the chances are that he or she will convince the homeowner to see you as a safe solution despite your cat.
Step 3. Be prepared to show the documents that testify the health of your cat
It will involve proving that the health card is up to date, the checkups and vaccinations take place regularly, and that there are no relevant health problems. Be aware that a property owner is mostly concerned about the damage a pet could cause around the house by scratching, vomiting and scratching, as well as any noises that might keep the neighbors awake. It is better (and wiser) if the cat is neutered or neutered: it is unlikely to win the sympathies of a landlord if your cat can breed or fight with other animals in the neighborhood, as well as mark the territory!
Staying within the various issues, explain how to keep fleas under control. The owner of the apartment may be concerned about the idea of a flea infestation inside their property. Therefore, it can be helpful to show him that your cat is on regular prophylaxis against these parasites
Step 4. Avoid looking for places where the presence of cats is prohibited from a condominium complex, park or housing unit
You won't be able to change your mind. If you stay away from places where it is unlikely to change the rules, you will have a greater chance of convincing the landlord.
Look in the right places to find the right home. Check the internet for pet-friendly rental properties, using the sites of real estate agencies that cater to pet owners, but search for or inquire about home rentals including in pet shelters, veterinary offices, pet shops and pet owner associations
Step 5. Be direct
To inform you that you have a cat, don't wait to close the deal and sign the contract. You must warn during the owner's assessment that you intend to live with a cat in the house you are renting. Just say something like:
I like this apartment and am available to move in immediately. I have a well-behaved cat and the vet's records show that he is in good health. Also, I have references produced by other homeowners to show that he has performed well in other places in the area. I have lived in. I pay on time and am a clean, tidy and very attentive tenant who would like to have the chance to live here and take care of this place as if it were his
Step 6. Tell the landlord to get to know your cat
If the owner has the opportunity to see how clean, polite, well fed and happy your little friend is and also realize the confidence with which he lets himself be picked up and touched, you can convince him that in your case he can make an exception to the rule..
Step 7. Expect the possibility of further obligations and conditions
If the landlord is convinced that you are a reliable and safe tenant despite the cat, you may face the possibility of paying an extra to cover any damage your pet may cause and being subject to specific clauses regarding the presence of the cat. cat. It depends on the laws in force and the wishes of the landlord. Consider whether the additional costs and conditions are worth it in the face of not renting the house or living with your little friend.
- Be prepared, regardless of the additional conditions in the contract, to offer to remove all traces of the cat's presence from the house when you need to leave it. Offer to pay for the cleaning that will eventually cover the removal of fleas and dander, and to replace anything that may have been scratched or chewed.
- If you have asked for, and been granted, the right to include a cat flap, offer to restore the window door to its original state when you need to leave, for example by having new glass installed.
- Offer a slight rent increase so that your cat is allowed to live with you, if you can afford it. This way, you could facilitate the deal.
Advice
- Let your landlord know how you plan to avoid damage from scratching, such as by getting a suitable scratching post.
- Tell the landlord about the benefits of renting the property to a tenant who owns a pet: First, pet owners are less likely to leave earlier, because the pet gets used to the place as much as their owner.
- Consider looking for an unfurnished apartment. A cat scratching its owner's furniture is infinitely more desirable than one scratching the homeowner's furniture!
- Realize that some homeowners likely have had bad experiences with pets (they are unlikely to consider the differences between the different types) and that they have been exasperated by the irresponsible behavior of someone living with an animal. Also, it is expensive to repair the damage, and if they can avoid it, they will choose not to face this eventuality. Try to reassure your host by letting him know that cats don't need a lot of care, are clean and don't behave like dogs!
- Make sure you have plenty of time to devote to finding the right property. This way you won't feel pressured to take a home that you think is inappropriate or forced to decide to give your little friend away.
Warnings
- Remember that some landlords will not be in a position to say yes, as they are subject to condominium rules or any lease conditions underlying a given situation.
- Don't give in to the temptation to sneak in without the owner's knowledge. One way or another you will be discovered and, as a tenant, you will not have a very happy situation.
