Asking Landlord to allow a cat with no pet policy?

[blueslippers80]

My lease states no pets, but I grew up with cats and dogs and absolutely love them. I've wanted one of my own years and I'm trying to find the best way to ask my landlord to change the policy. Has anyone else had success with this?

This is the email I drafted, any comments?

Dear (Name),
Hello! I hope you enjoyed your holidays and are staying warm in this snowy weather.

I am writing today to ask if there is any flexibility in your pet policy, as I’m interested in adopting an older cat. I completely understand any concerns about possible damages. I would be happy to increase my monthly payment, provide a pet deposit, and take responsibility for thoroughly cleaning the house before we move out. If there is any way I can make you more comfortable about a cat in the house, please let me know.

My family has always had pets: cats, dogs, rabbits, even a lizard! I would love to adopt an older, house-trained cat who’s up-to-date on all shots/vaccinations. I understand that pets in rental homes may have a poor reputation, but a calm, older, indoor cat with a responsible and knowledgeable caregiver will only be a furry friend, not a nuisance. I have lots of experience with cleaning up after cats, maintaining litter boxes, administering flea medicine, trimming nails, etc.

Many shelters also offer a two-week probationary period, for new pet owners to ensure the pet is a good fit for their home. You would be welcome to inspect the house, meet the cat, and make sure you feel comfortable during that time.

If any serious issues arose with the cat, I would take responsibility for finding it a new home.

Thank you for your consideration. (Roommate's name) and I love living in this house, and we really appreciate having such kind and friendly landlords. I’d be happy to meet in person to discuss this further as well.

Sincerely,
(My name)

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!!

[Magstermay]

Good luck!
My suggestions (as previous cat owning tenant) would be not to offer increased rent - we were never asked for this. However offering an increased deposit, fumigation and professional clean post tenancy would be a standard requirement. I would also say you will keep up to date with a veterinary flea treatment - fleas are more of a concern than anything vaccine related.
I would be hesitant to say you'll rehome it if any problems. I understand your logic but you're giving him carte blanche to walk in in the future when you're in love with the cat and tell you to rehome it. That's unfair on the cat too.

[specialsubject]

'no pets' is fairly blanket on ads but I have just allowed a cat. The deal is a higher deposit (not a higher rent), some of which will be retained for a couple of months after departure in case fleas appear when the cat leaves and the next tenant moves in. The place is also rented unfurnished so any issues with that are not my problem.

the risks (seen it happen!) are clawed carpets, clawed woodwork and wrecked carpet from urine. So that's what you need to consider and offer solutions for should they happen. Bearing in mind wear and tear - these things would be damage, but equally a landlord does not get back new for old. Which is why pets are a concern.

that said, it won't bark all day or attack people, and cats aren't a behaviour issue like dogs.

if you've been there a while it all seems perfectly reasonable.

[SingaSong12]

My family has always had pets: cats, dogs, rabbits, even a lizard!

I am not a LL but I might leave this out as it might suggest that once you have a cat you might want other pets. The other thing that might happen is they say you could get a lizard (assuming it is kept caged) but not the cat you'd prefer.

do think about how stable your accommodation and circumstances are. Will you need to move due to work and how long is your tenancy. You are likely to find it much harder to get a new place.

[DearMrDilkington]

My LL said no pets on the advertisement but after living here for a few years we asked if it would be ok and he was fine with it. Once they know you'll look after the property they become a lot more relaxed with the rules.

Good luck🐱

[GreenShadow]

We let out MiL house and were advised by the agents to have a No Pet policy on the advert/agreement but that it was then up to us if we wanted to permit tenants to have a pet (which we have done with no ill effect).
So always worth asking.

[kittytom]

DH is a landlord and allowed a cat, I think also with increased deposit (NOT rent!). I would also leave out the bit about lizards, just say you want to adopt an older cat. You can only ask. My DH even fixed a cat flap. Good luck!

[Ilovecaindingle]

Shy bairns get nowt. .
Good luck.
A house isn't a home without a cat imo.

[Magstermay]

Yes I agree with pp about leaving out the range of pets you've had before. Just saying you're an experienced cat owner is fine.

[Needmoresleep]

Is it a flat. In which case the head lease may forbid animals.

[blueslippers80]

Thanks for all the help everyone!
I've heard conflicting advice now about adding "pet rent," like $20 or more so per month. Some say it's a good incentive for the landlords, but maybe it's a bad idea?
Our place is rented unfurnished as well. There's no carpets either.
I was on the fence about the lizard part too :) will take it out!

[specialsubject]

If you are in the States then all comments from us Brits are of no value, it is a very different renting world.

3 days to pay overdue rent, for instance.

[BananaPie]

As a landlord and a person who doesn't like pets, the "furry friend" part is over doing it. Keep it practical and not emotional!