what would happen if the landlord knew i had a cat?

Question

I need written permission and if she does agree i think i have to pay a large deposit, also when it comes to inspections i would have to pretend i was looking after the cat which they may not believe....i would love to have a cat but am torn about whether i should or not. some advice??

Answer 1

Let's see, you know you have to have permission to have a pet, and you owe the landlord a pet deposit and/or a monthly pet fee, and you want us to tell you how to defraud the landlord?

Why do people try to avoid responsibility in this manner?

You would scream bloody murder if the landlord infringed in any minor way on your rights, but you find that it is okay to cheat him.

As a landlord, I know when someone has a pet, especially a cat. They urinate all over the place and you can smell it. I have had to replace several carpets from places that tried to hide the fact they had a cat.

Go to the landlord and tell him you got a cat. Ask what the pet deposit and monthly pet fees are and PAY HIM.

If he discovers it on his own, he has to right to demand payment for all back deposits and pet fees or evict you from the property.

If you are honest and come forward on your own, he will respect you and TRUST you more.

Then get down on your knees and beg forgiveness from him and God for trying to cheat someone.

Answer 2

A few things could happen, the landlord could make you pay a huge deposit-though usually it's not as much as for a dog. They could attempt to "grandfather" your rent-pay from when you got the cat up to the time they found out about it, which may be at their discretion-if you have to pay additional monies monthly for having the pet, they could evict you even if you agree to get rid of the animal, and they could even attempt to sue you for any damages incurred by the animal or for you simply trying to defraud them.

Deposits for a cat (1) is usually under $100 but they are non-refundable. Why would you want to run the risk of eviction for the sake of sneaking in a cat. Be honest and tell your landlord. The extra deposit will be worth it in the long run.

Answer 3

Follow the rules, get the permission and pay what is asked, check your tenancy agreement about costs beforehand so you know how much you are going to have to pay.

I work in a letting agents, anyone with a pet pays £50 from their deposit when moving out to cover a flea treatment, that is the only cost for having a pet in a property. I am in the UK

If you really want a cat, it'll be worth it. I'm more of a dog person myself. :-)

Answer 4

look in your lease, some places will actually fine you for having a pet you didn't tell them about and haven't paid a deposit for - the fee can be a few hundred $$. As for whether or not you'll get caught - it depends on the place you're renting, my complex always notifies before they go in for pest control, but in case of an emergency - like if a water pipe was to break, or a fire, they can go in unannounced. Also, with a cat it's hard to hide them for long, they like to sit in the windows and watch the world go by.

Answer 5

I think you should read A_Kansan's answer, then re-read it. We allow dogs in our apartments with a signed pet addendum, and have not yet had anyone try to cheat us.

If I did find that someone had a cat (which are not allowed at all), I would charge them the pet fee, evict the pet immediately, and withhold their security deposit to replace the carpet and anything else the cat had damaged.

If you live in an area where there is a waiting list for your apartment, I would expect you would immediately be evicted along with your cat.

Answer 6

If you have a cat and it has been made clear that you are not meant to, you risk risking being evicted. I had a client recently who was given notice to quit because she had a dog against the landlords wish. So before you get a cat think carefully about your tenancy.

Answer 7

I have rented apartments for years without the landlord knowing we had a cat (or cats).

Just get someone to keep them while you are moving in, and then sneak them in late at night or something - as long as they are indoor cats noone will notice them.

If you have a particularly nosy landlord (which will get annoying even if you aren't hiding a cat in your apartment) then I would do something to make them mind their own business. The worst I had was a guy who's mother actually lived next door to the house I was renting. She was actually pretty nice, but he was always coming by because he was next door visiting her.

I finally told him that I was going to be working nights slaughtering pigs at a meat packing plant, and would be sleeping during the day, so please do me a favor and don't wake me up. He was like 'umm.... okay'.

Answer 8

you should of informed your landlord before even getting the cat, if you cant afford to pay the large deposit dont get the cat!
quite simple really

Answer 9

To be mature about it you face the facts head on. You must be clean about the cat and its litter box. Infections can come from the litter box and smells. I personally perfer a dog because they preform a service (let you know if someone is around), companionship, etc.
A cat requires less care than a dog but I believe it has more health problems than a dog (heinz 57 variety).

Answer 10

obviously the proper answer is don't get the cat in the place you are living but I must admit I have done it before a few times.
when renting i didn't tell them about my dogs which made life more complicated for me but as long as you can deal with the extra stress (which prob wont be much with a cat - less hiding, etc) and make sure the pet never makes a mess or damages anything I think it is worth it.