Our landlord said we could have a cat if we?

Question

paid him 200 bucks for a payment and said we would have to show him proof of animal insurance. ? Who carries this?

Answer 1

Your landlord is a bonehead.
There's no such thing as "animal insurance".

Answer 2

Check with your land lord. The 200 may be a non-refundable pet deposit. It is very common for landlords to charge a non-refundable pet deposit when you bring a dog/cat into the apartment. This is usually to cover clean up expenses that associated with having an animal.

As far as "animal insurance" goes - your land lord may want proof that you have a renters policy. A renters policy covers your belongings but it also provides liability coverage. So, if you have a renters policy and your cat bites or scratches a visitor to your household then your renters policy will come in to handle the injury claim. Your land lord may be concerned that since he owns the property - he could be sued should your animal incur someone.

Answer 3

What does he mean by animal insurance? Insurance to pay for damage to the apartment? In that case the $200 should pay for the damage, I am not sure why the landlord would have an interest in you having animal insurance.

Answer 4

I wonder if he was asking for proof that the animal is in good health? Usually landlords don't care about pet insurance. Sometimes they will ask for a pet deposit.

Answer 5

Contact your vet or local shelter. Now there are several home insurance companies that carry rider policies.

Don't let them sell you anything until your sure it not already included in your policy. Often times there are clauses that include things such as this.

Be sure and get everything in writing with your landlord

Answer 6

Renters policies don't cover damage to a premises you rent. They ALSO don't cover damage to your stuff by your pet.

I'm not familiar with an "animal liability" policy. I'd ask the landlord where you can find it. I'm not sure it exists.