Residential Property Management Cat Policies | Real Estate and ...

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If you are thinking of augmenting your pet policy to attract new tenants, but are concerned about distinguishing types of dogs to allow, it?s true that?letting tenants have cats will still significantly increase your tenant pool. There are still considerations, and we?ve outlined some of them for you to investigate before agreeing to any particular cat.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Indoor cats are less likely to interact with other tenants or pets, whereas outdoor cats may kill squirrels or rodents on the property. This could be great if you are experiencing rodent issues, but otherwise it would be unpleasant for those who discover these ?gifts.? However, outdoor cats would potentially not require a litter box, so they are less likely to cause odors in the apartment in this way. You would need to consider, though, whether a particular outdoor cat would travel the hallway or stairwell of your building.

Declawed vs. not

Declawing is becoming increasingly unpopular amongst pet owners, but sometimes it still occurs. Declawed cats are less likely to damage property as they can?t easily scratch any surfaces.

Male vs. female

Both male and female cats have their advantages and disadvantages. Male cats may spray, which would require cleaning, especially for carpeting. Female cats in heat may be noisy to other tenants. It would be in your interest as a landlord or property manager to suggest cats be spayed or neutered. regardless of their sex.

Neutered vs. not

In addition to avoiding heat in female cats and less spraying with males, pets that have been neutered tend to be more docile. This is important for a multifamily complex. Also you don?t want to have any extra kittens each season springing up on your premises that you would then have to manage.

Where keeping the litter box

If there?s an enclosed patio or balcony, this would cause less odor than if the litter box your renter would use stays in the house. Consult tenants about their plans for litter boxes and suggest that they dispose of the contents on a frequent, regular basis.

Personality

Even though there is less variation in personality among typical domesticated house cats, it?s possible that your tenant has a purebred cat that may be aggressive or aloof. It?s also possible that their cat was once feral and has not been properly socialized. You could request to meet the pet to ensure it has a good temperament.

How many cats

Fighting cats can cause more damage than one alone. Spraying may also be more frequent in this scenario. Plus, you?re not trying to have a zoo in your property, so a pet policy allowing one pet would obviously not allow for infinite pets and the problems associated with multiple animals in close quarters.

If you have a furnished space, it?s important to spell out the financial liability your tenant has if their cat damages or causes odors in the furniture as well as the carpet or walls. Having a clearly delineated pet policy will be the recipe for success.

Source: http://www.zillow.com/blog/pro/2013-01-23/residential-property-management-cat-policies/

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