Cats Unwelcome in Rental Homes

Are you a cat or a dog person? Chances are, if you are a landlord, you dislike both of them living in your properties. Recent research has revealed that more than 50% of landlords ban cats from their properties and issues with cats are one of the top reasons why the nation’s felines are handed over to animal welfare charities. Because of this, the Cat’s Protection League has launched a new campaign to try and persuade landlords to take a more sympathetic view to tenants who own cats.

“Often, the reason for not allowing cats is simply habit, with a third of landlords who don’t accept cats saying they didn’t proactively choose to ban cats, but instead followed a standard template or advice from a letting agent,” says a spokesperson from the Cat’s Protection League.

Pet Owners Forced to Give Up Their Cats by Landlords

With an increasing number of people forced into the private rental sector, many people are forced to give up their beloved pets because their landlord refuses to let them keep a cat. One Welsh charity claims they have at least one telephone call a day from desperate people who have no choice but to re-home their pet.

One tenant described how she was given 24-hours to re-home her pet or face eviction when her landlord found out she had a cat. In desperation, she posted on Facebook about her plight. A cat charity offered to take her cat, but she says it was awful handing him over, as he was confused and upset.

Cats have Important Wellness Benefits

Cats – and pets in general – can offer numerous benefits. Owning a pet makes us feel calmer and happier. Pet ownership is also very important for older people, as a cat can stave off the debilitating effects of loneliness. A cat might be the only living creature an older person talks to in a week.

Unfortunately, many landlords don’t see it that way. The Residential Landlords Association says pets are a problem because they can make it harder to rent a property out in the future.

“Many people are allergic to pet hairs and those who particularly have asthma ask if pets have been kept at the dwelling in the past.”

Dangers of Cats in Rental Properties

Then there is the issue of fleas. Not all pet owners are responsible. Some allow their cats to become infested with fleas, which are difficult and expensive to eradicate. Pets can also cause damage to carpets, walls, doors, and furniture, when they scratch or urinate.

Despite the dangers, landlords can protect their interests by asking pet owners to pay a larger security deposit when they move in. This would cover the extra costs of cleaning a property when the tenant moves out.

Do you allow pets in your properties? If so, tell us what you do to mitigate the risk of property damage and whether you have had any bad experienced with pet owners renting your properties.

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