How Do You Convince Your Landlord to Let You Have a Cat?

Offering to pay an extra deposit or a non-refundable cleaning fee may help to convince your landlord to let you have a cat. If you live in a rental with several units and a no-pet policy, you may have a harder time convincing the landlord than if you lived in a single-family rental. That’s because if your landlord lets you have a cat, they may feel that they need to allow everyone to have a cat. Still, there are some things you can try.

Ways to get a pet waiver

Getting a pet waiver in a no-pet property is tough, and it really depends on the mindset of the landlord more than anything else. Understanding the reasons landlords don’t want pets on the property can help. They are usually trying to avoid:

• Noise (less of a problem with cats than with dogs)

• Odor

• Damage

• Fleas 

When you go to present your case to the landlord, be prepared to alleviate their concerns by telling they that as part of the agreement you will:

• Ensure the cat always has effective flea treatment

• Pay a non-refundable cleaning deposit

• Keep the litter box clean

• Address any odor complaints immediately 

Cats as an emotional support animal

If your cat is an emotional support animal (ESA) or service animal, your landlord must legally allow you to have your cat in the house with you. You’ll need to get a letter from your therapist or other medical professional to present to your landlord in this scenario.

What NOT to do 

As much as you want a cat, you should never sneak a cat into the rental. If you get caught (and you’ll probably get caught), you could be faced with the decision of having to immediately rehome the cat or move. That’s not fair to the cat and would be heartbreaking for you.