Extra Cat
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Extra Cat (by Scott [OR]) Feb 4, 2008 4:45 PM
       Extra Cat (by Donald A [CA]) Feb 4, 2008 4:54 PM
       Extra Cat (by Sean [CA]) Feb 4, 2008 5:07 PM
       Extra Cat (by Cathleen [WI]) Feb 4, 2008 5:27 PM
       Extra Cat (by Rose [CA]) Feb 4, 2008 5:35 PM
       Extra Cat (by TIM [IN]) Feb 4, 2008 5:36 PM
       Extra Cat (by Scott [OR]) Feb 4, 2008 5:40 PM
       Extra Cat (by RR [WA]) Feb 4, 2008 5:45 PM
       Extra Cat (by DAR [MI]) Feb 4, 2008 5:49 PM
       Extra Cat (by RR [WA]) Feb 4, 2008 5:57 PM
       Extra Cat (by DAR [MI]) Feb 4, 2008 6:04 PM
       Extra Cat (by Ally [NJ]) Feb 4, 2008 7:03 PM
       Extra Cat (by Michael [IA]) Feb 4, 2008 9:36 PM
       Extra Cat (by OrEGone [OR]) Feb 4, 2008 10:28 PM
       Extra Cat (by Smokowna [MD]) Feb 4, 2008 11:38 PM
       Extra Cat (by Smokowna [MD]) Feb 4, 2008 11:43 PM
       Extra Cat (by TIM [IN]) Feb 5, 2008 7:48 AM
       Extra Cat (by billy button [MA]) Feb 5, 2008 7:56 AM
       Extra Cat (by Lynda [TX]) Feb 5, 2008 11:14 AM
       Extra Cat (by Michael [IA]) Feb 6, 2008 4:19 AM
       Extra Cat (by Scott [OR]) Feb 6, 2008 5:19 PM
       Extra Cat (by Scott [OR]) Feb 6, 2008 5:20 PM
       Extra Cat (by TIM [IN]) Feb 7, 2008 11:49 AM
       Extra Cat (by Scott [OR]) Feb 7, 2008 3:28 PM
       Extra Cat (by Josephine [OR]) Feb 8, 2008 12:33 PM


Extra Cat (by Scott [OR]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 4:45 PM
Message:

State Specific Question About: OREGON (OR)

I was in the house to determine what was wrong with the furnace. (Turns out it was defective draft inducer.) While I was there, I spotted the extra cat. I didn't say anything at the moment. This was 1 week ago. I wanted to get the furnace working before I addressed it.

So the question is, what should I do about it? The options seem to be...

1. Evict them with 30 day notice for cause, with a remedy of removal of cat.

2. Evict them with 30 day notice for cause, with a remedy of Pay $250 extra pet fee.

3. Pretend that I didn't see it and do nothing.

4. Talk to them and ask if the cat is on a vacation ect and is leaving soon.

I recognize that if I do this then I lose the chance to get rid of the seond cat at a later date, effectly allowing it by inaction.

The problem I see with #2 is that if I take the fee, and later there is cat damage, I think I will have trouble getting money out of the deposit for that repair, because, "they paid a pet fee to cover those damages."

The problem w/ #1 is that they might move out... nobody wants a vacancy....

What would you do?

Scott

ps. I have never evicted someone who wasn't paying rent. If they are paid up and I evict them for cause before their lease is up, does the deposit go back to them if there are no damages? --76.105.xxx.xxx




Extra Cat (by Donald A [CA]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 4:54 PM
Message:

Scott,

Sounds like you posted on this matter previously and I don't know the details, but....

Many years ago we got our first cat who had some behaviour problems. Can't remember specifically because this was 20 years ago. My wife said that if we got a second cat the first cat would behave better.

She was right - and the two cats, my wife and I lived happily ever after. Unfortunately, both cats died of old age recently so I'm not sure how long the "happily" part will last without the cats. --72.129.xx.xx




Extra Cat (by Sean [CA]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 5:07 PM
Message:

Agree with Donald. I have two cats.. they play together and keep each other occupied. Unoccupied animals cause damage.

Since this doesn't seem to be a "pet free" rental (you are calling it the "extra" cat) I would just ignore it.

Sean --76.20.xx.xx




Extra Cat (by Cathleen [WI]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 5:27 PM
Message:

I think I would speak to them about it, or they may keep getting more and more cats. I started out with 1 house cat and now have 8, but it is in my own home, of course. They were all spayed/neutered young, before having or fathering any kittens. Things have a way of snowballing, as most of the ones I have were drop offs and no one else would take them. Shelters are full here.

Just let them know and maybe write up some sort of agreement, that 2 cats are the limit (or whatever amount you are limiting them to). Have them sign something stating that they will be responsible for any and all cat damage to the property, over and above the pet deposit that you have, if there are any damages.

Hopefully this will protect you a little bit. Are you sure there are not more cats hiding? If the cat the tenant originally had, was not spayed or neutered and got out or ???, the second cat that you saw maybe from a litter. They can grow quickly and have kittens at only 6 months old or so, if not altered.

Otherwise 2 or 4 or ?? cats don't do much more damage, if any, than 1 cat.

Cathy --207.190.xxx.xxx




Extra Cat (by Rose [CA]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 5:35 PM
Message:

Two cats are much better then one. They play and fight together so they do less damage to other things. --76.114.xx.xxx




Extra Cat (by TIM [IN]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 5:36 PM
Message:

Does your lease state no pets? If yes, give them a notice to remedy the situation. Point it out to them nicely what it says in the lease, but then tell them if doesn't get cured... they need to move. I did it this past fall/winter. --71.0.xx.xx




Extra Cat (by Scott [OR]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 5:40 PM
Message:

The lease states 1 cat by name (if it dies, they can't get another.)

I am a little suprised I didn't get more answers like Tims. I figured that was the method and was just working up the courage. All these 2 cat folks above have me thinking more. That's why I posted.

Scott --76.105.xxx.xxx




Extra Cat (by RR [WA]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 5:45 PM
Message:

At minimum I would get an additional deposit (#2) out of them. $250 seems good. . Make it a deposit, not a fee, and not a "pet" deposit. If you want to get rid of them, then option #1. For the future, you might also think about charging some fee($100?) for discovery of an unauthorized pet. Not sure on 1 cat vs 2, but I don't like when tenants do things behind my back. --199.3.xxx.xxx




Extra Cat (by DAR [MI]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 5:49 PM
Message:

Think litters. One of my friends (who acts as a handywoman for me from time to time) discovered a whole litter at my "no-pets" rental. My tenant was a middle-aged woman whose 20 year old daughter (a rap star wannabe) brought home the cats. Luckily, we discovered them before too much damage could be done. My tenant made sure the kittens left the premises. --205.188.xxx.xxx




Extra Cat (by RR [WA]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 5:57 PM
Message:

DAR, good point. I forgot to mention that I require all cats to be spayed/neutered. Those things breed like rabbits. Rental units seem to provide optimal conditions for this. --199.3.xxx.xxx




Extra Cat (by DAR [MI]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 6:04 PM
Message:

RR, good one! LOL "optimal conditions". Very scientific. --205.188.xxx.xxx




Extra Cat (by Ally [NJ]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 7:03 PM
Message:

Everybody I rent to with one cat gets another and yes, behavior is better. Insist that they get two litter boxes however and that there are certificates from a vet that both cats have been neutered. Un-neutered cats are really stinky especially the males. Your tenant will stay longer and pay on time for fear of being evicted and having to lose their pets. --76.99.xxx.xx




Extra Cat (by Michael [IA]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 9:36 PM
Message:

Crazy Ole lady next door keeps feeding wild cats and they keep breeding under my deck. So far I have captured 31 cats in my live trap and had them picked up by city. I really hate cats! --192.172.x.xx




Extra Cat (by OrEGone [OR]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 10:28 PM
Message:

Eviction is what you do through the court.

You are warning of a lease violation that is cause for termination of contract.

1. Evict them with 30 day notice for cause, with a remedy of removal of cat.

Possibly.

2. Evict them with 30 day notice for cause, with a remedy of Pay $250 extra pet fee.

Possibly.

3. Pretend that I didn't see it and do nothing.

Landlord is in charge. This one is no fun.

4. Talk to them and ask if the cat is on a vacation ect and is leaving soon.

Go bact to 1 and 2.

The problem I see with #2 is that if I take the fee, and later there is cat damage, I think I will have trouble getting money out of the deposit for that repair, because, "they paid a pet fee to cover those damages."

Not to cover, to mitigate. Additional damage is additional charge. Whether you get the money is another issue.

The problem w/ #1 is that they might move out... nobody wants a vacancy....

Nobody wants bad tenants.

And yes, their deposit goes back to them minus any damage.

--24.21.xx.xx




Extra Cat (by Smokowna [MD]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 11:38 PM
Message:

I was surprised too.

Seems like a spare is good in case one goes flat.

Speak to the people right away, follow with signatures to whatever you decide. --72.66.xx.xx




Extra Cat (by Smokowna [MD]) Posted on: Feb 4, 2008 11:43 PM
Message:

This is off point..but a cat story just the same. It is 2:30 am. I am awake because the cat was meowing. I got up, poured some orange juice, the cat was still meowing. Walked through the house and found the feline. Low and behold the kitchen door to the house is wide open.

Hmm, "Maybe a sandwich?" I thought. I let the cat out and closed and locked that door.

Why was the door open? Who cares.

Why is there a cat in the house? I don't have a cat! --72.66.xx.xx




Extra Cat (by TIM [IN]) Posted on: Feb 5, 2008 7:48 AM
Message:

Here is why I got rid of my tenant for moving in the cat.

1. she didn't ask, just moved it in even though it is a no pet policy. I went over it when signing the lease.

2. on her app., it said she had no pets.

3. I have had current renters ask if they could get a cat. Good renters. I said no. This is in a 8 unit building. everybody knows what everybody is doing. So what example does this sit? If you move something in without premission, it is OK. But if you ask, you will be turn down? OR "it is ok for her, but not you."

4. Even though I went over the lease with her and they lied about the cat, what else are they going to do? The LL-Tenant trust is gone in my book.

5. What is next? Another cat? Dog? Snake? The tenant thinks they own the place and run the show, but YOU run the place.

She moved. yeah, she paid her rent on time. No major damage done to the unit. But cat hair every where. Gave the Dyson Animal eater a work out. Still called the carpet cleaning company to clean it too.

--71.0.xx.xx




Extra Cat (by billy button [MA]) Posted on: Feb 5, 2008 7:56 AM
Message:

how many units in bldg?if u allow 2 cats others will all get 2 cats.i had just that 2 cat problem in my 3 fam.i mumbled and grumbled to myself and did nothing.worked fine.the other two tenants dont have cats yet.u should never allow cats or dogs if u have wall to wall bcs u will lose wall to wall.hardwood stands up better.u better be sure they are fixed.people with pets stay longer.read robinson on that."landlording" --208.58.x.xx




Extra Cat (by Lynda [TX]) Posted on: Feb 5, 2008 11:14 AM
Message:

OK, Scott, first let me tell you I have a lot of respect for anyone who keeps an open mind about pets, esp cats!

I am a LL that accepts pets. I believe it is the owners that determine if the pet is an asset or a handicap. If the owner is a responsible owner, they will have well trained pets. To this kind of owner a pet is a family member--as opposed to a live children's toy or a live security system. Pet owners are usually tong term tenants, less turnover. I personally have 3 cats and they DO keep each other company and have less behavior problems.

Now you already have allowed 1 cat and have taken a pet fee for that, right? So except for the sneakiness, there is not that much difference with 2, but you MUST address the issue.

Making them move hurts YOU. Ignoring it sends them the wrong message. The correct response is to address the issue, collect another pet fee (not a deposit, as deposits get returned), and have them sign a letter stating they will not get ANY further pets as long as they occupy your property. That way you are seen to exercize control, you collect more noney, and you limit future mistakes. Win-win. --140.140.xx.x




Extra Cat (by Michael [IA]) Posted on: Feb 6, 2008 4:19 AM
Message:

Hey, I hear they tast just like Chicken --192.172.x.xx




Extra Cat (by Scott [OR]) Posted on: Feb 6, 2008 5:19 PM
Message:

I served them a 30 day notice of eviction w/ the following choice of rememdy:

1. git rid of the cit

2. Pay $100 non-refundable pet fee

3. Increase security deposit by $300.

I also charged them a delivery of notice fee of $25 for me having to deal with this.

Scott

ps. Don't violate the lease! Grrrrrr --207.200.xxx.xx




Extra Cat (by Scott [OR]) Posted on: Feb 6, 2008 5:20 PM
Message:

pps. It's a single family dwelling so I don't have to worry about others getting cats too. --207.200.xxx.xx




Extra Cat (by TIM [IN]) Posted on: Feb 7, 2008 11:49 AM
Message:

May want to require to be nuteured and front claws gone.... --71.0.xx.xxx




Extra Cat (by Scott [OR]) Posted on: Feb 7, 2008 3:28 PM
Message:

spayed/nuteured yes, declawed, no.

Scott --207.200.xxx.xx




Extra Cat (by Josephine [OR]) Posted on: Feb 8, 2008 12:33 PM
Message:

I think --76.114.xx.xxx





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