I favor golden retrievers and am biased against German shepherds, for example. I also get references from previous neighbors. I visit where the cat lives to see if it has caused damage. Garvey recommends that landlords charge pet deposits and draft pet-specific rental contracts. One overpublicized issue that's rarely pause for concern for property owners, though, says Garvey, is a limit on the numbers of pets allowed.
Most municipalities already dictate the maximum numbers of cats and dogs per household.
It is not unreasonable for a landlord to charge a pet owner higher rent, says Garvey. We have to clean carpets more often, carry added liability insurance, and replace draperies, landscaping, windowsills and doors more often. When we have to exterminate fleas, a unit can be uninhabitable for weeks. Garvey encourages renters to search for pet-friendly housing before giving up their pets. To fellow property owners, Garvey says it's worth taking time to ferret out the responsible, law-abiding pet owners.