A Renter’s Guide to Cat Adoption

Adopting a cat when you live in an apartment can be tricky, but it’s absolutely possible. Make sure you research your options, get written permission from your landlord, and check your lease for pet policies. Most apartments charge extra for pets, including a pet deposit ($200 to $500) and/or pet rent ($25 to $75 per month). You can also focus your apartment search on places that already allow pets. 

Adult, indoor-only cats with calm demeanors do best in apartments, and they tend to cause less property damage, too. Here’s a quick guide to the important steps to take before inviting a cat into your rented home. 

Steps to take as a renter before you adopt 

Start by filtering apartment searches for apartments that allow cats. Then, proceed with the following steps. 

Speak with your landlord 

Always tell your landlord that you’re planning to get a cat (or several cats). If the rental’s pet policy is unclear, ask them to make an exception or otherwise allow a well-behaved cat into the apartment. 

Prepare for pet rent or pet deposits

Almost every apartment will charge additional fees for pets. This is usually a pet deposit (between $200 and $500) and/or monthly pet rent (between $25 and $75). Check local laws, which may restrict how much they can charge you. Your rental may have a sign-on special that will knock down one or both of these fees, so be sure to ask or negotiate before you sign a lease. But be prepared to pay extra to keep a pet in your apartment.

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Get a permission letter from the landlord 

Once you’ve chosen your apartment and spoken to your landlord, make sure to get the agreement to allow a pet in the apartment in writing. You can ask for an additional clause to be added to your lease or another contract page that you both agree to. Having paper evidence of a contract in place can protect you from unexpected issues in the future. 

Budget for ongoing pet expenses 

Pets can be expensive, and cats are no different. Before adopting a cat, be sure to budget for their food, vet care, toys, and pet rent. While pet deposits are one-time fees, pet rents are typically monthly, recurring expenses. 

A mindset shift 

If this is your first pet, make sure you are ready for the time commitment and potential lifestyle shift on the way. You’ll also have to monitor your pet’s behavior inside the apartment to be sure they aren’t damaging the furniture, walls, or floors. 

Consider types of cats and apartments 

Some cats do better in apartments than others. Kittens may be destructive, for example, while adult cats are much less prone to clawing couches or blinds. Adopting a cat from a cat cafe or rescue (where additional personality information is available) is a great way to ensure your cat will do well in your apartment. 

The following are the best types of cats for apartments. 

• Easygoing cats: Choosing an older cat or an adaptable, even-tempered domestic cat is a great idea for apartment living.

• Low-energy cats: Some cat breeds are more energetic and athletic than others, and may be less inclined to be indoor-only pets. Ragdolls, for instance, are lap cats, making them great for apartments. 

• Well-enriched cats: A bored cat will often be destructive, so make sure you provide plenty of toys, climbing towers, and stimulation for your pet. 

• Friendly cats: Friendly cats are great, but some cats are especially vocal when social, which may not be ideal for apartments. When you’re adopting, ask the rescue if the cat tends to meow a lot for attention.

Protecting your security deposit 

Simply having a pet in your apartment does not count against your security deposit. But if your pet causes damage, that could be a factor. Here’s how to prevent damage by your cat. 

Preventing damage 

• Multiple litter boxes: Access to several litter boxes can prevent accidents. The general rule is one litter box per cat, plus one extra. 

• Scratching posts: Provide plenty of horizontal and vertical scratching posts for your cat, so they don’t damage the apartment or furniture. 

• Air purifiers: This can help control allergens as well as odors. 

• Regular cleaning: You should clean your apartment regularly, but pay special attention to litter box areas. 

• Plenty of enrichment: A bored cat is a destructive cat, so play with your cat often and keep plenty of toys around the space to provide your cat with enrichment. 

Documentation 

When you’ve secured your pet-friendly apartment, make sure to take lots of photos before and after you move in. 

• Move-in photos: The best way to protect yourself from unfair additional charges is to photograph the pre-existing conditions of your apartment the moment you move in. Make sure to get photos of any scratches, dings in floors or walls, and damage to cabinets. 

• Regular maintenance: If your pet does damage something, address the issue immediately. 

• Professional cleaning: Move-in and move-out cleaners exist for a reason, and they can help you avoid additional pet-related charges.

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Your legal responsibilities as a renter 

Read your lease thoroughly to understand your responsibilities as a renter, especially when pets are involved. 

• Lease compliance: Make sure you’re following all contract and pet-related lease terms. 

• Neighbor consideration: Keep track of your cat’s noise and odors to be sure they’re not disturbing others. 

• Property maintenance: Take steps to protect the apartment from pet damage — such as covering carpeted areas, putting scratch posts near walls or doors, and cleaning up promptly — and address any necessary repairs promptly.

• Insurance: Check if your renter’s insurance includes coverage for pet liabilities. 

What if my landlord isn’t pet-friendly? 

If you’ve found the perfect apartment but your landlord isn’t pet-friendly, you may still be able to negotiate with them. Some tactics for negotiation include creating a pet resume, securing a letter of reference from previous landlords, or looking into an emotional-support animal letter — only if you qualify for it. If your landlord is still against you having a cat, consider moving to a different pet-friendly apartment. 

There are some situations where landlords must permit animals to live in “no pet” properties, such as pet parents with disabilities or mental illnesses. Look into information from the Fair Housing Act to know your rights as a renter. 

Commonly asked questions

Why do many landlords refuse to allow cats in rentals?

Many landlords have no-pet policies because pets can cause damage and sometimes noise concerns. You may have better luck by introducing your landlord to your pet, if you can. 

Is it legal to charge pet rent and a pet deposit?

In most cases, it is legal to charge pet rent and/or pet deposits in the U.S. However, charging one or both may vary by your state’s landlord-tenant laws or local ordinances, so be sure to check. It is illegal for landlords to charge any pet fees for service animals or emotional support animals under the Fair Housing Law. 

How to convince a landlord to allow cats?

Establishing a good reputation for yourself and your cat is a great way to convince your landlord to allow cats. Introduce your landlord to your cat, offer additional pet rent, and explain your situation to your landlord. You can even create a pet resume for your landlord and address any specific concerns about your pet’s behavior. Be sure to get any agreement in writing. 

Are pet deposits refundable? 

In most cases, pet deposits are refundable — if your pet doesn’t cause damage. But in some states, such as Florida, Texas, and North Carolina, pet deposits can be non-refundable.

References

Heinz, Alex. “Make a Pet Resume for your Furry Friend.” Apartment Guide. www.apartmentguide.com/blog/pet-resume/#pet-resume. 

Manolas, Kasia. “What to Know About Emotional Support Animals and Renting.” Avail News, www.avail.co/education/articles/rental-community-know-emotional-support-animals.