Pennsylvania - Pet Deposit in Rental Property

[dleckzwei]

I am a landlord in PA and would like to rent to someone who has two cats. I already require 1st and last month's rent and a security deposit equal to one month's rent prior to a tenant taking up residence. Is there some kind of Pet Deposit that I could require that is allowed by PA law in addition to the 1st, last and sec. deposit that I already get from my tenants. I do not usually accept pets - (no dogs, because of the liability issue)....but I like this renter's other credentials (credit, financial appearance etc) - BUT - I AM concerned about pet damage (namely, to carpets and subflooring) that could quite conceiveably surpass the amount already in the normal security deposit. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[FarmerJ]

If you have not signed the lease yet with this prospective tenant find out if the cats are male or female and ask for records of them being fixed , Most people wont put up with keeping a cat who urinates every where but the box , and likely the owner of them would have gotten rid of them long ago if that was a problem , But anyway If those cats are also declawed , that would be a plus , but if they are fixed or both female cats consider what might be a fair amount for a pet deposit and ask for it . If the cats are males and not fixed Insist on it being done with proof . Before occupancy

 

[dleckzwei]

To FarmerJ...re: Pets and deposit on rental

Thank you for responding so quickly! The 2 cats are male and they (according to my tenant) were fixed. I am not really up on cat behavior - but when cats "spray" to mark their territory - it is urine I believe....so even if a male cat was fixed can't he still "lift his leg" to mark territory or because he is anxious about being in a strange new place or for whatever reason? I have not signed any lease yet with this tenant.....I really want to check on the law in PA as to what type of additional security I can get from this tenant because of the cats and what do I have to do legally with this additional security if it is indeed allowed by law (i.e put it in an interest bearing account as I must do with the regular security deposit). How much is fair to ask for? Do they then receive it back once the lease term is completed and there is no damage that I can determine from the cats? Thank you.

 

[FarmerJ]

check out website MrLandlord.com see if there is any Info there to help you. Also about boy cats I have many friends who have had boy cats who were fixed and never had urination problems associated with marking territory , But Have personally had the privledge of taking care of a friends un fixed male cat and can tell you that wasnt urine sam blasted onto some things in the closet , (everything he sprayed had to be tossed )