Tenants with birds

[Wesley W.]

Hey all,

Anyone have experience with tenants keeping birds (parakeets and conures) that are not always caged?  I collect an initial pet fee ($250/pet) as well as a monthly fee ($25/pet) for the usual mammals.  Not sure how to feel about these prospects.  Please share your experience.  NY does not permit any additional security deposit beyond one month's rent.  Thanks!

[Bruce Woodruff]

I have seen birds completely destroy wood fixtures like built-ins , mantels and such. I think your security deposit is too low. But you may get lucky? (Larger birds are, of course, much worse.)

I would schedule frequent inspections for things like furnace filters, smoke alarms, etc, to make sure that the damage is not getting out of control.