What are your thoughts on pet Rats and Hamsters?

Question

I have a tenant that asked if I would allow a hamster or a pet rat ( apparently different bread than a rodent rat) I generally have a no pet policy, but only thought of that for dogs and cats. What kind of trouble am I asking for by allowing these small pets? Do you have a pet agreement for them? Can anyone tell me anything about a pet rat? Thank you.

Mike Cumbie · Answer

Personally I would rather have 2 hamsters, 3 tree frogs a scorpion and bird over a single dog or cat. None of those chew on moldings, scratch windowsills, mark the territory on the rug, bite the mailman, ruin the landscaping or chase neighbor kids.

Just my 2 cents and good luck in whatever you decide

Nicole A. · Answer

I would recommend keeping it to no pets, as in any type of pet. No fish either.

And definitely don't make exceptions to allow a "good" tenant to have them but not mediocre/bad ones. You must treat everyone the same. And a good tenant without pets could become a bad tenant with pets.

And some people--when they get small pets--they decide to get a small zoo of them. I once had a tenant that had a snake, fish, rats, and a turtle (of course without telling me first). I also once had a tenant who had at least 3 large fish tanks (also without prior permission). So you must make clear ahead of time that absolutely no kind of pets be allowed if that is what you want.

@Mike Cumbie That mailman had it comin'! And so did those neighborhood kids.  *Dog Logic* =P

Amy A. · Answer

I allow a maximum of 2 of the same gender.  They only live 3 or 4 years.  Did you know there are "rat rescues"?  I had an applicant who wanted 7 or 8 rats so she could rescue them.  Many applicants with exotic pets have other issues so won't pass screening anyway.

Thomas S. · Answer

What part of "no pets" does your tenant not understand. What part of that do you feel does not apply to their request.

If you intend to allow pets of any sort you must remove the "no pet" policy from your rental contracts. A pet is a pet, either you inforce your contract or you rewrite it.

JD Martin · Answer

We allow cats and dogs. That's it. I'm not personally against some of the others - I've had virtually everything before, from goldfish to pythons - but animals that are not cats or dogs tend to be "oh yeah" types of pets, where they are easily neglected, cages not cleaned properly, etc. We only allow cats/dogs for tenants that make it that far in our process, meaning we are pretty confident these are people that value their relationships with their pets and will care for them (and our property) properly. So far, this has been the case. Also, our properties are kid/pet friendly - no carpets, most with fenced yards, etc.

Ron Flatt · Answer

indoor rabbits, rats, mice, hamsters, snakes are all NOs for me, no exceptions.

In some units I will allow dogs or cats.  (my insurance will not allow any pit bull or pit bull crosses)  I lost a great tenant because she had a beautiful sweet Pit.  Insurance was more important than the tenant.  I was able to get her in an owner financed property where she has kept her pet.  She is on her way to owning her own

Kyle Boughton · Answer

Have had a tenant in the past that I allowed to have a hamster. It was a family and they were good tenants. No issues arose from it. They made me happy so I did what I could to return the favor. I would base it off of your specific situation and what you feel would be the right choice. Obviously from a landlord perspective it would be better and safer to say no but would it be beneficial to you in any way if you said yes.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

They will kick their shavings (and feces) out of the cage constantly. If they get loose, they will chew. If they kick their food out off their cage - which is likely - it could attract other pests. I would allow it for a good tenant but not for a mediocre or bad tenant.

What are your thoughts on pet Rats and Hamsters?

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