How much to increase rent? Also..my tenant has a cat(surprise!)

[Anthonie B.]

My tenant has been in the house for about 5 months now.

All seems to be going fine. I went to do a minor repair at the house and saw a cat which I never new about. She has two dogs which I knew about. She has a $800 pet deposit ($400 refundable and $400 non-refundable).

Any recommendations on how to handle that?

I was thinking of accessing the "damage" when she leaves and withholding the $400 non-refundable pet deposit?

If the damage is in excess of the $400 I will withhold from the security deposit.

I have carpets in the upstairs portion of the house and the dogs and cats are likely to damage those.

Her lease only expires next year. What percentage should I increase it by? I was thinking at least 2% for inflation/property taxes increases.

Any thoughts/recommendations?

Thanks