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Landlord suddenly say cannot keep cat, but I already have one. What to do?

Rented my unit almost a year, quietly keeping one cat, very clean and no complaints. Now new landlord took over and say no pets in tenancy agreement. I don't want to give up my cat. Any way to negotiate?
Anonymous asker ·Asked on 1 months ago ·245 views ·3 answers

3 contributors answered

Best Answer
Tech Bro Aiman Beginner First-hand experience Software engineer at a startup, I answer on tech interviews, remote gaji and burnout.
First thing, actually read your tenancy agreement, not what the landlord says verbally. If there's a no-pets clause and you signed it, technically you're in breach, so approach it as negotiation not a fight. What worked for my friend: she offered a small extra deposit for potential pet damage, showed the unit was spotless, and got the landlord to add a written addendum allowing one neutered indoor cat. Landlords worry about smell, scratched doors and fleas, so address those directly, show you neuter, litter train and clean. If the landlord still refuses and enforces the clause, you may have to comply or move at end of tenancy, but they generally can't just throw you out mid-term without following the agreement. If it gets messy, the Tribunal for Housing or legal aid can advise, but 90 percent of the time a calm chat and a deposit top-up solves it.
Fresh Grad Haziq Beginner First-hand experience Fresh from politeknik, still job hunting, I share interview fail story so you tak ulang.
Realistically if the new owner is strict, start looking for a pet-friendly place also as backup, more landlords now advertise pet friendly especially condos. I filter on the property apps for it. Don't rehome the cat as first option please, that should be absolute last resort. Most disputes settle with money and reassurance. But do confirm your legal footing, tenancy law here mostly follows the contract you signed, so the agreement wording is key.
Anonymous contributor Beginner First-hand experience
Been through exactly this. I wrote the landlord a polite message with photos of my clean unit and cat, offered RM200 extra deposit, and promised to repaint if any damage. He agreed. Keeping it friendly and professional matters, landlords fear problem tenants more than pets. Get any new agreement in writing though, jangan verbal saja, later senang dispute.

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