The Complete Guide to Keeping a Cat in a Rental Property — From Finding the Right Apartment to Contract Terms and Move-Out Cost Management

Cats are one of the most popular pets in Japan, but raising them in rental properties still faces higher hurdles compared to dogs. Even when labeled "pet-friendly," many properties don't allow cats, and many landlords are wary of the risks of noise and damage from scratching. This is the current reality.

In this article, we systematically explain everything from tips on finding the right property for your cat, what to confirm when signing a lease, and daily care practices to minimize move-out costs.

Even "Pet-Friendly" Properties May Not Allow Cats

Many pet-friendly properties still have restrictions on which animals can be raised. Let's check the common patterns:

• •Small dogs only: Many cases don't allow cats
• •Small dogs and up to one cat: Types and numbers are specified
• •Cats only: Cat-specific properties that avoid the risk of barking dogs (increasingly common in recent years)
• •Pet negotiation possible: Ownership may be approved depending on negotiation

Property listings often only say "pet-friendly," so it is crucial to confirm in writing (via email or application form) before submitting your rental application: "I would like to keep one cat—is that possible?" and obtain written approval. Verbal approval only can lead to disputes later.

How to Find Cat-Friendly Rental Properties

When searching for properties with the intention of keeping a cat, keep the following points in mind.

Search keywords: On real estate portal sites, filter for "pet-friendly" while prioritizing properties marked "cats welcome," "cat-friendly," or similar in the remarks field.

Check for "cat-friendly features": Properties designed with cat ownership in mind may have cat doors, scratching posts, or high window sills (cat walks). Properties with such features likely have landlords or property managers with a deeper understanding of cats.

Be honest with the broker: By providing advance notice of your cat's type (short-haired or long-haired), number (one or multiple), and whether spayed or neutered, negotiations will go more smoothly. Spayed or neutered cats have lower urine odor risk and are more likely to pass screening.

Reviewing the Lease and Additional Conditions at Move-In

Even if you have been approved to keep a cat, there are usually additional conditions to be agreed upon in writing. Check the following in your lease or supplementary agreement:

• •Security deposit increase: On top of the standard 1-2 month security deposit, an additional 1-2 months is often added for pets
• •Move-out cleaning fees: Special cleaning costs due to pet ownership may be specified in special clauses (ranging from ¥10,000-20,000 to over ¥200,000)
• •Deodorization and odor removal costs: Charges may be claimed for processing if urine odor has soaked in
• •Limits on number and type of animals: Prohibition on keeping additional pets or changing types may be specified

If special clauses state "uniform ○○,000 yen cleaning fee at move-out," it is important to check whether that constitutes an unfair term violating the Consumer Contract Act. There are court precedents where excessive cleaning fee special clauses have been ruled invalid.

Daily Care Practices to Minimize Move-Out Costs

When moving out of a room where you have kept a cat, you may face higher restoration to original condition costs than normal. Minimize costs through daily care.

Scratching prevention: Cat scratching—a natural behavior—is a major cause of damage to walls, doors, and floors. Set up multiple dedicated scratching posts and train your cat to use those instead. Placing corner guards or protective film on wall corners can prevent scratches.

Urine odor and shedding management: Daily cleaning of the litter box is most important to prevent urine from soaking into floors and walls. If your cat marks walls or floors, immediately address it with commercial odor eliminators. Long-haired cats' fur can get tangled in wallpaper, so keep up with regular vacuuming.

Regular nail trimming: Keeping nails short reduces the risk of damage to flooring and wall coverings. Make nail trimming every 1-2 months a habit.

Voluntary cleaning before move-out: Self-cleaning before move-out using commercial wallpaper repair materials and odor eliminators can reduce professional cleaning fees.

Consideration for Neighbors and Those Below

Cat yowling at night (during heat) or running sounds can cause noise complaints from neighbors and those living below.

• •Have your cat spayed or neutered (nighttime yowling during heat is greatly reduced)
• •Place soundproof mats in rooms where your cat runs around at night
• •First floors may be preferable to higher floors (1-2 floors up) where running vibrations transmit less easily

Important Points When Searching for a New Rental While Already Keeping a Cat

Finding a new place to move becomes more difficult if you already have a cat.

• •Submit current cat care information (number, breed, spaying or neutering status) in writing beforehand
• •Bringing receipts from previous move-out cleaning costs increases credibility
• •Preparing photos showing good property management (interior conditions) gives you an advantage in negotiations

Summary

Living with a cat in a rental requires careful attention to many points—from the property search stage through move-out. The three most important things are: "always obtain written approval in advance," "do not neglect daily interior care," and "confirm special clause details regarding move-out costs beforehand."

To maintain a long rental life with your cat, building a careful trust relationship with your landlord or property manager will lead to a comfortable living environment.

When a pet passes away in a pet-friendly rental, several important steps need to be taken. This guide covers handling remains and arranging cremation, restoring the property after odors and damage, clarifying landlord notification requirements, and how to prevent problems at move-out time.