Question:
I have an investment property and the last time I inspected it wreaked of cat urine. Is there anything I can do?
Answer:
While you are stuck with them to some extent, however, if the new occupant or the cats are causing property damage, a noise disturbance, or an allergic reaction (or if the cats were dangerous), then your clients would have some rights including eviction.
Certainly, if you have wood floors, then they are at risk. There’s no fix for cat urine. The wooden strips have to be replaced. That might be impossible with an older home. You might want to get to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) asap.
Pets are allowed, since a “no pet clause” is void. But, “pets” are not a defined term under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). These ferel cats sound like wild animals not domesticated pets. Further many Animal Control By-laws will specify the total number of cats and/or dogs permitted in a house. Oftentimes, the total is 5, so that could be an issue here too.
Upon eviction the Tenant will be responsible to compensate you for the cost of repairs.
Brian Madigan LL.B., Broker