Trust the Japanese to think of outlandish concepts. Their latest includes rental properties with a ‘rent a cat’ that comes part of the lease terms.
JapanPropertyCentral.com reports that the idea is being pushed by Tokyo-based non-profit organisation Tokyo Cat Guardian, which is operating a rental apartment complex where tenants can share their rooms with a cat from a shelter.
After going through the organisation’s screening process, tenants can choose a cat of their choice from a shelter, but can give it back when moving out.
Tenants can also swap their cat for another if they feel they are incompatible with their original choice.
Throughout their tenancy, the new pet owners must be responsible for the cat’s food and vet bills, and can also elect to keep the cat forever – if they wish.
Tokyo Cat Guardian have been operating cat-included rental apartments since 2010, approaching landlords to find pet friendly properties. They then advertise them through their website.
