ferret odor elimination

Question
Hi Cindy,
I am considering renting an apartment to a couple that have 6 ferrets.  They are very good about the care and treatment of these pets.  My concern is that when they leave the apartment will the ferret ordor remain or leave when the animals leave?  If there is a remaining ordor how difficult will it be to get the apartment smelling fresh and clean again?  Would you rent to 6 ferrets?  Looking forward to hearing from you.  Take Care, Dave

Answer
Hello David,

I'm surprised that you are the first land lord to ask me this question.  It depends on you, the renters and the ferrets.  How clean are they kept?  Are the ferrets good with using the litter box?  What room will they live?  Are they free-roam or caged?  All of these are good questions to ask.

Ferrets do not have a bad smell in my opinion.  There is a definite "musk" to them, but not a stench.   I used to work for a shelter that was kept meticulously clean that contained over 30 ferrets at one time!  It had a smell, but not like dirty cat boxes. If the house was put on the market, no one would know many many ferrets were kept there. They adopted their 1000th ferret last year, so that is a feat in itself!!

Remember, like any animal, ferrets must be kept CLEAN.  I walked into a home yesterday and was almost blown away by the stench of cat litter. The family owned 4 cats and did not appear to clean the box much.  I don't know how someone could live smelling that all of the time.  You do not want to rent to someone like them.  Ferrets will STINK if not kept clean, but this is true of ANY animal.     

One thing to ask the prescriptive renter is where the ferrets will be kept.  If not in a cage, the bathroom is the best location due to the tile flooring.  There are two reasons.  One is the ease of cleaning and disinfecting the area.  The second is if your house has carpet floors.  Ferrets are natural diggers, and it is very difficult to sway them from clawing carpet, especially near the doors.  If you have carpet, I would recommended the ferrets stay in the bathroom except under supervision OR speak to them about placing down linoleum in at least one room. Linoleum is PERFECT.  My old room had this, and it never smelled when I moved since I made sure I kept my kids clean. My new home has stained concrete, which works as well as the linoleum.  

Weigh the options and speak to the family.  Maybe allow a tentative period and see how it goes.  I do recommend installing linoleum flooring in at least one room.  Ferrets need active play, and a cage is NOT sufficient.  Even a bathroom is probably too small to keep 6 grown ferrets all of the time. Kitchens are too dangerous since they can squeeze behind the stove, refrigerator or into cabinets.  Linoleum is a cheap solution to all of your worries.   I would highly recommend you consider it.  This way, you have the peace of mind that your property will be in good condition, as well as 6 happy ferret tenants!!      

-Cindy P.

PS.  Perhaps ask for references or speak to the property owners of their previous residence.  This may give you some insight as to how clean they keep their little buddies.