Public Housing Pet Policy

APPROVED PET POLICY REGULATIONS
In accordance with the terms in 24CFR 960.70

All elderly/disabled residents may own a common household pet, or have one common household pet in addition to birds or fish present in the dwelling unit.

This does not apply to animals that assist, support, or provide service to persons with disabilities. (CFR 960.705)

PET DEFINED: A domesticated dog weighing twenty (20) pounds or less at maturity or any domesticated cat, bird, rodent, fish, or turtle that is traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than commercial purposes. Dogs and cats will be required to wear a collar. Reptiles (except turtles are excluded from the definition.) All pets will be required to sleep inside of the unit.

PET SECURITY DEPOSIT: An additional security deposit of $200.00 of which no less $100.00 to be paid at the time of the pet move-in. The remainder may be paid in increments of $25.00 per month until the sum of $200.00 is paid. This additional security deposit or any part thereof may not be used for any damages or cleaning incurred on the unit unless directly related to said pet.

LIABILITY INSURANCE: It is recommended that the Pet Owner purchase liability insurance for their own protection. The Tallahassee Housing Authority shall accept no liability for any damages caused by any pet owned by residents.

INOCULATION AND LICENSING: All pet owners must submit a current immunization record from a licensed veterinarian. The record is to be recertified at the time the pet owner is recertified for eligibility and

Proof of immunization must be provided at the time of registration unless:

• The pet is too young to immunize at the time of registration
• The pet owner must make sure that the pet is immunized within four months after birth
• Documentation is provided from a licensed veterinarian, as to the reason(s) for nonimmunization of pet.

Failure to immunize your pet by the age of four months from birth will require documentation from a licensed veterinarian, that the pet is too young for immunization, or you lose the privilege to have a pet. (Grievance procedure applies). All pet policy violations will be reviewed by the THA hearing officer.

SPAYING AND NEUTERING: Pet owners must have a record of spaying or neutering by a licensed veterinarian.

SANITARY STANDARDS: Owners of the pet will be responsible for all cleanups (anywhere on the grounds or in the building) and they will be disposed of in the dumpsters located in the community. There will be a charge to all pet owners of $5.00 for the 1st offense and $10.00 thereafter when failure to clean up is witnessed by management, maintenance staff, and/or residents. When litter boxes are in use, the pet owner will change the litter twice each week.

FLEAS: Must be controlled at all times. The resident should take all necessary steps to prevent flea and tick infestation. Failure to comply will result in the resident’s right not to own a pet according to this policy.

LEASHING: All dogs shall be leashed and under the control of a responsible individual while in the common areas of the property. The Leon County Leash Law shall apply.

REGISTRATION: The pet owner must register their pet with management before it is brought onto the premises. The registration will be updated annually. A picture will be taken of the pet and owner upon registration. The pet owner shall supply the names of one or more responsible parties to care for the pet in case of an emergency. A pet will not be allowed to remain unattended for more than 12 hours.

The owner of an animal is in violation of the law when that animal causes objectionable noises, destroys or damages the property of others.

Pet owners must comply with all Leon County and Federal Regulations. A copy may be obtained at the Managers office.

Inspections other than those permitted under the lease can be made after proper notification and during reasonable hours if a complaint is received in writing and the Tallahassee Housing Authority has reasonable grounds to believe that a nuisance or threat to the health and safety of the occupants of the dwelling or surrounding area exists.

In the event of a pet rule violation, the pet owner will have seven (7) days from the date of service of the notice to correct the violation, to remove the pet, or to make a written request for a conference to discuss said violations. Failure to correct the violation or request a conference or to appear at a requested meeting may result in termination of tenancy.

If a pet has to be removed due to the death or incapacity of the pet owner and the two responsible parties are contacted and are unwilling or unable to remove the pet, the animal care shall be borne by the pet owner or his or her estate. If unable or unwilling to pay, the cost will be paid from the pet deposit and the pet will be turned over to the appropriate animal shelter.

All conditions must be met and an addendum signed for admittance of the pet to the dwelling unit.

For a copy of the Public Housing Pet Policy Form, please contact our office.