Vintage Realty Company is proud to preserve the bond between
responsible pet
owners and their companion animals by instituting a pets-welcome
policy for its
multifamily communities. We realize that responsible pet caregivers
— those who are
good neighbors and whose pets are well cared for — are more
likely to be contented,
long-term residents of our community. It is the goal of this policy
to provide well-
defined pet-keeping policies or effective guidelines to identify
responsible pet
caregivers.
Pets-Welcome
Policy
Vintage Realty Company welcomes you and your pet(s) to your new
home. Pets
deserve a lifetime of responsible caretaking and residents of our
community deserve
to reside free of problems caused by irresponsible pet-owning
residents.
Screening / Registration
Pet caregivers must complete a Pet Application, obtain approval for
residency during a successful Pet Interview and pay Pet Fees prior
to their pet(s) occupying the apartment. If the pet is a dog or a
cat, a current photograph should be attached to the Pet
Application. This photograph will be useful should it become
necessary to identify the animal during an emergency. The Property
Manager will present a copy of the Pets-Welcome Policy and Animal
Addendum to the Lease Contract to the resident for review and
signature.
Permissible Pets
Only dogs and cats no less than six (6) months of age will be
considered for occupancy. There is a two (2) animal limit per
apartment. It is recommended that all dogs and cats be spayed or
neutered by 6 months of age unless the procedure is deemed
medically unsafe by a veterinarian (generally due to health or age
issues).
All breeds must be approved in advance of occupancy during the
Pet Interview with the Property Manager. Aggressive or
disruptive animals will not be allowed regardless of breed or
weight. The following breeds will not be accepted for
occupancy:
- Chow Chow
- Rottweiler
- Doberman Pinscher
- Pit Bull
- German Shepherd
Note: Mixed breed animals are classified according to which
breed the animal most resembles in appearance and
behavior.
Pet Deposits/Fees
1 – 50 lbs, full-grown weight = $300,
½ refundable
Pet rent = $10/month
*Per pet (limit 2).
Responsibilities of Pet
Ownership
1. All cats
and dogs must be kept under the control of their owners at all
times.
2. Dog
caregivers are required to pick up immediately after their dogs and
to dispose of
waste in designated ‘Pet Waste” containers.
3.
Responsible pet owners maintain flea-free pets using the many safe
and effective
products available through veterinarians. The community reserves
the right to have
the premises professionally treated (at the pet caregiver’s
expense) in the event
there is evidence of fleas after the resident has vacated the
premises.
4. Cats are
NOT required to be declawed.
Restrictions
1. Pets may
not be kept, bred, or used for any commercial purpose. All cats and
dogs
must be spayed or neutered by six months of age unless the
procedure is deemed
medically unsafe by a veterinarian.
2. Pets must
be confined to the pet owner’s apartment home and must not be
allowed
to roam free or be tethered. Pets must not be left unattended on
patios or balconies.
Pets in transit are to be carried, restrained by a leash, or placed
in an animal carrier.
3. Persons
who walk pets are responsible for immediately cleaning up after
their
animals and discarding securely bagged pet droppings in designated
“Pet Waste”
containers. Pet owners will be fined $25 per violation of this
restriction. Please do
not dispose of cat litter down toilets.
4. Pet
caregivers are responsible for any damage caused by their pets. Any
damage
caused by cleaning chemicals or other such materials used in an
attempt to remedy
said damage is also the full responsibility of the pet owner.
5. No pet
will be allowed to become a nuisance or
create
any
unreasonable
disturbance.
Examples of nuisance behavior for the purposes of this paragraph
are:
a) Pets whose unruly behavior causes personal injury or property
damage.
b) Pets that make noise continuously and/or incessantly for a
period of ten minutes
or intermittently for 1/2 hour or more to the disturbance of any
person at any
time of the day or night.
c) Pets in common areas that are not under the complete physical
control of a
responsible human companion and on a hand-held leash of no more
than six feet
in length or in a pet carrier.
d) Pets that relieve themselves on walls or floors of common
areas.
e) Pets who exhibit aggressive or other dangerous or potentially
dangerous
behavior.
f) Pets that are conspicuously unclean or parasite infested.
6.
Notwithstanding any other provision herein, disabled individuals
may keep
assistance animals in their apartment homes. Furthermore, nothing
will hinder full
access to the apartments and the commons areas by individuals with
disabilities.
7. No
visiting pets allowed.
8. Pet
caregivers will indemnify Vintage Realty Company and hold it
harmless against
loss or liability of any kind arising from their pet(s).
Violation of
Pets-Welcome Policies
If you, your guest, or any occupant violates any rule or provision
of the Animal Addendum (based upon our judgment) and we give you
written notice, you must remove the animal immediately and
permanently from the premises.
Removal of
Animal
In some circumstances, we may allow an animal control officer or
humane society representative
to enter the dwelling unit and remove the animal if, in our sole
judgment, you have:
• abandoned the animal;
• left the animal in the dwelling
unit for an extended period time without food or water; or
• failed to care for a sick
animal
If you have violated our animal rules or let the animal defecate or
urinate where it’s not
supposed to, you will be subject to eviction and other remedies
under paragraphs 27, 28 or 32 of the Lease Contract.
Liabilities for
Damages, Injuries, Cleaning, Etc.
You and all co-residents will be jointly and severally liable for
the entire amount of all damages caused by the animal, including
all cleansing, de-fleaing, and deodorizing. This provision applies
to all parts of the dwelling unit, including carpets, doors, walls,
drapes, wallpaper, windows, screens, furniture, appliances, as well
as landscaping and other outside improvements. If items cannot be
satisfactorily cleaned or repaired, you must pay for us to replace
them completely. Payment for damages, repairs, cleaning,
replacements, etc. are due immediately upon demand.
As owner of the animal, you’re strictly liable for the
entire amount of any injury that the animal
causes to a person or anyone’s property. You’ll
indemnify us for all costs of litigation and
attorney’s fees resulting from any such damage.
Multiple
Residents
Each resident who signed the Lease Contract must sign the Animal
Addendum to the Lease
Contract. You, your guests, and any occupant must follow all animal
rules. Each resident is jointly and severally liable for damages
and all other obligations set forth in the Animal Addendum, even if
the resident does not own the animal.
General
You acknowledge that no other oral or written agreement exists
regarding animals. The Animal Addendum and the animal rules are
considered part of the Lease Contract. It has been executed in
multiple originals, one for you and one or more for us.
The Pet
Interview
The following is a list of questions used when interviewing
prospective residents with
pets. These questions will assist the Property Manager in getting
to know a resident and
their commitment to providing responsible pet care. It is required
that the Property
Manager meet each pet (especially dogs) prior to obtaining approval
for occupancy. A
well-groomed, well-behaved pet is one of the best signs of a
responsible pet caregiver.
For All Pet
Owners
•What types of pets do you have?
•How long have you had your pets?
•Do you have a letter of recommendation from your veterinarian
stating that each
pet is in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations?
•Do you have any written reference for your pets from your
current landlord?
•Have there been any complaints about your pet at your current
address? If so,
have you paid your landlord for all the damage done?
•Does your pet have any medical or behavioral problems? If so,
what treatment
or training is he receiving?
•May I visit you and your pet after you move in to see how
your pet is adjusting?
•Who will care for your pet when you are on vacation?
For Cat
Owners
•Has you cat been spayed or neutered?
•Do you keep your cat indoors? Responsible pet caregivers help
their cats stay
safe and live longer by keeping them indoors and away from
situations where
they could become a nuisance
•Does your cat use the litter box that you provide?
•Does your cat wear a collar with visible identification?
•Is your cat registered with the local animal care and control
authority (if required
by local law)?
For Dog
Owners
•Has your dog been spayed or neutered?
•Is your dog licensed and wearing a collar with visible
identification?
•Is your dog housetrained?
•Do you keep your dog on a leash when you go for walks?
•How do you clean up your dog’s waste when walking
him?
•Have you and your dog completed a dog training class?
•How much time does your dog spend alone each day?
•How often do you treat your dog for fleas and ticks?
•Has your dog ever bitten anyone?
Are You a Responsible Pet
Owner?
Providing for your pets’ physical needs and caring for them
with love and commitment are the first requirements of responsible
pet owners. But these are not the only requirements. Pet caregivers
cannot be unreasonable or responsibly ignore the impact their
animals can have on neighbors. This is especially true of those
living in multifamily communities. Here are a few common-sense
rules to keep your neighbors happy — and your pet safe.
Responsible Pet
Owners:
•Clean up immediately after their pets and dispose of the
waste in a sanitary manner
•Keep their dogs on leashes at all times when outside the
home
•Help their cats stay safe and live longer by keeping them
indoors and away from
situations where they could become a nuisance
•Ensure that their dogs or cats are licensed and outfitted
with visible identification at all
times
•Obey local animal nuisance laws (which generally define
“excessive noise” by any animal
as continuous or incessant for a period of ten minutes, or
intermittently for one-half (1/2)
hour, to the disturbance of any person at any time of the day or
night)
•Spay or neuter their dog or cat to improve the health and
behavior of the animal and to
prevent their animal from adding to the problem of pet
overpopulation
•Maintain an active flea-and-tick control program so these
pests won’t spread to
neighboring apartment homes, the common areas or public parks.
(Please consult your
veterinarian before starting any flea or tick control program or
giving your pet any
medication.)
•Keep pet portfolios that include proof of licensing, proof of
spay or neuter, current
records of vaccinations and veterinary care, dog training school
diplomas, references
from previous landlords, and information on pet first aid and
nearby emergency
veterinary clinics
•Maintain a pet emergency kit that includes an emergency plan
and supplies in the event
the home must be quickly evacuated because of a disaster.
Moving: Settling into your
New Home with Your Pet
Moving to a new home may be stressful to your pet. So be patient
and understanding and
provide lots of affection. Here are some pointers to help you and
your beloved pet settle in safelyand sanely.
Cats
For the first few days in your new home, it’s smart to
confine your cat to one room, while you
work on putting the rest of the place in order. Prepare the room
with your cat’s bed, litter box,
food and water bowls, and toys.
Now is the perfect time to make your cat an indoor-only pet.
Indoor-only cats live longer and
healthier lives. Resist attempts by your cat to go outdoors. If
your cat hasn’t established an
outdoor territory, he or she is less likely to be interested in
going outside. Accessories such as window perches can ease the
transition. If you play with your cat and supply lots of attention,
your cat should have all he or she needs indoors.
Dogs
Ideally, your dog’s introduction to his new home will be with
familiar furniture already in place, including his bed and crate,
toys, and food and water bowls. If you must be away from home for
many hours each day, look into a pet-sitter or consider dog day
care.
Safety
Make your new home safe for all pets by being mindful of, or
providing a secure place for your pet. Hazards to pay special
attention to are as follows:
•poison—such as cleansers, insect sprays and pesticides,
medications, chocolate, certain
plants, and antifreeze
•burn—such as plugged-in appliances, boiling liquids,
open flames
•electrocute—such as worn lamp cords
•strangle, choke, or obstruct breathing—such as choke
collars, small balls, sewing thread
and needles, pantyhose, and bones
•topple or crush—such as precariously placed appliances,
top-heavy filing cabinets, and
lamps
•allow escape or theft—such as loose screens and
inadequate fences. Never leave your pet
unattended on a balcony or chained in a yard.
Veterinary Care
As soon as possible, choose a veterinarian and take a practice
drive to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Trying to find it
when you really need it in an emergency situation can waste
precious time. Also learn basic pet first aid.
Disasters
Wherever you live, disasters such as fires, floods, earthquakes,
hurricanes, or hazardous-material spills may occur. Make sure you
are prepared for your pet’s safety in case of a disaster.
Start by keeping a list on hand of community animal welfare
resources.
Residency with an Assistive
Animal
Pets of people with disabilities are legally considered
“assistive animals.” It is the policy of
Vintage Realty Company and this community to enable residents with
disabilities unencumbered access to animals of assistance provided
the resident is capable of being an effective pet caregiver.
The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 applies to virtually all
forms of housing. The federal department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) investigates housing discrimination complaints
under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title 11 of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990. If your Property Manager refuses to
acknowledge your right to have an assistive animal, call the HUD
Distribution Center at 800-767-7468 for a referral to the HUD
office nearest you. When you call, also request the free
publication “Residents, Rights, and Responsibilities”
and “The Fair Housing Act.”
You have a right to keep a pet in your apartment if you nave a
disability and complete the
following:
• You can prove that your pet is
necessary for health reasons
• You complete a Pet Application,
sign the Animal Addendum to the Lease Contract
and pay all applicable Pet Deposits
What is a Disability?
The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, and other federal laws
concerning disabilities, define a disability as a physical or
mental impairment of a person that substantially limits one or more
major life activities (for example, walking, seeing, hearing,
speaking, learning, breathing, performing manual tasks, washing,
dressing, preparing food, eating, keeping your home clean, working,
and so on): or a record of having such an impairment (for example,
a disability, such as depression, from which you have recovered: or
being regarded as having such an impairment (meaning that people
treat you as if you have a disability even though you do not).
Sample Letter from a Doctor
“(Name of patient) is my patient and I have diagnosed her
/ him with (name of illness /
disability), which limits her / his major life activities of
(include all that apply: walking, seeing,
hearing, speaking, working, or other). I have prescribed emotional
support animals to alleviate her / his problems of (isolation,
loneliness, depression, stress, anxiety, or whatever is
appropriate) resulting from these limitations and to assist (name
of patient) in coping with her / his
(illness/disability).”