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 welldefined 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. All dogs and cats must 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. Although all breeds will be considered, the following breeds are generally not 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 1 – 50 lbs, full-grown weight = $ * Pet Fee per pet (limit 2). * Check with your community.
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 safely and 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. As such, any and all applicable Pet Deposits, Pet Fees and Pet Rent will be waived.
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 HUDDistributionCenter 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 such as a letter from your doctor. • You complete a Pet Application and sign the Animal Addendum to the Lease Contract
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).”
