pet policy
Pet Policy
We love animals. Betty, Stella, Sycamore, Ruth, Fred and Max are each a beloved
past or present dog or cat. We welcome responsible owners of good citizen
pets and believe that landlords who set blanket “no pets” policies
are missing out on some of the best renters. However, we’re also
aware that permitting pets brings the potential of damage, unpleasant and
unsanitary dog waste and problems due to uncontrolled or aggressive behavior.
We’ve established these pet policies so that all of our rental residents
and their pets can enjoy a pleasant and harmonious living experience.
Definitions
“Pets” includes, but is not limited to, both warm- and cold-blooded
animals such as dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, rats, birds, snakes, lizards, and
insects. “Pets” does not include animals trained to serve the disabled,
such as seeing-eye dogs, hearing dogs or other service dogs.
References
Our application form provides space for you to tell us about your pets. We
will
screen your pets’ references at the same time that we screen yours.
Deposits
Additional deposits for pets are determined case-by-case, contingent upon
the age, type and number of pets and references provided. We hope to return
your
pet deposit to you, in full, when you return the apartment to us in the condition
in which you rented it. Pet deposits are added to your security deposit and
can be applied toward any damage to the premises, whether pet-related or
not.
Limitations
We reserve the right to determine if the number, size and demeanor of your
pet(s) are appropriate for the apartment for which you have applied.
Cat Information
It is unusual for us to collect a deposit for cats. And we will generally
allow the adoption of new kittens or cats. We will generally deny any application
that includes an un-neutered male cat.
Dog Information
At application we give preference to dogs who have completed obedience
training or have passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. We require
at least 1 year
of references for any dog on your application, but prefer 3 years. Dogs under
a year of age are generally not accepted. We prefer to personally meet all
dogs prior to having you sign your rental agreement. Some of our upstairs
apartments
are not a good fit for dogs.
You will be required to obtain renters insurance that covers liability for
incidents due to your dog(s). Unfortunately, our insurance companies are now
placing limitations
on the dog breeds we may permit to live in our rentals.
While residing in our rentals, dogs must be kept under control at all times
and must be restrained when outside the dwelling. Dogs may never be left
unattended
or tethered outside the building. All of our rentals have wood floors. Pine and
fir floors, especially, are very soft and can be badly damaged by dog toenails.
You will be responsible for any such damage. Take to place area rugs to protect
the floor in high traffic and high activity areas and trim your dog’s nails
regularly. Likewise, for upstairs apartments, area rugs in high activity areas
are a necessary courtesy to your neighbors below.
Because we require references for all dogs for at least a year, it is generally
not possible for you to adopt a new dog while renting from us. In the event that
references are feasible for a dog and you have had prior dog-ownership experience,
we will consider permitting an adoption, but only with a sizeable security deposit
and on an initial trail basis. We will not, under any circumstances, let you
adopt a puppy… sorry.
General Pet Information
You must, at all times, adhere to all local licensing and other ordinances
with regard to all of your pets, clean up after your pets and dispose of
all waste
promptly, leave no food or water outside the dwelling, provide regular health
care and inoculations, keep your pets from being noisy and/or aggressive and
pay immediately for any damage, loss or expense caused by your pet. You may
not breed any female pet without our permission. We retain the right to
revoke permission
to keep any pet for non-compliance with these policies.
