Pet Policy

In compliance with Section 227 of Title II of the Housing and Urban Rural Recovery Act of 1983, the Hillsdale Housing Commission will permit residents of housing projects built exclusively for occupancy by the elderly and handicapped to own and keep common household pets in their apartments.

I. Definitions

Common household pets are defined as the following:

A. Bird - Including canary, parakeet, finch and other species that are normally kept caged; birds of prey and parrots are not permitted.

B. Fish - In tanks or aquariums, not to exceed 20 gallons in capacity; poisonous or dangerous fish are not permitted.

C. Dog - not to exceed 20 pounds weight and 18" at full growth. Male and female must be spayed or neutered. Veterinarian's recommended/suggested types of dogs are as follows:

E. Seeing-eye dog - A seeing-eye dog is defined as a dog specially trained to assist visually impaired persons. This definition includes other animals specifically trained to aid an individual so that he or she may live independently.

II. Policies

A. At no time will the Hillsdale Housing Commission approve of exotic pets, such as snakes, monkeys, game pets, etc.

B. Only one dog or cat will be allowed per apartment. Birds shall be limited to four per apartment.

C. No guest will be allowed to bring pets on the premises. Resident will not be allowed to pet sit or house a pet without fully complying with this policy and prior written approval from management.

D. All pets must be on a leash when not in owner's apartment. Leash must be no longer than 4 feet, and dogs must be muzzled when not in resident's apartment. Seeing-eye dogs need not be muzzled. Other animals specifically trained to aid handicapped persons need not be muzzled or contained on a leash.

E. All birds must be provided with a cage. Birds must remain caged at all times.

H. All fur bearing animals must wear flea collars at all times. This rule must be adhered to for the protection of non-pet residents.

I. Pets must be hand-held and on a leash while on the elevator. Seeing-eye dogs need not be hand-held while on the elevator. Other animals specifically trained to aid an individual in independent living need not be hand-held or on a leash while on the elevator.

J. Pets are not permitted in the common areas of the building, such as laundry room, community room, community kitchen, library, etc. Seeing-eye dogs are permitted in common areas while in the control of their owners. Additionally, other animals specifically designed to help handicapped persons remain independent are allowed to accompany resident in common areas.

K. Dogs and cats shall not be permitted to excrete anywhere in the building (other than cats using a litter box in resident's apartment). Pet owner shall be responsible for immediately removing feces dropped anywhere in the building or on the grounds. Management will impose a charge of $5.00 per occurrence, on pet owners that fail to remove pet waste.

1. Waste must be placed in a plastic bag, tied securely, and deposited in dumpster. Poorly disposed of waste will not be tolerated.

2. Tenants owning a cat must provide a litter box for their cat, and it should and must be cleaned on a daily basis. Litter to be changed a minimum of two times weekly, disposing of feces and litter in the proper manner.

4. The Hillsdale Housing Commission has designated area(s) on the grounds for "Pet Runs." These area(s) must be used by pet owners. Pet owner shall be responsible for immediately removing feces dropped by their pet. Management will impose a charge of $5.00 per occurrence, on pet owners that fail to remove pet waste.

L. No pet shall be tied up or left unattended on the outside of building(s) at anytime on the Housing Commission property.

N. At no time will pets be allowed in lobbies except when leaving or entering the building. Seeing-eye dogs and other animals specifically trained to aid persons to live independently are allowed in lobbies while under the control of their owners.

O. All apartments with pets must be kept free of pet odors and maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. Resident's apartments will be subject to inspection once per month.

P. If pet poses a nuisance, such as excessive noise, barking, or whining, which disrupts the peace of the complex, the owner will remove the pet from the premises, if management so requests, within 10 days.

Q. If pets' conduct or condition is duly determined to constitute a threat to the health or safety of the resident, other occupants or employees of the project, or of other persons in the community where the project is located; owner will remove the pet from the premises immediately.

R. Every pet must be registered annually with the Hillsdale Housing Commission Management office. Registration requires the following:

S. Every dog and cat must wear a City animal license, a valid rabies tag, and a tag bearing the owner's name, address, and phone number.

T. Before acquiring a pet, the owner must have on file with the Hillsdale Housing Commission a notarized statement with the office naming the person(s) accepting responsibility for the care of their pets in case of absence of more than one day.

U. Pet owner agrees to immediately remove or allow the Commission to remove any pet within the scope of this policy, for improper maintenance, at the resident's expense.

V. Violations of the Hillsdale Housing Commission's pet policy will constitute grounds for termination of the lease.

W. The owner of a dog or cat shall pay a non-refundable fee in the amount of $50.00 to cover the reasonable operating costs to the Hillsdale Housing Commission relating to the presence of dogs and cats at the project.

I have reviewed and understand the above regulations and agree to conform to the same, and understand that violation of the rules may result in a requirement to permanently remove the pet from the unit or vacate the dwelling unit.

If the above named person changes their name, address or telephone number, or if you decide to have another person care for your pet in case of illness, please notify the housing commission management office.

Adopted by the board of the Hillsdale Housing Commission 03/10/94.
Amended by the Hillsdale Housing Commission 02/08/2001, Resolution #HHC 2001-14.