HOUSING AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF WASHBURN AND COUNTY OF BAYFIELD
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer”
420 East Third Street, Washburn, WI 54891 Tel. 715-373-2653; Fax 715-373-2610
- PET POLICY
Description. The lease covering the premises provides that no pets are permitted on or about the premises without the Housing Authority’s prior written consent. This pet agreement covers only dogs, cats, birds and fish. Ownership of any other type of pet would also have to be subject to Housing Authority approval. Residents are hereby permitted to have only the following described pet, subject to the terms and conditions of this pet agreement.
** In the Single Family Homes and units with outside entrances, the weight restriction is lifted. However, the pet must meet all of the other stipulations in this pet policy. In the elderly and or disabled units, weight and size may be a factor. Service animals are exempt from this rule.
General Pet Rules. Resident(s) agree to abide by the following rules:
a. Nuisance. The pet may not cause any damage to the premises nor may the pet cause any discomfort, annoyance, or nuisance to any other resident.
b. Sanitary problems. All dogs and cats must be housebroken. The pet may not be fed or given water, or allowed to urinate or defecate on any unprotected carpet inside the dwelling unit. Residents shall immediately remove and properly dispose of all pet waste on the grounds.
c. Abandonment. Residents may not abandon the pet, leave it for any extended period without food or water, or fail to care for it if it is sick.
d. Compliance with laws. Residents agree to comply with all applicable governmental laws and regulations regarding the pet.
e. Guests. No guests may bring pets onto the premises. An exception is made concerning a service dog for a guest who is legally blind.
f. Noise. No pet may make excessive noise which disrupts the peace of the complex or the surrounding neighborhood.
g. Annual Certification. Every pet must be registered annually at the Housing Authority office at the time of the annual tenant recertification each and every year to comply. Registering your pet includes required proof of current license and current rabies vaccination verification, if applicable.
h. Alternate Care. All pet owners are required to have a signed statement from another person (complete attachment) who is willing to care for the pet should the owner not be able to do so for any reason.
i. Specific types of Pets. The following rules apply to specific types of pets:
Dogs:
A pet security deposit of $250.00 must be paid prior to the dog’s residence in the dwelling unit, however, a legally blind tenant may keep a service animal and be exempt from the security deposit.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when they are outside of the dwelling unit and may not be left unattended.
Only one cat or one dog can be kept in a dwelling unit.
The dog must wear a city animal license, must have a valid rabies tag and a tag bearing the owner’s name, address and phone number. The Owner must provide the Housing Authority with proof of license and up-to-date vaccination.
A female dog must be spayed if it is over six months old; a male must be neutered if it is over eight months old – unless a licensed veterinarian provides a written statement of why this may be detrimental to the pet’s health.
The following breeds of dogs are banned because of their aggressiveness: Pit Bulls (also known as Staffordshire terriers or bull terriers), German Shepherds, Huskies, Malamutes, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweiler, and Chow Chows.
Cats:
A pet security deposit of $250.00 must be paid prior to the cat’s residence in the dwelling unit.
Residents must provide and maintain an appropriate litter box free of waste.
Only one cat or one dog may be kept in the dwelling unit.
Cats must be kept on a leash at all times when they are outside the dwelling unit and may not be left unattended.
The cat must have a valid rabies tag.
A female cat must be spayed if it is over six months old; a male must be neutered if it is over eight months old – unless a licensed veterinarian provides a written statement of why this may be detrimental to the pet’s health.
Cat litter must be double-bagged in plastic prior to disposal to avoid leakage. Residents may not dispose of litter in toilets even if the litter is marked “flushable”, as it still may cause clogs in pipes and result in flooding.
Birds:
Birds must remain in cages at all times.
Fish:
Fish tanks may not exceed 25 gallons and must be placed in a safe location in the dwelling unit, typically on a shelf or table that provides enough support.
Residents will be responsible for all damages caused by leakage or breakage from the aquarium or tank.
j. Additional Rules. The Housing Authority may, from time to time as needed, make reasonable changes or additions to the pet rules set forth in this agreement. The Housing Authority will provide written notice to the tenants of any adopted changes in policy.
Housing Authority’s Remedies for Violations.
a. Removal of pet by Resident. If, in the judgment of the Housing Authority, any rule or provision of this pet agreement is violated by residents or their guests to the point where the Housing Authority asks for the pet’s removal, residents shall immediately and permanently remove the pet from the premises upon written notice from the Housing Authority. Non-compliance with this request is a violation of the lease and grounds for termination of the rental agreement.
b. Removal of the pet by the Housing Authority. If, in the judgment of the Housing Authority, residents have abandoned the pet, left it for any extended period without food or water, failed to care for it if it is sick, or left it unattended in violation of the rules herein, the Housing Authority may, upon one day’s prior notice left in a conspicuous place and in accordance with the terms of the lease dealing with entry of the premises, enter the dwelling unit to remove the pet and turn it over to a humane society or other local authority as applicable. The Housing Authority shall not be liable for loss, harm, sickness, or death of the pet unless due to specific negligence of the Housing Authority. The Housing Authority has no lien on the pet for any purpose, but residents shall pay for reasonable care and kenneling charges if the pet is removed in accordance with this paragraph.
c. Cleaning and Repairs. Residents shall be jointly and separately liable for the entire amount of all damages caused by the pet. If any item cannot be satisfactorily cleaned or repaired, residents must pay for the complete replacement of such item.
d. Injuries. Residents shall be strictly liable for the entire amount of any death or injury to any person or property caused by the pet, and shall indemnify the Housing Authority for all costs of litigation and attorney’s fees resulting from same.
e. Move-out. After residents vacate the premises, they shall reimburse the Housing Authority for the cost of any de-fleaing, deodorizing and shampooing necessary to protect future residents from possible health hazards.
f. Other Remedies. This pet agreement is an addendum to the lease between the Housing Authority and the legal resident. If any rule or provision of this agreement is violated, the Housing Authority shall, in addition to the foregoing, have all rights and remedies set forth in the lease for violations thereof, including but not limited to eviction, damages and attorney’s fees.