Residents who live in BHA housing developments are permitted to own common household pets. Service animals that are needed as a reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities are not considered pets, rather tools or auxiliary aids. Service animals are fully functional tools to assist individuals with disabilities.
Pets must be registered with the PHA before they are brought onto the premises. Registration includes documentation signed by a licensed veterinarian or state/local authority that the pet has received all inoculations required by state or local law, and that the pet has no communicable disease(s) and is free of fleas and pests. This registration must be renewed annually and will be coordinated with the annual reexamination date.
Pets will not be approved to reside in a unit until completion of the registration requirements.
The following animals are not permitted:
- Any animal whose adult weight will exceed 25 pounds
- Dogs of the pit bull, rottweiler, chow, or boxer breeds
- Ferrets or other animals whose natural protective mechanisms pose a risk to small children of serious bites or lacerations
- Any animal not permitted under state or local law or code
Only one dog or cat will be allowed per apartment.
In the case of fish, residents may keep no more than can be maintained in a safe and healthy manner in a tank holding up to 10 gallons. Such a tank or aquarium will be counted as 1 pet.
Pet owners are required to pay a pet deposit in addition to any other required deposits. The amount of the deposit is $175 for elderly/disabled and $250 for family sites, and must be paid in full before the pet is brought on the premises.
You can find the HUD approved Pet Policy in the Policies, Procedures & Forms section of the website.