Residents are allowed a common household pet, meaning a small domesticated dog, cat, bird, rodent, rabbit, fish or turtle that is traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes. Reptiles, except for turtles, are not common household pets. Residents are permitted to own and keep a common household pet in the apartments in accordance with the pet rules stated below. Each apartment may only contain one (1) four-legged, warm-blooded pet, or no more than one bird, turtle or one fish tank. Pet should weigh no more than 25 pounds. Service animals are excluded from the weight rule. Residents may request that their leases be amended to permit a common household pet if they acquire one after they move in and only after they have registered their pet as outlined below:
The pet owner must register the pet before it is brought to reside on the project premises and must update the registration annually. This includes: A pet application from CLSLC; A certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian stating that the pet has received all inoculations required by St. Mary’s County or Maryland Law; Information sufficient to identify the pet and to demonstrate that it is a common household pet; and Pets must be licensed according to the rules and regulations of St. Mary’s County and the State of Maryland. Residents must provide proof of these documents at each annual recertification or lease renewal.
Pet owners are responsible for cleaning or repairing any damages caused by their pet, for any injury caused to others or any damage to the property of others, and for keeping their pet quiet during “quiet hours” and preventing them from disturbing other residents. Written complaints by residents or CLSLC staff regarding a pet disturbance including non-compliance with cleaning up after the pet will constitute a violation. During the annual inspection, residents with pets will be expected to pay for any needed repairs found/noted. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up any accidents or other discharges from their pets both inside and outside of the building. Pet owners will be charged if their pet creates a need for additional cleaning of public areas. HUD allows CLSLC to impose a waste removal penalty of up to $5.00 per occurrence for failure to comply with pet waste removal policy.
If a resident violates a pet rule and management receives a written complaint describing the facts of the violation, the pet owner will receive a written pet rule violation notice which will describe the violation and state: That the pet owner has 10 days from the effective date of service of the notice to correct the violation (which may include removing the pet), request a meeting, or to appear at a requested meeting to discuss the violation; and That the pet owner's failure to correct the violation or perform any option listed above may result in initiation of procedures to have the pet removed or terminate the pet owner's tenancy or both.
All dogs and cats must be leashed and under the control of a responsible individual while in the common areas of the facility including any outdoor areas that are part of CLSLC. areas of the facility including any outdoor areas that are part of CLSLC.
Pet owners must pay an additional $200 pet security deposit with a minimum $50 initial payment followed by a minimum $10/month payment until the $200 deposit is satisfied. There are no monthly rent charges for pets. Management reserves the right to refuse registration of a pet if the required information and fees are not provided and/or if the presence of a pet will constitute a serious threat to the health or well-being of a neighboring resident.
Pets should never be left unattended for any period of time that could be considered neglect. In the event a resident has an unexpected need to be away for an extended time (a hospital stay, for example} a family member or friend must remove the pet from CLSLC and care for the pet elsewhere. It is CLSLC policy to call animal control for pets deemed to be neglected or abandoned.
Pets, with the exception of service animals, are NOT allowed in the dining room or kitchen. In other areas, please be respectful of your neighbors’ wishes when it comes to interacting with or being near your pet. Pets are not permitted on the furnishings in common areas.
Residents who register their pet(s) with management will have a pet amendment attached to their lease agreement.
Residents who are disturbed by another resident's pet must give management a written complaint describing the facts in order for the office to investigate and take appropriate action. Written complaints constitute a disturbance violation. A violation as with any other rule stands on its merit and one violation will result in action by management. Residents for whom the presence of a pet constitutes a threat to their health or well-being should file with management a statement describing the basis for concern.
