Pet Policy

Pets in Public Housing - The North Central Florida Regional Housing Authority (NCFRHA) allows for pet ownership in its units with the written pre-approval of the Housing Authority. Residents are responsible for any damage caused by their pets, including the cost of fumigating or cleaning their units. In exchange for this right, the resident assumes full responsibility and liability for the pet and agrees to hold NCFRHA harmless for any claims caused by any action or inaction of the pet. Pets must be registered with the PHA before they are brought onto the premises. Pets will not be approved to reside in a unit until ALL registration requirements are met.

Exclusion for Assistance Animals - For an animal to be excluded from the pet policy and be considered an assistance animal, there must be a person with disabilities in the household who has a disability-related need for the animal. In other words, the animal must work, perform tasks or services, or alleviate the emotional effects of your disability in order to qualify. The family must request and the PHA approves a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the policies contained in Chapter 2. Residents must care for assistance animals in a manner that complies with state and local laws. Residents must ensure that assistance animals do not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or cause substantial physical damage to the development, dwelling unit, or property of other residents. When a resident's care or handling of an assistance animal violates these policies, the PHA will consider whether the violation could be reduced or eliminated by reasonable accommodation. If the PHA determines that no such accommodation can be made, the PHA may withdraw the approval of a particular assistance animal.

Standards for Pets - NCFRHA will only allow common household pets. This means a domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, fish, or turtle that is traditionally recognized as a companion animal and is kept in the home for pleasure rather than commercial purposes. Common household pets do not include reptiles (except for turtles). If this definition conflicts with state or local law or regulation, the state or local law or regulation shall govern.

Number of Pets - Residents may own a maximum of one common household pet unless circumstances arise that have been approved by management.

In the case of fish or turtle, residents may keep no more than can be maintained in a safe and healthy manner in a tank sized up to ten gallons. 

Pet Fee - Pet owners are required to pay a pet fee.

Pet Restrictions - The following animals are not permitted:

• Any animal not permitted under state or local law or code

Visiting Pets - Animals that are not owned by a tenant are not allowed on the premises. Residents are prohibited from feeding or harboring stray animals.