S&K APARTMENTS

Policy on Pets

There is a consistent, impartial policy on pets, which applies to all tenants. Pets are prohibited in the apartments at any time under the terms of your lease. Pets are not allowed, even on a temporary basis by visiting guests. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Whenever exceptions are granted, a written Pet Agreement and a pet deposit will be required.

Pets are only allowed when the pet owner has signed a Pet Agreement, agreeing to abide by certain conditions, and pledging that the pet will be removed if, in the sole judgment of the management, these conditions are violated. In all cases

where a Pet Agreement is executed, additional rent and an additional refundable deposit will be required to cover the expenses of carpet cleaning, deodorizing, disinfection, damage, and added wear and tear.

Currently we are accepting only one small pet per apartment - a small dog or a cat. The pet monthly fee for dogs is $15 and for cats $10. The refundable pet deposit is $300 (in addition to the standard rent deposit).

Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

There is much confusing and contradictory information on the internet regarding ESAs. Landlords in Virginia are required to conform to the rules of the Virginia Housing Authority regarding assistance animals. These rules meet the requirements of the FHA (Fair Housing Adminstration).

The intent of the law is to ensure that anyone with a disability has equal use and enjoyment of the premises. The law cannot be used to circumvent rules regarding pets. To ensure impartial treatment for all tenants, we strictly adhere to the following verification requirement of a letter from a certified medical professional stating the following:

1. The prospective resident has a disability* (if the disability is not apparent);

2. The ESA is NECESSSARY to address a need related to this disability;

3. The ESA is NECESSARY for the prospective resident to have equal use and enjoyment of the property.

Preferably the professional will be a local practitioner that we can contact. Beware of online websites offering letters and certifications. Many of them have disclaimers in the fine print of agreements that you must click on.

General Requirements

All tenants with pets, emotional support animals, or service animals must adhere to the following requirements:

1. Provide a copy of the animal license by the county or municipality.

2. Provide a copy of the animal's vaccination records.

3. Ensure noise control such that the animal does not disturb other tenants.

4. Clean up poop left in the yard by your animal immediately.

5. Cats must be indoors and not allowed to roam outside.

6. Dogs must be leashed while on the property.

7. Take measures whenever necessary to ensure against property damage.

Upon violation of any of the foregoing, the owner may be given written notice to remedy the violation or remove the pet. The owner will have 30 days to respond to avoid termination of the lease.

*for details on the legal definition of a disability or more information on Virginia law regarding assistance animals, go to https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/Virginia%20Fair%20Housing/B463-VFH-Anim_Assist.pdf