The Carpenter's House

Details

Small Dogs Allowed

<p><strong>ANIMAL POLICY</strong></p><p><em>Responsible Pet Ownership &amp; Fair Cost Recovery</em></p><p>We understand that animals provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support — and we welcome responsible pet owners in our homes. While many landlords prohibit pets altogether, we choose to accommodate them, because we know how important animals are to many families.</p><p>That said, keeping animals in a rental home does come with additional costs and risks, including:</p><ul><li>Chewing or damage to doors, flooring, trim, and blinds</li><li>Pet hair and allergens affecting future tenants</li><li>Increased risk of pests, odor, and wear</li><li>Additional cleaning and deodorizing at move-out</li><li>Higher insurance exposure and management oversight</li></ul><p>To keep rent fair for all residents and maintain clean, well-kept homes, we’ve structured the following animal-related policies:</p><p><u>Animal Requirements</u></p><ul><li><strong>Small dogs only</strong> </li><li><strong>Indoor-only cats allowed</strong> in select properties</li><li><strong>No large or aggressive breeds permitted</strong></li><li>Maximum 2 animals per household</li><li>All animals must be <strong>spayed or neutered</strong> and have <strong>up-to-date vaccinations</strong></li><li><strong>Written documentation required</strong> prior to move-in</li><li>Tenants are expected to <strong>prevent damage and maintain cleanliness</strong></li></ul><p><u>Fees and Charges</u></p><ul><li><strong>$300 Non-Refundable Animal Fee</strong> (due at lease signing)</li><li> Helps offset increased turnover cleaning, deodorizing, and wear-and-tear from animal occupancy.</li><li> <em>This is not a deposit and will not be refunded.</em></li><li><strong>$30/Month Animal Rent</strong> (per household)</li><li> Helps cover maintenance and management time associated with animals.</li></ul><p>These fees apply to <strong>all animals</strong>, including emotional support animals and service animals, because they contribute to increased costs and risks to the property. </p><p><u>Damage Responsibility</u></p><p>Tenants remain responsible for all behavior, cleanliness, and any damage caused by animals. This includes:</p><ul><li>Flooring or baseboard replacement</li><li>Deep odor remediation (enzymes, ozone treatment)</li><li>Flea or pest extermination</li><li>Repair of chewed trim or door frames</li><li>Hair removal or litter residue</li></ul><p><u>Fairness, Clarity, and Communication</u></p><p>Our goal is not to punish pet owners — it’s to make sure every tenant, with or without animals, moves into a <strong>clean, safe, and well-maintained home</strong>. Most pet-related issues are preventable when expectations are clear, and we’ll work with you to make sure everyone succeeds.</p>