Le Chateau Royal

Policies Regarding Animals-in-Residence

February 19, 2008

 

Introduction

 

The Board of Directors of Le Chateau Royal encourages all owners and residents to value and enjoy their homes.  We believe that every owner should be given every opportunity to pursue their own interests, consistent with the rights of their fellow property owners.  We believe that the best way to advance our common interests in a safe, pleasant and well-maintained property is through fostering an attitude of mutual respect and cooperation.

 

In keeping with this philosophy and after carefully considering all the interests involved, we have adopted a limited companion pet policy.  In reaching this decision, we have taken into account the important contributions that companion cats can make to the lives of people who value and appreciate them.  We have also considered the fact that there are people who wish to avoid contact with animals.

 

Thus, the companion cat policy is designed to protect cat owners and non-cat owners alike, and to ensure that the animals themselves receive responsible care.  The policy applies to all companion cats kept in the building and will be strictly enforced.  All residents will receive a copy of this policy.

 

Rules for Companion Cats

 

1.  Permission to keep a companion cat has been granted by the Board and is subject to the owner’s strict adherence to all rules included in this policy.

 

2.  Owners are fully responsible for any damage to common areas caused by their companion cats.  Any damage caused by cleaning chemicals or other such materials used in an attempt to remedy said damage is also the full responsibility of the cat owner. No foul or unpleasant odors may be emitted from the unit where the companion cat resides.

 

3.  All companion cats must:

  1. be licensed and maintained in accordance with all applicable state and local laws;
  2. receive proper veterinary care, including all appropriate vaccinations, and all medical records of such must be kept in the unit owners files in the condominium office.
  3. be spayed or neutered, unless a veterinarian certifies that health problems prevent the cat from being spayed or neutered;
  4. be confined to the owner’s unit except when in transit;
  5. must not be allowed in common areas except when in transit;
  6. be carried in a secure carrier;
  7. be well-groomed and kept clean and free of fleas as well as the units in which they reside.

 

4.  Rules for companion cats will be strictly enforced as follows:

  1. Any owner or the property manager observing an infraction of any of these rules may discuss the infraction in a neighborly fashion with the cat owner in an effort to secure voluntary compliance.
  2. If the complaint is not satisfied voluntarily, it must be put in writing, signed, and presented to the property manager.
  3. If the property manager is in agreement with such complaint, the cat owner will receive written notice of the violation.
  4. If the problem is not resolved within 10 days after notification, arrangements will be made for a hearing.
  5. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, immediate arrangements for a hearing may be made. A continued violation of the rules may require the removal of the companion cat from the property.
  6. The Board of Directors has the authority to assess and collect fines for violations of these rules in the amount of $100.00 for each violation.
  7. The Board of Directors also has the authority to assess and collect amounts necessary to repair or replace damaged areas or objects.

 

Protocol for Requesting a Service/Therapy/Emotional Support Animal

 

In recognition that federal, state, and local fair housing laws require housing providers to make reasonable accommodations in rules, services, or practices to afford a "disabled individual" equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling unit as if he or she had no disability, the Board of Directors of Le Chateau Royal sets forth the following protocol for those who wish to request permission for a service/therapy/emotional support animal.

 

1.      A request for permission for a service/therapy/emotional support animal must be made in writing to the Board of Directors.

2.      The request must be accompanied by appropriate documentation from a qualified health care professional.

3.      The request must include confirmation that the person has a qualifying disability and is in need of a service/therapy/emotional support animal.

4.      The Board and the Board’s attorney will review such requests for approval on a case by case basis.

5.      The person with a disability will receive written notice of the decision of the Board within 30 days of the request.