Pet Policy Procedures

The purpose of this policy is to establish Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority policy and procedures for ownership of pets in elderly and disabled units as well as in family units, and to ensure that no applicant or resident is discriminated against regarding admission or continued occupancy because of ownership of pets. FAHA also establishes reasonable rules governing the keeping of common household pets.

Nothing in this policy or the dwelling lease limits or impairs the right of persons with disabilities to own animals that are considered a disability service animal.

In accordance with Section 526 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (QHWRA), FAHA hereby sets forth rules and regulations concerning pet ownership in its public housing units. Only "common household pets" as defined herein will be permitted in FAHA owned properties.

A common household pet, for the purposes of FAHA's conventional housing program: A domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, or fish that is traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial or breeding purposes. Common household pet does not include reptiles. This definition FAI-IA does not include animals that are used to assist persons with disabilities.

Residents may own up to two pets as defined in this policy. If one of the pets is a dog or cat, the second pet must be contained in a cage or an aquarium for fish. Each bird or other animal, other than fish, FAHA be counted as one pet.