This Chapter governs DCHA's policies on the keeping of pets and describes any criteria or standards pertaining to the policies. The rules adopted are reasonably related to the legitimate interest of DCHA to provide a decent, safe, and sanitary living environment for all tenants, and to protect and preserve the physical condition of the property, as well as the financial interest of DCHA.

7000.1 The chapter is organized as follows:

1. (a) Assistance animals. Section 7001 explains the difference between assistance animals, including service and support animals, and pets, and contains policies related to the designation of an assistance animal as well as their care and handling;
2. (b) Care of assistance animals and pets. Section 7002 discusses requirements for the care of animals in their units.
3. (c) Pet policies for all developments. Section 7003 includes pet policies that are common to both elderly/disabled developments and general occupancy developments; and
4. (d) Pet deposits and fees. Section 7004 contains policies for pet deposits and fees that are applicable to developments with distinctions between elderly/disabled and general occupancy developments.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 73 DCR 007351 (May 15, 2026).