The purpose of this rule is to permit public housing residents to own pets, subject to reasonable requirements that the public housing agency may establish in consultation with the residents. This rule implements pet ownership policies and general requirements for residents of public housing other than public housing developments for the elderly or persons with disabilities. HUD published a proposed rule on June 23, 1999, and this final rule takes into consideration the public comments received on the proposed rule. This rule does not affect the pre-existing regulations covering pet ownership requirements for residents of public housing developments for the elderly or persons with disabilities.