WHY ARE PETS AN ISSUE?
There are many reasons for a condominium to have rules regarding pets. For example:
– Buildings with shared air flow systems can have problems with pets for occupants with allergies.
– Pets can disturb fellow occupants with noise, damage common property with digging, scratching or chewing fences and killing grass, etc. All owners pay for maintenance of common property, even those with no pets.
– Pets in a building can impact a sale. Buyers either want pets or no pets.
– The type of pet allowed in the condo needs consideration as there are shared spaces that escaping pets could access.
– Pets are family to many people.
HOW DO I KNOW IF PETS ARE PERMITTED IN A CONDO?
– The bylaws of the condominium will detail the requirements for pet approval, define the type, number and possibly size or breed of pet that will be approved.
– Bylaws will prescribe the remedy for a problematic pet, the requirements for a deposit (if any), and any requirements for registration, vaccinations, Municipal Licensing, photos, etc.
HOW TO OBTAIN APPROVAL FOR A PET?
– Contact the property manager or if there is no management company, contact the Board contact for the required application forms and criteria.
BYLAWS APPLY TO YOUR PET
– Bylaws are enforceable as written.
– The bylaws vary from one condo to the other, never assume you know the pet bylaw.
– Obtain pet approval before you waive sale conditions.
Source: Condo Check email newsletter, www.condo-check.com
About Don Cholak
