Rules and Regulations--Pets and Condos
Besides companionship and affection, many authorities cite medical benefits, as an added feature, that animal owners can derive from living with their pets.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states;
“…Most households in the United States have at least one pet. Why do people have pets? There are many reasons. Some of the health benefits of pets are listed below.
Pets can decrease your:
Blood pressure
Cholesterol levels
Triglyceride levels
Feelings of loneliness
Pets can increase your:
Opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
Opportunities for socialization
Many groups support the health benefits of pet ownership. You can learn more about the health benefits of pets and how to keep your pets healthy by visiting the following sites…”
However, many pet lovers do not live in a single family residence, but reside, or want to, in a condominium community.
They may have lost a spouse, want to downsize their living space or simply no longer wish to keep up the regular tasks associated with home ownership including lawn care, pool treatment or regular maintenance duties.
But many pet owners have discovered that most, if not all, condominium associations either totally ban or severely restrict the ability to have a pet.
Although many pet groups are attempting to change the laws in their state regarding the restriction for pets in condo communities, currently California is one of the leaders in this legislation.
In effect since January 2001, the law now provides that no governing documents shall prohibit the owner of a separate interest within a common interest development (co-op, condominium etc.) from keeping at least one pet within the common interest development, subject to reasonable rules and regulations of the association. This section may not be construed to affect any other rights provided by law to an owner of a separate interest to keep a pet within the development.
A pet is defined as any domesticated bird, cat, dog, aquatic animal kept within an aquarium, or other animal as agreed to between the association and the homeowner.
In addition, if the association implements a rule or regulation restricting the number of pets an owner may keep, the new rule or regulation shall not apply to prohibit an owner from continuing to keep any pet that the owner currently keeps in his or her separate interest if the pet otherwise conforms with the previous rules or regulations relating to pets.
Governing documents include, but are not limited to, the conditions, covenants, and restrictions of the common interest development, and the bylaws, rules, and regulations of the association.
If you are a pet owner and considering a move into a condominium community, make sure that you carefully review the Declarations and Restrictions that govern the community as well as the Rules and Regulation of the association as they may affect your pet ownership.
You certainly do not want to enter into a purchase agreement and then find that your pet cannot move with you.
You should also check your respective state legislature for proposed or pending legislation regarding these restrictions and become involved to change the laws if you so desire.
Remember, be proactive, provide and plan for your pet’s future.
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