Pet restrictions are a perennial topic of interest in Michigan and consistently one of the most discussed, debated and reviewed provisions in the condominium bylaws. For example, some condominium bylaws prohibit “dangerous animals” from being brought to the condominium or kept on the condominium premises. A sample provision may look like this: Read the […]
Is Your Dog a Good Citizen? You’d Better Hope So, for Insurance’s Sake
This seems to be particularly favorable with homeowners association, co-op, and condo boards, according to Loretta Worters, vice president of communications for the Insurance Information Institute. “Many insurance agents will accept certificates from AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program and other dog training programs,” says Worters. Read the article…………..
What Can an HOA Board Do About Barking Dog Complaints?
So you moved into a beautiful new luxury homeowners association. Your home is on a quiet street in an established neighborhood. Every evening you sit on your newly purchased adirondack chairs in your shady backyard, sipping on a bottle of wine — while your roommate is lapping his water from an old beat up water […]
Singapore: Resolve amicably issues concerning pets
There have been several cases over the years where condo management corporations have tried to remove a pet, or institute rules which cause considerable stress and inconvenience to pet owners. This usually happens as a result of complaints from residents. Our experience has been that many of these cases can be resolved amicably by speaking […]
3 Tips To Avoid Pet “Headaches” and Issues In Your Condo
Pets are part of the family. But what happens when someone’s four-legged family member urinates in your condo lobby? Once the mess is cleaned up, how do you prevent Fido from making it a morning ritual? Beyond that, what actions can managers take to ease friction between pet owners and their neighbors who may fear […]
Beware When Revising Your Pet Policy
Want to make sure you get a quorum at your annual meeting? Announce that the board is going to discuss one or more of the following: redoing the lobby; raising maintenance; modifying the building’s pet policy. “Any change to a building’s pet policy has the potential to rankle apartment owners like few other changes a […]
HOA & Pet Policy: What You Need to Know
Almost everyone has a soft spot for animals, and just about every HOA allows pets within certain guidelines. Since pets are a reality, it is important for your HOA to establish clear, understandable, and easy to find guidelines on pets. No one wants to live next door to a dog that always barks, or a […]
Dogs Take a Huge Bite of Homeowner Liability Claims
Dog bites man, man sues board. Are you adequately insured? “My dog doesn’t bite.” Don’t believe those four innocent words. Dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners liability claims paid out in 2016 – a staggering $600 million – according to the New York-based Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) […]
OK to sue condo association for not granting access to dog-free elevators (IL)
A Chicago federal judge has cleared the way for Holly Geraci, the wife of prominent Chicago bankruptcy lawyer Peter Francis Geraci, to proceed with her lawsuit against the association that manages the condo building in which she lives, saying Geraci has presented a strong enough case so far to be allowed to press ahead on […]
Dealing With a Mess in the HOA
Waste problems affect everyone in a given area whether it is dog droppings or a mound of stinking refuse. They not only blight an otherwise lovely looking neighborhood, but they provide a real health and environmental risk. Accumulated waste material attracts flies, vermin, disease, and can leak into the local water and soil, contaminating local […]
Does Your Pet Policy Have Enough Bite?
While many co-op boards struggle to ban bogus “support pets,” there’s a co-op in East Harlem with such a liberal pet policy that dogs of any size or breed are allowed. When a subletter acquired a pit bull, residents started complaining that the dog whines and pounds the floor. One said she is terrified of […]
When Dealing With Illegal Pets, Time Matters
Co-op and condo boards need to move swiftly – and cautiously – when enforcing pet bans. When dealing with illegal pets in a no-pet building, time is of the essence. The state Pet Law requires the landlord to begin an action within 90 days of discovering the forbidden pet. As applied to a co-op, it […]
Pet Policies in Boards and Associations: From No Pets to Petopia
Although it may sometimes feel as if our pets have the run of the land, humans are still the masters of their own domains. In order to maintain this status quo—especially in a communal environment such as a condominium, cooperative or homeowners’ association—we need to establish a set of ground rules regarding pet care, lest […]
How to Deal with Feral Cats in Your Community
Most neighborhoods in the United States encounter roaming outdoor cats. Some of these are indoor/outdoor cats that are pets, but many of them are feral cats. Stray cats that were once pets are usually adoptable whereas feral cats are not. While they are not typically dangerous to humans, they are too fearful of people to […]
Pet Policies in Boards and Associations: From No Pets to Petopia
Although it may sometimes feel as if our pets have the run of the land, humans are still the masters of their own domains. In order to maintain this status quo—especially in a communal environment such as a condominium, cooperative or homeowners’ association—we need to establish a set of ground rules regarding pet care, lest […]
Tips to Establish Pet Policy In Your Association
Does your community allow pets? What types? How many? Are there limits on size? If you live in a pet-friendly community, it’s important that your association board set boundaries to keep order within your community. Many of the issues that become problems in pet-friendly communities have very little to do with the pets–after all, they […]
Pet Size or Weight Restrictions in Michigan Condominiums
When drafting or amending condominium bylaws, the Restrictions section—typically Article VI of the Condominium Bylaws—often garners the most feedback, review or modification. One of the key provisions within the Restrictions section addresses pet restrictions including: the registration of pets with the association, not allowing pets loose on the condominium premises, co-owners must clean the dog’s […]
Home Owners Associations: Beware of the Fair Housing Act When Enforcing Pet Prohibitions and Restrictions
Many planned communities, townhome communities, and condominiums (collectively, “Associations” since they are nearly universally governed by one) have restrictions that either prohibit or limit the number, size, and type of pets that can be kept within the community. In general, as long as a restriction prohibiting or limiting pets is clearly drafted, the North Carolina […]
Condo owners’ dogs to get park (MI)
There won’t be any recess at the former Jefferson School, being converted into condominiums, unless you have four legs and a tail. On Monday St. Joseph city commissioners approved a request from developers of the Jefferson Loft condos at 2214 S. State St. to remove playground equipment on the lot and to use the space […]
Insurance and Animal Bites in Your HOA
Question: My condominium association is overrun with dogs. We are concerned that someone will be injured, and we will be sued because we did not impose the proper precautions. What should we do? Read the Q&A………….
Pet Policies: The Good, the Bad, and the Ridiculous
You’d think that condominium buildings would let man’s best friend come along with the man, but the Condominium Act gives corporations the freedom to spell out specific pet policies for their buildings. Read the article………….
The Rules for Allowing Pets in ‘No-Pet’ Buildings
When determining whether an owner’s pet qualifies for admittance in a “no-pet” building, cooperatives and condominiums must be extremely careful to follow the federal, state, and city fair housing laws governing how far a board can go when investigating and denying an animal’s entrance. Federal prosecutors in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York […]
Disaster Preparedness (for Pets)
Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe, so the best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared. Here are simple steps you can follow […]
Dog in Breach of Rules Ends up Costing a Lot to Its Owner
I wrote about “Peaches”, an “overweight” dog who was permanently evicted from the condominium corporation because the occupants failed to prove that Ms. Labranche had a disability requiring her to have this specific dog. The fact of the matter is that the dog exceeded the 25-pound weight restriction imposed by the condominium’s rules. Since then, […]
For Pet Lovers: 6 Condo Pet Policies You Should Know
Living in a condominium has become one of the top choices most people have. Who wouldn’t, when you got to live a satisfying lifestyle? Right? Renting or owning a condo unit can be one’s fulfillment of their dreams. After all, you can definitely enjoy the ammenities that are available for your use. However, for pet […]
Is Your Condo Going to the Dogs?
If your condominium’s governing documents allow dogs and renters, my bet is there’s a large number of both in your community. We get a lot of questions from condominium boards asking how they can reduce the number of renters and dogs in their buildings because – in the words of one manager: “Our building is […]
HOAs, Pets, and Assistance Animals
We all know someone whose dog or cat is much more than just a pet. Well, for purposes of the Fair Housing Act, they may be right. Community associations must be careful as they adopt rules and regulations regarding animal restrictions because it is easy to run afoul of federal laws like the Fair Housing […]
“My Pets Are My Family” – Pet Restrictions in Community Associations: Part 1
Pets are, and likely always will be, one of the most controversial topics for community associations. Many people have pets, and those that do often treat the animals as members of their family. The next several newsletters will contain tips for rule making and enforcement for pets on the premises. Read the article…………….
Dealing With Dog Waste in Your Community
A beautiful neighborhood isn’t so beautiful when there’s dog waste on every lawn. Dog owners have a responsibility to clean up after their pets, but that doesn’t mean they actually do it. Your community can help by reminding dog owners of their responsibility. Read the article…………..
What Animal Does Your HOA Prohibit?
It’s not uncommon for HOAs to allow cats and dogs within the community. Sometimes there are weight limitations, but they are usually allowed in detached-unit communities. However, more and more people want to raise chickens in their community to take advantage of their many benefits, such as fresh eggs and fertilizer. If you are interested […]
Dog Poop and HOA Compliance
Picture this: you’re walking through your community’s common area with your family, enjoying an early-evening walk when you hear a distinctive “SQUISH”. You’ve just stepped in poop. Gross! There are very few things that can ruin a nice walk faster than stepping in a pile of dog poop. If your neighborhood suffers from constant “gifts” […]
The Best Dogs for Condos: These Five May Surprise You
Size is not the only factor when picking a condo dog, so this list of the five best dogs for condos might not be what you are expecting. Read the article…………
Enforcing pet restrictions in condominiums
Many pet owners who have breached the pet restrictions in their condominium documents will go to great lengths to keep their pet when the condominium corporation takes steps to enforce these restrictions. In California one pet owner went to the California Court of Appeal (The Villas in Whispering Palms v. Tempkin) in an effort to […]
Cat Ownership and HOAs (CA)
At what point to cat lovers become cat hoarders? This has long been a debate in many communities around the country. Recently, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Los Angeles City Council is considering an increase in the number of cats residents can harbor in a private residence from three to five. Read […]
Animals and Your HOA — The Straight Poop
Your HOA probably has some pet restrictions in place. But what can you really expect? Your HOA has rules for a reason. They protect you. They protect the organization. They make your HOA a more beautiful, pleasant place to live — at least that’s the idea. Read the article………
Finnegan’s Fundamentals of Responsible Canine Companionship
My name is Finnegan and I live in an HOA. Since I understand people complain a lot in HOAs about dogs, I thought it might be helpful for pet parents to hear directly from a beagle about the fundamentals of being a responsible canine companion. Here’s what you need to know: Read the […]
Allowing Pets in a Community Association Increase Great Residents
People love their pets, but HOAs are still nervous about allowing them. However, while pets do come with some level of potential danger for the association, allowing them has many great benefits. Read the article………..
5 Rules For Solving Pet Problems in Your Homeowners Association – A Guide For HOA Board Members
The Joneses have a very friendly golden retriever named Sparky. But they let him off leash in the common areas of your homeowner association and the mutt bounds up to neighbors and jumps on them to say hello. The neighbors like the Joneses and Sparky, but they’ve asked you to remind them that they must […]
NYC Board of Health to Ferrets: And Stay Out!
Nearly two months ago, we gave co-op and condo boards a heads up about a public hearing on the proposal to lift the ban on ferrets in New York City before the Board of Health. Had the ban been lifted, board would have had to review their existing pet policies and revise them as needed […]
Regulating Vicious Breeds Of Pets Not Uncommon in HOAs
Question: I am a tenant in a community with a homeowners’ association. The association’s recorded documents say that each home may have no more than two dogs. There are no additional restrictions on size or breed of the two dogs found in the recorded documents. However, the lease application I was asked to complete asks […]
Using DNA to catch canine culprits – and their owners
Joe Gillmer had a problem. A big, stinky, sole-troubling problem plaguing the condos, where he serves as board vice president. How to put this gently? Dog, er, waste in the vestibule, in the elevator (yes, really), and — this particularly incensed Gillmer — in the garage beside handicapped parking, making life difficult for residents with […]
Rules are rules: Pets in flats (South Africa)
Pet ownership generally creates problems in sectional title schemes and HOA run estates as many will either have conduct rules which stipulate “no pets allowed” or “one or two pets, of a small nature” but what happens when an owner goes against the rules, the trustees turn a blind eye for a period of time […]
Judge rules against Eldorado (NM) chickens; birds must be gone by Sept. 30
If your neighbor’s house has knee-high grass, dilapidated siding or a car up on blocks in the backyard, don’t wait until you’re ready to put your house on the market to try to get theirs fixed up, said Janet Johnson, supervisor of the Office of Community Engagement for the city of Wichita, Kan. […]
Homeowner Association Liability for Dog Bites
A homeowner association may be liable for permitting dangerous dogs to remain on the common areas and private streets owned and controlled by the association. Read more…….
Pet Policy and Housing Prices: Evidence from the Condominium Market
This paper examines the economic impact of restrictions against keeping domestic pets in residential dwellings. Using a large data sample of condominium sales, we empirically estimate price effects associated with pet restrictions. Our results suggest that an unrestricted pet policy creates a significant premium in condominium price, along with discounts for condominiums that do not […]
Condos Use DNA to Track Down Dogs
How to handle poop – particularly pet poop – is becoming a growing problem for community associations. Owners are always required to pick up after their dog, and many associations actually provide free “poop bags” to assist in this clean up. But not everyone complies with the rules. There are reports of owners who pretend […]
Imposter service animals posing a growing problem
It’s an easy law to break, and dog cheats do. By strapping a vest or backpack that says “service animal” to their pet, anyone can go in stores and restaurants where other dogs are banned, creating growing problems for the disabled community and business owners and leading to calls for better identifying the real deal. […]
In a California Homeowners Association, there are Three Types of Animals…
A homeowners association has a “strict” (and strictly enforced) “no pets” policy but a resident requests that an exception be made to permit her to keep a dog. Or, maybe it’s a cat. Or a hamster. Must the association provide this “accommodation”? The answer is “maybe” and depends in part on whether the resident is […]
Do You Have a Doctor’s Note? Getting a Dog Into a No-Pet Building
What does it take to get a dog into a no-pet building? The question is becoming a hot topic in New York City. Because depending on whom you ask, the answer is A) a legitimate disability or B) a dubious note from a doctor or therapist. Read more……