In 2010, the problem of dog excrement was one of America’s biggest gripes, according to a survey by Consumer Reports. But despite posted signs, HOA regulations and looks of disapproval from passersby, some dog owners just don’t clean up after their pets. Read More……
Reasonable Accommodations (video)
You are a board director in a no-pet building. And you’re happy about it. But an owner has come to you and said “I need an emotional support pet.” Welcome to the world of reasonable accommodations. In this video you’ll learn what you have to accommodate, when it is necessary, and how to do it. […]
Enforcement of Pet Restrictions
In a recent B&W Alert (“In California, there are three types of animals…”) we addressed a resident’s right to keep service and companion animals even if the CC&Rs for their community ban pets. The gist of that article was that state and federal law “trumps” the CC&Rs to create exceptions that prohibit an association from […]
Emotional Support Animals in Community Associations
Condominium and Homeowners Association which ban or limit the size of pets are under increased attack by homeowners strongly desire to bring fluffy or killer, a 60 pound pit bull into their homes in violation of established of the Association. Traditionally it was not difficult for Association to ban these types of pets and to […]
Maryland Senate, House reach compromise on pit bull issue
Key members of the Maryland Senate and House have reached a compromise on how to undo a Court of Appeals ruling last year that labeled pit bulls as an inherently dangerous breed. Read More……
Clear Dog Policies Help to Avoid Disputes, Confusion for Community Associations
Doggie disputes are a common issue for many owners and board members in South Florida condominium communities. In today’s housing market, many people who were previously living in a single-family home are now finding themselves living in condominiums or deed-restricted communities with their pets. Read More……
A “Tail” of Two Doggies: Lessons of Both the Absurd and Practical in Dealing with Pet Cases
In my legal practice, few cases are more prone to absurd happenings, bizarre government policies, and expensive litigation than pet cases. Well meaning associations set up rules to either prohibit pets all together or to limit their size, often in an effort to avoid having excessively large, loud, or potentially dangerous animals in the community. […]
Cat in condo? OK. Companion dog? No way
The age-old question of which is better, cats or dogs, has landed in federal court in Minneapolis. The unusual issue has provoked a big legal fight between a disabled Minneapolis woman and the board overseeing a condominium where she’s been a longtime resident. Read More……