Condominiums and housing co-ops can provide lower-maintenance housing options for a variety of people. Typically, those who purchase condominiums or individual units in a co-op have many of the same rights as most other real property owners. However, there is one noteworthy difference. They are subject to community standards regarding their conduct and use of the space. Restrictions on behaviors that can impact others, including pet ownership, are common.
Many co-ops and condominiums enact one or more of the three pet restrictions briefly outlined below.
1. Rules against dangerous breeds
Certain breeds of dogs have a statistical correlation with particularly severe attacks. Therefore, the landlords, housing cooperatives and condominiums may impose breed restrictions on more dangerous dog breeds to limit liability in the possibility of a visitor or property owner sustaining major injuries.
2. Weight limitations
In some housing co-ops or condominiums, concerns about noise and damage to shared spaces may inspire weight restrictions. Sometimes, restrictions focus on the weight of individual pets. Other times, co-ops and condominium associations impose an overall limit on the total weight of all pets in the household.
3. Single pet policies
Frequently, condominiums and cooperatives limit owners and occupants to one pet. Other times, they may limit people to one dog or two cats. Such restrictions help limit the wear caused by animals and the likelihood of them becoming a nuisance to neighbors.
The proper integration of pet restrictions into community standards can help co-op and condominium associations limit liability and ensure consistency. Working with an attorney when establishing a new housing co-op or condominium or when updating existing bylaws can help preserve the authority of a board overseeing a particular property.