Buying a condo can be a challenge for many, yet it can be a bigger challenge for buyers with pets. To many homebuyers, pets in condominium units are a source of confusion and often contention.
Today I’d like to talk about what pet owners (or “pet parents,” as some call themselves) need to watch out for when considering buying a condominium unit.
When surveying the market, most people start with MLS listings. On the MLS listing summary, one item of View this Postthe form is devoted to pets. It may show “permitted,” “restricted,” or “not allowed.”
If pets are “restricted,” things get more complicated, as the rules tend to be convoluted and confusing.
I recently came across a case where the condominium corporation’s declaration stipulates that each unit is permitted
“one cat, or one dog, given that the dog is under 20 lbs and does not exceed 24 inches in height, or a bird, if it is not of an endangered species, or small domestic, tamed animals excluding turtles.”
After reading this paragraph, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What if my dog gets fat?”
Even if the summary indicates that pets are “permitted,” I suggest not relying on the listing summary entirely.
These listings are often filled out by real estate agents who rely exclusively on the information provided by the sellers. Therefore, mistakes are not uncommon, especially if the seller doesn’t own a pet and is therefore unfamiliar with the rules. The binding authority on the pet policy of a specific condominium rests in its declaration or by-laws.
Unfortunately, you won’t know exactly what the pet policy of your dream condo is until you make an offer.
After you make an offer, the seller has a short period of time to produce a condominium status certificate. Depending on the wording of your offer, you may be able to get out of the deal if you find your pet is not allowed in the building.
If you’re viewing the property in person, I suggest you simply ask the security personnel whether your pet would be allowed. Generally speaking, a condominium’s security staff are knowledgeable of pet issues (since they’re the ones taking the complaints).
Finally, before you commit yourself to the deal, you should specifically inquire about the pet policy with your lawyer and obtain an affirmative answer to your question.
