Is it a pet-friendly condo?
This is a very important consideration. Buildings that ban all pets, or
even just ban dogs, often have lower selling prices than condos that
are pet-friendly.
Originally, the Declarations that the developers wrote for their
buildings didn't mention pets. That language was found in the by-laws
and rules. In later years, the boards could change the by-laws if the
owners of 50% plus one of all units agreed. Alternatively, the boards
could change the Rules either to remove pet restrictions or to add new
language restricting pet ownership.
Declarations
Later on, developers added language in the Declarations that allowed
pets and clearly listed any restrictions such as the number of
pets and perhaps weight or size restrictions.
If pet ownership is important to you, then consider buying a unit in a
condo corporation that has clear language in the Declaration allowing
pets.
No pets
Some Declarations ban all pets. These Declarations can only be changed
if 80% of all owners sign an agreement to make the required changes.
Getting 90% of condo owners to agree to anything is almost impossible.
New condos
Many developers have moved language dealing with pets from the
Declarations back to the by-laws or rules. That way they can sell units
to people who want to own a dog while leaving it open for future boards
to restrict or ban pets pet restrictions if they so desire.
top
contents chapter
previous
next