If you are thinking of buying a new home and you have or are considering having a pet, then there are some additional home buying considerations that must be taken into account.
Depending upon where you live or the type of property you live in may well impact the type and/or the number of pets you can have.
City Restrictions
Depending upon which city you live in, there are restrictions on the type and number of pets you can have. For example, some Cities restrict the ownership of certain dog breeds (usually on those breeds deemed to be dangerous) or the maximum number of dogs you can have.
Also remember that the city may also require you to purchase a license, typically just for dogs but maybe for other pets as well.
HOA Restrictions
It’s not just the city that can impose restrictions on pet ownership, Home Ownership Associations also have their own set of rules. This is particularly true when it comes to condos but may also apply to other types of housing developments.
HOA’s exist to create and enforce rules that ensure the people living in the development have an enjoyable environment by maintaining a set of standards. This can encompass all sorts of things and often includes rules on pet ownership.
Because of the limited space and close proximity to your neighbor’s, condo developments will usually have some form of pet restrictions. These restrictions can be anything from limiting the number of cats you can own, specifying the maximum size of dogs, to imposing fines for not picking up your dog’s mess.
These rules are put in place so that people can live in harmony. After all, the last thing you want is to live in a condo where the adjacent unit is occupied by a large dog that barks all day.
The rules are either defined when the HOA is first created or are voted in at a later date. Because of this, if the home/condo you are considering purchasing is part of an HOA, it is important you read these rules to ensure that you can comply. The rules are contained in a document called the CC&R’s, which stands for the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions.
Summary
When buying a home its not just your requirements you need to take into consideration. If you have or are thinking of having a pet you need to check that it does not break any of the local city or HOA’s rules. After all, you probably don’t want to get into a situation where you move into your new home only to find out that you are in breach of the rules and the only way around them is to get rid of your pet.