HOA rules

[mia]

Most HOA only talk of cats and dogs and limit the number of these types of pets. Then, there’s general language about other pets. Specifically, one I am looking at says one cat or one dog, or any common pet. Doesn’t say any one common pet. Should I ask if my two bunnies are allowed? I also have hamsters but I’m pretty sure no one cares about them. Half of me wants to ask just in case but if they say no? Most likely I would just try extra hard to hide them when I take them out in the carrier rather than have my contract fall though or give one up. For background, the HOA meeting minutes I got only has important issues being discussed and doesn’t have bickering that you may find in others. It’s a small complex with almost all long time home owners.

Currently, there’s similar language for two at my current location but my landlord intrepeted as two cat or dogs, but reasonable number of small pets. Basically as long as I (they) don’t make a mess/destroy the place.

 

[longhairmike]

most all HOA pet rules are aimed at controlling noise, poop, common area destruction, and ensuring pets are registered and have all their shots up to date. Cats and dogs are carnivores and are known to bite and scratch humans or other pets. Buns have none of these issues.

one guy in our old condo had two 120lb dogs,, luckily,,there was also an old woman on the 4th floor who always wore tons of old lady perfume, and sometimes you were lucky enough to have her take the elevator right after the dog guy used it and the two smells would kinda cancel each other out.

[Sarita]

I would ask for specifics about what they mean. Never assume and never lie either – there’s always a chance to get caught and then you have to own up and someone gets hurt in the process. I don’t even understand what they mean by common pet…it sounds like they mean any one common pet, but who knows. It’s just vague enough to be open to interpretation.

[Monkeybun]

I will never, ever buy a house in an HOA that tries to tell me I can have only 1 pet. Thats ridiculous. I can understand if I am renting, but really?? I buy the house, I can have pets. Ugh.

[mia]

Since I can’t afford 1mil+ for a house in the area, I’m a bit limited. I have not seen any HOA that does not give a limit and at least I live in CA where the law says associations must at least allow 1 pet. If I get documentation, I cannot argue about interpretation and currently I have no rapport to get it changed if it’s not in my favor.

Guess there’s a positive from not being able to see my all black bun half the time since he blends into dark backgrounds.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

… Errr…what’s an HOA?

I honestly wouldn’t mention the hamsters, I really don’t think they care about ‘real caged’ animals…unless you give the hamsters free reign of the house/apartment I don’t think they count…same as fish etc. Birds-while caged, they make noise and should be mentioned. Rabbits too.

And as I rudely found out when we signed an apartment lease they can SAY one thing and go back on it-if they say you can have two rabbits get it in writing!!

[Monkeybun]

Home Owners Association. The guys that tell you you can only have white curtains, lawns must be x millimeters high, no more, no less, etc

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

OHHHHHHH I gotcha…I think here we just have architectual controls so just outside stuff-like roofing, can’t be same color as neighbor etc. Thanks Monkey

Can an HOA really impose and enforce pet stuff??

[Monkeybun]

They can, but it’s stupid. They can also impose fines on a person if they don’t comply. It’s ridiculous. Oh. And you have to pay a fee to them, for some its a monthly fee, others a yearly, and others in between. And if you don’t pay, they can take you to court.

[mia]

Well, the fee you have to pay maintains the property up to your interior walls (at least for condos), pays for insurance, water, insurance, etc. If the roof needs repair or the outside of your unit needs paint, they pay for it. In some areas, even single family homes are part of a HOA so you basically have no choice but to join one unless you want to live quite far. If the HOA wants to be a pain, I believe they can actually kick you out of your unit after they give you a certain amount of notice. Most cannot really enforce things “indoors” unless it can be seen from the outside and they don’t do “inspections” but if you have a neighbor who has no life and decides to spy and report…

Are you saying rabbits make noise so they “count”? My hamsters make a lot of noise on their “silent” wheel, chewing sticks, eating, squeaking when they have spats, etc. Overall I think they make more noise than the rabbits unless I make the buns mad and they thump at me. Oh, and some HOA talk about fish so sometimes they “count.”

[KatnipCrzy]

Don’t get yourself into a situation where you could be forced to give up your bunnies or end up having to contemplate an unrealistic move that could cost you $$$$. So just outright ask what is allowed to avoid a bad situation with a horrible choice to make. They might well assume your bunnies live in a “pet store” cage- as most of us probably thought at one time.

[MissBunns]

My mom and I are apartment hunting are we will be bringing Jack, Bunny, and her cat Tuck. (the others will follow soon after, once we’re in a house)

We mention the two rabbits, caged, littertrained. And the single, declawed cat.

Some people say NO, only two pets are allowed, so we’re over. Others say the “rabbits don’t count” so we just have one pet fee. Others say that since the two rabbits are housed together, they count as “one” pet. Another place said that the cage had to be XYZ tall and XYZ long. And they had to be caged at all times. Yeah right. Not interested. Another said they don’t take “rodents” so I emailed back and said they were “lagomorphs” so they must not count. They apparently had no sense of humor…

I’d be totally honest about everything. (I’m not going to mention my two baby tarantulas though) Because every single place can be different, and I’m sure the HOA could tell you if you are okay or not. Where we currently are the HOA says you have to follow county laws, but can have as many as you want. So long as the neighbors don’t complain.

I would just want to clear everything up and be honest about the bunnies, and your little hamsters too. Good luck!

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