Pets in a Community: Tips for HOA Boards
Not all humans are pet-friendly, and as a property owner, you must acknowledge that. But of course, you must also acknowledge that other humans are.
That's why HOA pet restrictions are vital. It allows people with different preferences to co-exist together. In this helpful guide, we'll step you paw-by-paw through typical pet restrictions and offer strategies for allowing pets in a community.
With that said, break free from the leash of confusion through our expert insights!
Why Implement Pet Restrictions?
As a property owner, you understand that the more tenants you have, the more profits you'll earn. However, many people own pets, which means you'll have to set up HOA rules to ensure that the community maintains its decorum.
Here are some reasons to implement pet restrictions:
Safety and Comfort: The primary reason for enforcing pet restrictions is to ensure the safety and comfort of all residents. Some individuals may have allergies or phobias, and there is also the concern of aggressive behavior from certain pets.
Property Maintenance: Pets can sometimes cause damage to common areas or individual properties. Of course, the HOA aims to minimize such risks.
Noise Control: Dogs, in particular, can be noisy. Excessive barking could be a nuisance to neighbors.
Resale Value: Well-maintained communities often retain higher property values. So, regulating pet ownership can be part of maintaining the community's appeal.
Common Types of Pet Restrictions
Owning a pet isn't a crime, so no HOA community should ban pets altogether. However, these are a few ways to make HOA living comfortable for everyone:
Breed Restrictions
Some HOAs ban breeds that are perceived to be aggressive. Larger breeds might be restricted due to their potential to cause more damage or intimidation.
Waste Management
Residents are usually required to clean up after their pets to maintain community cleanliness. As a courtesy, you could set up waste baggies around the property
Number Limits
The HOA board may limit the number of pets a resident can have to avoid issues related to noise or waste management. Too many pets in a residence can quickly lead to headaches for neighbors and property owners.
Weight Restrictions
Similar to breed restrictions, an HOA might set a weight limit for pets to reduce the risk of injury or damage. Big pets generally cause more issues. So, the smaller they are, the better.
Leash Laws
To prevent pets from roaming freely, an HOA may enforce leash laws in common areas. This reduces the chances of other residents potentially getting harmed.
Allowing Pets in a Community
Pet restrictions in an HOA community are designed to balance the needs and rights of pet owners with those of other residents. They also ensure that your property isn't damaged during the term of the lease.
However, allowing pets in a community and handling the ins and outs of property management is challenging. Thankfully, PMI Cascade can help.
Our parent company, Property Management Inc., manages more than 650 home associations nationwide. That means we're well-equipped to oversee your community.
To learn more, call 253-356-0330, or reach out to us on our website!
