2021-12-23
When homeowners move into a homeowners association (HOA) or condo owners associations, they are required to abide by the rules and regulations for their specific community. Many homeowners assume that this is just a list of common sense items such as keeping yards clean, allowing only so many people in the home at once, etc. However, there are a few details that homeowners may forget about when it comes to owning a pet in an HOA. Here is what community managers need to know about five essential rules for residents with pets!
1. A Requirement to Register Pets
In some communities, homeowners have been known to get angry when asked if they have pets after moving in. The homeowner may feel treated unfairly because everyone else does not have to answer this question. In order to protect all homeowners from potential problems, homeowners associations and condo management need to implement a pet registration process.
This can be done by requiring homeowners to fill out an application that asks if they have pets, designating how many pets are allowed, and then approving or denying the request. The homeowners association should also require all homeowners to sign a lease agreement that states their understanding of these rules. This extra step will help homeowners get along with one another in the community because it ensures every homeowner knows what is expected of them before moving in.
While small pets (like gerbils or lizards) might not need to be registered in a single-family home community, it's essential to enforce registration for larger animals like dogs. However, depending on your condominium management rules, small pets might need to be on a registration list, too.
2. Noise Restrictions for Barking (and More)
Most homeowners associations have some sort of noise restriction for homeowners. In many cases, homeowners are not allowed to make loud outside noises between specific hours, which can also mean no barking dogs allowed! Your community association might offer flexibility for instances where homeowners have more than one dog, and family members need to take care of them during the night hours. However, homeowners associations should enforce these restrictions as far as possible to maintain a peaceful community atmosphere at all times without any disturbances from a homeowners' pet.
While dogs are the most likely culprit for noise disturbances, other types of pets and their owners should follow the rules for community associations, as well.
3. Enforcement for Waste Cleanup
No matter where you live, there is likely some type of waste cleanup requirement for your yard, including dog waste pick-up stations. Association management boards need to make sure these stations are clearly marked so that homeowners don't assume it's a trash can. Homeowners must also clean up after their pets if homeowners association rules require that they do so.
When enforcing pest waste cleanup rules, make sure your HOA board takes a fair and equal approach to all dog owners who violate the rules.
4. Leashing Rules
Some homeowners associations ban homeowners from letting their pets run loose without a leash when outside of fenced yards or a designated dog park area. This is important because homeowners are ultimately responsible for the actions of their pets, especially if they hurt other residents or other animals outside the homeowners' property. When homeowners let their pets run free, they also risk having accidents on lawns that you will be required to clean up!
Make sure homeowners understand these rules by including them in homeowners association documents and reminding homeowners at community events to keep their furry friends under control at all times. "Leashing" rules can also expand to limit pet access to community resources, like a fitness center or the neighborhood's pool.
5. Liability for Pet-Related Damage or Injury
Even with all your HOA laws about keeping dogs leashed, some owners refuse to follow leash requirements. Therefore, your HOA rules should specify that residents are liable for their dog's actions if they cause any damage to another homeowner's property. This also means homeowners association rules should include a clause about liability for animal bites, especially in homes with children.
In some cases, homeowners may be held liable for injuries caused by animals on the homeowners' property. If a homeowner is aware of an unsafe condition involving a pet and does not correct it before something happens, homeowners or HOA bboards may face legal trouble because of negligence. That's why homeowners associations need to make sure individuals understand the HOA's bylaws when it comes to pets in the community, so board members are not afraid to enforce HOA pet rules.
A Community Association Manager Helps Boards With Pet Rules!
Establishing pet rules and enforcing them fairly helps keep homeowner associations safe from liabilities. It also helps protect community members and keep green areas and buildings in excellent condition. If you're not sure which rules best serve your community or how to enforce them fairly, let Trestle Community Management help! Our community managers can provide consulting services or full-service management to help your association thrive.
Get more insights into running a successful HOA! Download our free resource, "Best Practices for HOA Operations: A Checklist."
