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[Jimmy-T]

QUESTION: I currently have a small dog in a leased apartment and have had no issues with the real estate, body corporate or any neighbours.

I’m wondering what the repercussions could be if I took a dog into an apartment which I own, without permission? – Bexbella, via Flat Chat Forum.

ANSWER: I would think twice about taking even a well-behaved dog to an apartment, including one you own, without a clear indication that it’s likely to be allowed.

What could the repercussions be if they have a by-law banning dogs?  At worst, you would be issued with a notice to comply telling you to remove the dog.  Failure to do so could lead to fines that would probably start off at about $200 but could progressively reach $5500 for non-compliance.

If the building has the standard by-law that says they may not unreasonably refuse permission for a pet, you still need to check if they have ever actually allowed pets before.

If they haven’t, you need to find out if this is because they have actively refused or if they just haven’t had anyone ask the question. Either way, you could be facing months of going back and forth to the CTTT to prove that their refusal is unreasonable.  This is good for neither your stress levels nor your relations with your neighbours.

If they have allowed pets – and you can find all of this out from the strata manager, the Executive Committee secretary or by reading the minutes of EC meetings – then you need to find out under what conditions.

To make life easier when you do apply for permission, try to get references from your current neighbours and your rental agents to show your dog is unlikely to be a problem.

By the way, some buildings don’t have specific anti-pet by-laws but rigorously enforce their noise and nuisance by-laws; they have the same effect and don’t have the pitfall of giving permission then trying to take it away.

Of course, that wouldn’t apply to your perfect pooch – even so, try to avoid a dog-fight if you possibly can.

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