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[peterepete]

With all the changes reported to allow Strata’s to be more ‘pet -friendly’, I would like to offer my experience and invite feedback. A few months back, whilst a Unit in our block of 4 was on the market, I received a call from a prospective buyer inquiring if our Strata was ‘pet- friendly’. She had been told by the real estate agent it was and wanted to confirm this. I informed her that our Strata had no specific By-Law forbidding pets and that the last occupant of this ground floor lot (for sale) had had a small dog, which had drawn no complaint.

Where a issue has now arisen, following the purchase of the Unit,

is new owner’s interpretation of the term ‘pet friendly’. Being on the ground floor, she likes to have her back door open allowing little Leo (the dog) to roam outside her Unit and around the Common Property and to ensure it doesn’t escape has started erecting wire mesh across access points between the building and perimeter fences (initially, approval was granted on a temporary basis, to fence one point, to allow Leo to become ‘accustomed’ to the perimeter of his new domain).

So after a few months, folks here are not happy to have to now navigate around dog turds and then have to bring said turds to the attention of the owner. Her response has been to point out that several resident Cats are also on Common Property unsupervised. If this circumstance was to continue and with the arrival of further canines, the strata would end up resembling a dog pound. So, my two questions to you, Are dogs (or any other pet for that matter) allowed onto Common Property unsupervised ? and is it possible to train Leo, a west highland terrier, to not run off so the wire mesh is not needed ? BTW we are a self-managed O.C .

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[kiwipaul]

If you have something similar to the default bylaw:

16. Keeping of animals
An owner or occupier must not keep an animal unless they have the written permission of the owners corporation. The owners corporation must not unreasonably refuse permission to keep an animal.

Has she been given written permission, if not submit a motion to the EC or GM such as

I propose that all pets within the complex that don’t have permission be given 28 days to obtain BC approval as specified in bylaw 16.

The minimum conditions relating to being granted permission to keep a pet are:

1. Animal does not cause a noise nuisance (no barking) or smell.
2. Does not cause any mess anywhere on the common area or areas outside the complex to the front or side of the property.
3. Dog is kept under control and on a leach whilst on the common property.
4. Any cat be kept within the lot and not be allowed onto common property or other lots, without that lot owners consent.

Must comply with all NSW regulations concerning pets

Any owner given permission but failing to comply with the conditions will be asked by the committee to remove the pet within 28 days.

Or something similar that suits your requirements. If they have been given write permission without any conditions

 

Then you would have to use:

9. Depositing rubbish, etc on common property
An owner or occupier must not throw rubbish, dirt, dust or other materials on the common property that may interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of another resident.

If you have a similar bylaw.

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[Strata Plan of 4 by the beach]

peterepete, I am interested to hear how you went.  I am in a similar situation.  I have learned it is best to say no upfront to these requests as giving an inch, usually results in a mile being taken. Pet owners living in strata are rarely responsible or thoughtful of others, in my experience anyway.

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