Condo Dog Owner Responsibility

R.M. from New Haven County writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

What is a dog owner’s responsibility at the condo? Who do I complain to if I see dogs behaving badly?

Mister Condo replies:

R.M., condominiums that allow dogs often do so with a list of accompanying rules that is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to enforce. It is common for associations to limit the number and/or size of allowed dogs so as to keep the peace within the association. Among the more common rules are that pets must be kept on leash at all times in the common areas, unit owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets, and barking is to be kept to a minimum. As long as unit owners are responsible pet owners, dogs and condos often coexist quite comfortably. However, all it takes is one irresponsible owner who doesn’t follow the rules on pet ownership and many challenges can ensue. Dogs left unattended during the day while their owners are at work can bark uncontrollably for hours. Dog waste that is not properly disposed of creates a health hazard and a sanitary nightmare for many associations. Aggressive dogs that are not kept leashed can bite or intimidate other unit owners. All of these are problems that should be addressed by the Board of Directors in the form of warning letters, fines, and even eviction of dog owners who refuse to follow the rules. If your condo has a property manager, the job of enforcement may also fall under the property manager’s job description. As a unit owner, you may report any rules violations you observe to the Board and/or the Property Manager. It is then their job to take enforcement action. Hope that helps!