For the Dogs – HOA Rules or City Ordinance?

J.M. from New Haven County, Connecticut writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

If a City Ordinance says dogs must be leashed/tethered, can the HOA enforce you to only have dog on a leash and not securely tied up outside.

Mister Condo replies:

J.M., depending on local laws and the rules of the HOA, the city ordinance may not even come into play. For the most part, you are talking about private property. If the HOA owns the lands that make up any common areas, the city ordinance may not apply. However the rules of the HOA most certainly do so they should be obeyed or face the consequences of breaking the rules (fines or worse for repeated offences). Most HOAs do not allow dogs to be left unattended for the fear of a tied up dog barking and disturbing the peace for the other residents. Leashes are the general rule unless there is a designated dog run or dog park as part of the community. Of course, proper clean-up of dog feces is always required and there may be other restrictions as well. The rules are very likely outlined in your HOA documents. Happy dog walking!