L.B. from outside of Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
If condo bylaws permit a pet (no restriction on size) does the condo board have the right to impose a surcharge to pet owners (specifically dog owners). Our board voted to charge $20.00 per month per dog & new owners a one-time charge of $200 plus the $20.00 per month. Do they have the right to impose such charges? What about cat owners? Should they be charged as well. These charges seem discriminatory.
Mister Condo replies:
L.B., as long as the Board passed these rules in accordance with association governance powers, they have committed no foul. However, it is important to note that these individuals were voted into service by homeowners like you. If you and enough of your fellow homeowners feel the rules are unfair, simple replace the Board members with like-minded representatives of the people. If you can’t muster enough support for that, I don’t see why the rules should change. The sitting Board likely had their reasons for imposing these rules and, as long as they were adopted and passed correctly, they are the rules of the association. All the best!
I would never consider purchasing a condo. .Certainly not my way of life. But, I understand for certain people a condo works out very well.I recently heard of a association putting in a new rule the dogs that live on premises are grandfathered in but once the dog passes the owner/tenant isnt allowed to bring in another dog.Dogs are family to some owners and this may create a problem for associations. I know of associations that have no money, buildings in dire need of maintenance, no long term planning goals.Units behind on fees. Really, dont they have larger fish to fry. As long as the owner cleans up afetr the dog and the dog isnt disturbing others whats the worry. And associations can hire pooper scooper companies to clean up after the dogs