Proof that My Dog Violates the Condo Rules?

C.T. from outside of Connecticut writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

My dog has been reported doing things outside that she is not doing. Do I have a right to ask for proof?

Mister Condo replies:

C.T., I am sorry that your dog has been accused of doing things outside that she isn’t doing. I assume these things are barking, jumping on people, digging up flowerbeds, or doing her business where she shouldn’t. All of these complaints are fairly common at condominiums that allow dogs as are the neighbor versus neighbor complaints that usually follow. If the Board or Property Manager is receiving complaints of rules violations, they have little choice but to assume the complaint is valid and then take appropriate action which is to send you a letter about the violation and/or issue you a fine for the violation. Unless your governing documents state otherwise, the complaint is the only proof that needs to be offered. The complaint is a record of the association and, as such, can be inspected by members of the association. As long as you are a unit owner, you can request to see a copy of the complaint(s). It is possible that another unit owner is trying to make your life difficult and it might help you to know who is complaining so that you can try to make things right with that person. If, on the other hand, you have video surveillance in your condo and there is evidence of you and your dog violating the rules of the association, you may have little choice but to change your behavior and take care that your dog’s behavior isn’t in violation of the rules of the community. Good luck!