Help with Condo Association?

Question

I just purchased my first condo. I bought a unit in a building with no animals - after moving into the unit, I found that tons of people in the building have all kinds of pets. I asked the president of the homeowners about this - given no response. Is there legal action I can take. It clearly states in the by laws - no pets.

Answer 1

What is your reason for not liking animals?  Just curious.

Answer 2

Put your complaint in writing and address it to the board members and management company of your association. Let them know about the violations that are taking place and wait for a response in writing. The board, if ran properly must respond to all written complaint in a timely manner. What may have happened, somewhere in the past previous boards they voted in to allow pets. If this has has happened, make sure they show you in writing the changes.  If not, let them know you will seek legal action if this problem is not resolved.

Just something to think about, when you sue your association, you are suing yourself. Money used to fight these legal action will come out of the association money. Also, when dealing with the association, always put your complaints in writing. If it is not in writing, there is no written record of your complaint.

Answer 3

Legally, you could hire an attorney and sue your association in a civil suit if you can prove monetary damages. Otherwise, you could file a complaint with your association and talk about it at the next meeting. It sounds like a rule they have decided not to enforce, but you can try.

Answer 4

You did not do your homework.  Before buying you should have visited the unit on numerous occasions and at different times of the day.  You have no recourse.  The association can adjust the rules as they see fit.

Answer 5

Condo rules have the effect of law.  Not obeying them will cause them to cease having that effect.  You could go to court to force the management to enforce the rules. /

Answer 6

Go to all the condo meetings and get involved. Get a copy of Roberts Rules of Order. Force compliance with the rules or insist they be amended to reflect reality.  

Answer 7

Go sue the president.