With complexes and estates becoming increasingly popular in South Africa, more residents are having to deal with the issue of pets.<\/p>\n
According to real estate agents Seeff, it is important to understand the complex\/estate rules before you buy or move in, and obtain the necessary prior authority to do so.<\/p>\n
Below it outlined some of the things you need to know before making the move.<\/p>\n
Sectional Title Schemes<\/strong><\/p>\n The body corporate may impose limits on pet ownership by either prohibiting pets altogether, impose a limit on the number, types, breeds or sizes allowed, access to common areas, noise-control, replacement on the pet’s death and so on.<\/p>\n Seeff said that trustees should take care to clearly define what is allowed and what is not.<\/p>\n “Pets vary in type and size, and there is a difference between keeping dogs versus cats, cats and cage birds. Then, what about pet pigs, guide dogs, hamsters, snakes and goldfish and so on.<\/p>\n “The more detail the better. If no rules are in place, then generally, the standard ‘prescribed conduct rule’ is in force, unless amended by the body corporate,” it said.<\/p>\n This rule reads as follows:<\/p>\n Home Owners Associations (HOAs)<\/strong><\/p>\n HOAs have similar rights to restrict the keeping of pets, but no ‘prescribed rules’ apply and their powers will depend on whatever founding documentation underlies them.<\/p>\n HOAs normally govern free-standing estate houses rather than apartments, and so are perhaps more likely to be pet-friendly but again, you should always check the complex’s rules before you buy, Seeff said.<\/p>\n Trustees barking up the wrong tree? Polly ruffling feathers? The ADR alternative<\/strong><\/p>\n If embroiled in a dispute with your Body Corporate\/HOA or a fellow resident or owner, you should first attempt a chat over a friendly cup of coffee to find common ground and a win-win outcome.<\/p>\n If that fails, the (relatively) new Community Schemes Ombud Service provides an alternate dispute resolution (ADR) service designed to assist with just this sort of situation.<\/p>\n\n
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