Buying into strata? The hidden rules that could ban your pets

Just when you thought you’d finally found a new home …

This is it, after years of renting you can finally buy a home. You no longer have to worry about getting another person’s permission to own a pet. Or do you?

When it comes to living in a strata complex, the rules around blanket bans on pets vary across the states and territories. But even if you live in NSW, Queensland, the ACT or Victoria, where Body Corporates aren’t allowed to put an outright ban on keeping a pet, it pays to read the fine print very carefully before committing to a purchase.

Some states have made blanket bans on pets a thing of the past. Picture: Tim Hunter

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL

Melbourne buyers agent Mario Borg says it’s crucial for pet owners to check strata by-laws very carefully before committing to a purchase.

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Owners generally have to seek written approval to keep a pet and the committee must assess each request fairly. Any refusals must be based on legitimate grounds, such as the safety or health concerns of other residents – not based on personal preference.

Melbourne buyer’s agent Mario Borg. Picture: supplied

“If you’ve got a pet – or are planning to get one – strata rules can (and will) override your rights as an owner,” Borg says. “Some buildings still ban pets entirely, or they make approval so difficult it’s effectively a ‘no.’ I’ve seen buyers blindsided by this after signing a contract.”

While your pet may be welcomed into your new home, there could be strict rules around how they use it.

“It’s not just about if pets are allowed, it’s about how they’re allowed,” he says. “Can you walk them in common areas? Are certain breeds banned? These rules matter.”

Sydney buyer’s agent Michelle May. Picture: supplied

RULES TO LOOK OUT FOR

Sydney buyers agent Michelle May says some strata complexes have by-laws preventing pets from entering common areas.

“So, if you have cats, they have to be indoor cats,” she says. “And a dog will have to be carried through the lobby – particularly if you are going into a lift.”

This can become an issue for those with larger breeds. Even more so if they have more than one dog.

“Practicality-wise, if you’ve got a dog and a baby, how are you going to manage the logistics of getting out through the common property?” she says.

Getting out the front door could be a whole family effort if you have a baby and a dog.

Other by-laws she commonly sees are restrictions on the number of pets and the size of dogs.

“I have a client with two Alsatians,” she says. “As a buyer you really need to go through the by-laws to see if this is going to cause an issue before you make an offer or go to auction.”

Borg says the most common rule he sees is that pets are OK if approved by the Owners Corp.

“But that approval isn’t guaranteed,” he says. “The trick is getting that approval in writing before you commit. Don’t leave it to chance.”

Will your cat be free to roam outdoors?

STRICTEST STRATA RULES

Of course, it’s not just pet owners who need to concern themselves with the strata rules of the complex they are considering buying into. Every buyer should have a thorough understanding of what they can and can’t do according to the Owners Corp. Here are some of the most restrictive rules buyers agents Michelle May and Mario Borg have come across while reading strata reports.

* No furniture deliveries unless booked 48 hours in advance

* No moving in or out on weekends

* No drying laundry on balconies