Dogs can bring significant joy to your life, and they're an ideal companion for many homeowners. However, there are limitations on the types of living situations that will be best for your furry friend, and this may include condominiums. Take a look at a few reasons why dog owners should beware of condominiums.
1. Neighbors May Not Look Too Kindly on Fido
Condominiums are small living units, and as such, the noise within them can carry considerably. This is especially true when your unit shares a wall with another condo, or when your building is just a few feet from the next.
The truth is that animals, especially dogs, can cause quite a bit of ruckus just by going about their daily business. The occasional bark may not be a big deal to you, but to your not-so-pet-friendly neighbors may see it differently. This can cause discord among the community, and it may lead to numerous complaints to the condo association or hostility from neighbors.
2. The Rules May Change from Time to Time
While your Great Dane may be a welcome member of your household on the day that you move in, this can change whenever the condo associations deems it so. This doesn't usually mean that your furry friend will be kicked out onto the street, as they'll often be grandfathered in.
However, there are two consequences to these new rules. First, you may be required to pay higher annual pet fees. Second, the new rules may also limit where your dog can go within the community.
For example, you may be required to keep your dog confined to your yard and no longer able to bring them to the various amenities within the community such as the park or commons.
3. Space is Limited
Perhaps the most obvious reason to reconsider purchasing a condominium as a dog owner is the lack of space for your pet to run around and let off some steam.
Condominiums are small, and this extends to the yard space surrounding the building as well. In many cases, you are also likely to be unable to put up fencing or another type of barrier. This means your pet will not be able to be outside unattended, and this can mean more pent up energy and further problems with barking and general excitability.
If you've decided that condominiums aren't right for you, there are still plenty of different home types that will fit your needs. To get started, it's best to speak with a real estate agent like Lisa Nolan Realtor.