Posts Tagged ‘seattle pets’

So you’ve decided to buy your first place.  Most likely you will be at least considering a condominium.  They are some of the cheapest ways to get your toe in the door of homeownership.  Buy if you have a pet you want to make sure that the complex you are considering will allow you to take Rex or Fifi with you.  So what are the rules for moving into a condo complex with a pet.

The answer is that it depends.  Each individual condo association reserves the right to make whatever rules they see fit for allowing or not allowing pets.  Many of the more established associations have rules that are based on problems they have had in the past and can be very specific.  Some associations have no rules at all on what pets you can keep. 

The City of Seattle does have some rules that no association can violate.  In particular, they insist that you can not have any exotic or illegal pets.  (That’s right, you can’t run an alpaca farm out of your studio condo)  They also have limitations on some dog breeds that are allowed within city limits.  For example there are laws against wolf mixes. 

Many associations put a limit on the number of pets you can have.  Two to four seems to be the breaking point.  Many also put a limit on the size of your pet.  20-40 lbs is typical.  Most do not specify what you can have if they are self contained such as fish or anything in an terrarium.   Some do however limit the size of the tank you can have for fish, in case it ever breaks or if the weight is a concern for the structure.   Keep in mind that if your family of tarantulas gets out and terrorizes the neighbors, it is a sure bet that the next association meeting will amend the rules to limit your furry friends. 

What rules are in place for a specific association can usually be found out in advance.  A call to the association, listing agent or owner can usually clear up any questions.  Regardless, be sure that your buyer’s agent includes the right to review the rules and regulations and retains for you the right to walk away from any offer if they are not to your liking.  This kind of clause is typical in real estate transactions for condos.  If a seller refuses such a clause, they are generally trying to hide something and I would walk away from the deal. 

Also, keep in mind that association rules can change at any time.  So if you have your heart set on a Burmese and in a few months the rules change to limit size of dogs you may be out of luck. 

Happy Hunting.  And as always.  Let me know if you need any help.  I am always looking for new clients.

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Rob Graham, Accredited Buyers Representative

Windermere Real Estate

206-321-6349

robgraham@windermere.com

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