Buying a co-ownership property: What about pets?

You are looking to buy a divided co-ownership unit to live in with your pet? Note that being a co-owner of a divided co-ownership unit means complying with the co-ownership by-laws, which may sometimes restrict certain uses or activities.

More and more co-ownerships are restricting or prohibiting the presence of pets in both common and private areas. However, these prohibitions must be reasonably justified by the destination of the immovable, its characteristics or location, on pain of possible legal disputes. Nevertheless, a syndicate of owners may easily restrict or oversee the presence of pets in the common or restricted-use areas of the immovable. 

This is why it is important, if you have pets or if the possibility of owning them is an essential criterion in your search for the perfect condo, to inform your broker so that he can advise you properly during your search.

How to check whether a co-ownership property allows or restricts the presence of pets?

Ask your real estate broker to check whether the desired co-ownership property allows or restricts the presence of pets. Checking this information will help you avoid unpleasant surprises later.

Your broker will be able to obtain critical information about the desired co-ownership property, which will help you determine whether the immovable meets your search criteria. To do this, the broker may obtain the declaration of co-ownership, any subsequent amendments to the declaration of co-ownership and the by-laws of the immovable, which may contain clauses prohibiting or restricting the presence of animals. It is also important to analyze the latest minutes of co-owners' meetings, which could suggest that a ban on pets is currently under discussion.

Some co-ownership properties may specifically limit the presence of pets, including restrictions on size, weight, breed or the number of pets allowed per unit. A thorough examination of all co-ownership documents is therefore essential. As a buyer, you must read each document carefully and ask any questions you may have.

By taking these measures, you will help make your co-ownership property transaction a success.