Pets in Apartment Buildings: Sample Complaint and Objection Letters

Are Pets Banned in Apartment Buildings?

The Condominium Law contains no direct ban on pets. What matters is the management plan: where it contains an express prohibition, that clause is in principle binding on all owners.

If the plan is silent, keeping an animal cannot in itself be prohibited. The measure is then the duty in Article 18 of the Condominium Law not to disturb others. The issue is not the animal's presence but the concrete disturbance it causes.

What Counts as Concrete Disturbance?

• Persistent barking or howling, particularly at night
• Fouling in common areas that is not cleaned up
• Letting the animal loose or uncontrolled in stairwells, lifts and corridors
• Attacks on residents or the risk of attack
• Persistent odour that is not remedied

A complaint should rest on these concrete incidents. General objections such as "I do not want dogs in the building" will not succeed.

The Owner's Obligations

A pet owner must comply with registration and identification requirements, keep vaccinations up to date and keep the animal under control in common areas. Any mess in common areas must be cleaned up immediately.

Complying with these duties is the pet owner's strongest defence in any complaint.

Copyable Complaint Letter Sample (Full Text)

……………………… APARTMENT / COMPLEX

TO THE MANAGEMENT

Subject: Disturbance caused by the pet kept in unit no. …….

I reside in independent unit no. …… of ……………………… Apartment/Complex.

The animal kept in unit no. …… has caused the following disturbances on the dates and at the times set out below:

…/…/20… at ……:…… — ……………………… (continuous barking / fouling in a common area / walking without a lead)
…/…/20… at ……:…… — ………………………
…/…/20… at ……:…… — ………………………

I raised the matter verbally with the occupant on …/…/20…, but the situation continues.

Clause …… of our management plan ……………………… (prohibits the keeping of pets / regulates the use of common areas). In addition, Article 18 of the Condominium Law requires owners and occupants not to disturb one another.

I therefore request that a written warning be issued to the occupant concerned and that the necessary measures be taken regarding the cleanliness of common areas and keeping the animal under control. …/…/20…

Full Name: ………………………    Unit No: ……    Signature: ………

ANNEXES: Photographs, details of any audio recordings, witness statements

Copyable Objection Letter Sample (For the Pet Owner)

……………………… APARTMENT / COMPLEX

TO THE MANAGEMENT

Subject: My objection to the warning letter dated …/…/20….

I reside in independent unit no. …… of ……………………… Apartment/Complex. The letter served on me dated …/…/20… states that my pet is causing a disturbance.

My explanations are as follows:

1. My animal is a ……………… (species/breed) and its registration and identification are complete. Vaccinations are kept up to date.

2. My animal is always on a lead and under control in common areas. Any mess in common areas is cleaned up by me immediately.

3. Regarding the ……………………… (incident) referred to in the letter, ……………………… (explanation / confirmation that the matter has been remedied).

4. Our management plan ……………… (contains no clause prohibiting pets / contains such a clause, but no concrete disturbance has been established).

In order to resolve the matter without damaging neighbourly relations, I confirm that I am ready to take any necessary measures should a concrete disturbance be identified.

I submit the above for your consideration. …/…/20…

Full Name: ………………………    Unit No: ……    Signature: ………

Filling Guide

In a complaint, record incidents with dates and times. A log of repeated, concrete events is far more effective than general statements.

Always cite the relevant clause of the management plan. A complaint made without knowing the rule leaves the management unable to act.

In an objection, highlight registration, identification and vaccination records. These documents demonstrate good faith and compliance.

After the Complaint

The management first issues a written warning. If the situation persists, the matter can be taken to the general assembly and, if necessary, judicial intervention sought from the Civil Court of Peace under Article 33 of the Condominium Law.

Where a tenant is involved and the disturbance has become persistent, the owner may start proceedings under the lease. In cases of attack or injury the police should be contacted.

Common Mistakes

• Not checking the management plan: the key to the dispute is in that document.
• A general complaint: without concrete incidents and dates the management cannot act.
• Direct confrontation: arguing instead of following the written process escalates matters.
• Leaving mess in common areas: this is the most common cause of complaint.
• Neglecting registration and vaccination: non-compliance leaves the pet owner defenceless.

This content and these templates are for information only and are examples. Adapt them to your specific situation.