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NEWENGLANDCONDO.COM
NEW ENGLAND CONDOMINIUM
-JANUARY 2022
7
require some kind of board notification and low animals that were previously forbidden, the pandemic has taken on all of us, it could
documentation (municipal licensure, updated while for others it may include adding pet-
vaccinations, and in some cases proof of spay-
ing or neutering) before any animal can reside a number of reasons for this reconsideration. identified or not. The organization’s website adopt animals—as well as further cherish the
on the property, including pets, ESAs, and For one thing, many building owners and op-
service animals.
Along with the surge in requests (legiti-
mate or not) for ESAs, housing professionals tional Association of Realtors® (NAR) found stage of life—numerous studies have shown fort than ever during these stressful times…
say they’ve also noticed a misconception cir-
culating among owners once their requests are able for investors, and a three-year study by often, recover from illness more quickly, and
approved: many seem to think the established real estate appraiser Jonathan Miller of New have more positive outlooks than those who has increased nationwide, condominiums,
rules about pets in their building or commu-
nity don’t apply to them and their ESAs.
“There have been issues with people not apartment in a pet-friendly building in New sue. Nevada for instance recently passed clearly and often to both new and old resi-
realizing that their service [or emotional sup-
port] animals still have to abide by the pet no-pets buildings, and $830,000 for buildings velopment communities governed by HOAs for reviewing reasonable accommodation re-
policies in the building,” says Alison Phillips, barring dogs. (He notes, however, that the from restricting pets, and other states and quests for ESAs. Each of these requests should
CMCA, AMS, CAM, vice president of mul-
tifamily and commercial real estate at First-
Service Residential based in Massachusetts. of buildings with more liberal pet policies). sentatives in 2021 seeks to eliminate the breed guidance of legal counsel. And residents with
“If somebody is going to have an emotional Statistics from the following year attributed and size restrictions on dogs in public hous-
service animal, they have to fully understand to the American Pet Products Association ing, “allowing families to access affordable should remember that they are bound by
what’s expected of them. They have every (APPA) showed that an overwhelming major-
right to get one, but they do have the respon-
sibility that comes with it as well.”
Pets Can Make Great Neighbors
It may be that the rise in ESA accom-
modation requests may eventually plateau, ciety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to exercise discretion in restricting potentially
since buildings and communities throughout (ASPCA), 23 million American households dangerous
the country are increasingly pet friendly. For have acquired a pet during the COVID-19 cri-
some that may mean amending rules to al-
specific amenities to their offerings. There are support animals, whether specifically ESA-
erators understand that there is an underlying comfort, consolation, and a sense of security. pets are incredible sources of love and com-
economic incentive to allowing pets; the Na-
that pet-friendly properties are more profit-
York-Based Miller Samuel found that as of do not have pets.”
September 2015, the average sale price of an
York is $2.18 million, versus $1.03 million for legislation to prevent common interest de-
price differentials could be attributed to other municipalities are doing the same. A federal be considered individually and according to
factors, such as the size, type, and location bill introduced into the U.S. House of Repre-
ity—68%—of U.S. households had a pet.
That number has undoubtedly increased to keeping those animals out of overcrowded, or emotional disability. After all, a responsible
since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in under-resourced shelters and rescue centers. dog owner is the greatest companion for man’s
March 2020. According to the American So-
sis. Given the mental and emotional toll that sponsible pet owners.)
be argued that these are indeed emotional ASPCA representative, “this stressful period
reminds us that “pets provide companionship, pets already in their lives. We’re seeing that
They have positive impacts on us at every panionship in our lives and bring more com-
that pet owners live longer, visit doctors less We rely on them as much as they rely on us.”
Some states are even wading into the is-
and stable housing while keeping their pets their building’s or association’s policies, even
with them,” explains the ASPCA, in addition if the animal assists with a physical, mental,
(The bill would still allow housing authorities best friend.
individual
animals, but would re-
move housing barriers for thousands of re-
“Throughout the country,” says an
has motivated many people to foster and
As pet—and especially dog—ownership
co-ops, and HOAs should make sure to re-
view their pet policies, communicate them
dents, and consider establishing procedures
the relevant facts of the situation, and with the
dogs—or those considering getting one—
n
Darcey Gerstein is Associate Editor and a
Staff Writer for New England Condominium.