Condo Going to the Dogs

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Q: I live in a condominium building that allows dogs. According to the rules and regulations and the bylaws of the association, there seems to be no limit to the number of dogs a unit owner can have in their unit, nor is there a limit as to the weight of the dogs they can have. The problem is that the dog population has grown tremendously in the last number of years. I don’t particularly like dogs and I know a number of people who are afraid of dogs. A lot of people who have dogs don’t follow the rules of the association and the environment is becoming really bad. Do you have any advice?

A: There really are no bad dogs, only bad dog owners. Go to your association and ask for a clear printed copy of the rules associated with pets in your building. Report infractions regularly to the building manager and ask what the procedure is for people who continually break the rules regarding pets. Many buildings set up a clear and distinct list of things they do with regard to infractions of the rules, and this of course includes pets. Often people are fined, but find out what your association does and what the procedure is.

I must tell you and all the readers out there who are not particularly fond of dogs or those who are afraid of them that there are far more buildings that do not allow dogs than those that do. When you see a list of amenities associated with a building, look to see if they allow dogs. If they do, move on to the next building. This is no different than indoor parking, a swimming pool or any other amenity a building may allow or provide.

Q: Are the things such as furniture in my apartment insured by me or by the building? If the building doesn’t insure them, is it really necessary to insure them because they aren’t all that valuable?

A: No, your things are not insured by the building and, yes, it really is necessary to insure them. Don’t think of your things on an individual basis, but think of them as a whole. If you have to replace one thing in your apartment, chances are it won’t be a financial hardship.

On the other hand, think of a major loss like fire or theft and think of losing every single thing you own. This includes not only furniture, but pots and pans and dishes and clothing and electronics. The electronics in your apartment alone would probably cost a small fortune if you had to replace them all at the same time, and think of having to replace all of your clothing at the same time.

Ask an insurance agent about a renter’s policy if you rent your place or a contents policy if you own your place. The premiums really aren’t all that expensive.

Q: My building made me take town a flower box I had on my window ledge. I think it adds to the beauty of the building. What’s up with that?

A: The only thing I can think of is that your building does not want to be responsible for the planter box if it should fall on someone and injure them. Even if your apartment is not directly over a walkway or common area, other people who are may see the flowers and think it’s a good idea to do the same thing, and there you have it.

Most buildings have a liability policy that precludes people from hanging anything on the outside of the building. Think of a strong wind coming along and blowing a planter full of dirt falling three stories or more onto someone’s head. It’s easy to imagine the injury that could cause.

It all depends upon the building you live in. I’ve seen many older walk-up buildings encourage people to use planters on the back porches or fire escapes, but the areas below may not be accessible by other residents or the general public. I’m sure your flowers look nice, but when it comes to liability insurance, sometimes people have to look on that side of things.

In addition, not everyone may be as careful about securing the planter box to the sill to prevent it from falling, and that leads to another point which is how are you going to secure the planter. Does the building really want people putting nails or screws or other attachments to the facade? My suggestion is that you buy a nice shelf and have the flowers on the inside of the window.

Dan Riehle is the owner and managing broker of Chicago Pride Real Estate, Inc. (www.chicagopriderealestate.com), with more than 11 years of real estate experience. Chicago Pride Real Estate, Inc. is a full service Real Estate company. This column does not constitute professional legal, tax or accounting advice. For such advice, consult your attorney or tax professional.