A homeowners
association can
both enact and
enforce such pet
restrictions. As
the following
case
illustrates, it
important to
read a
development's
covenants,
conditions and
restrictions
(CC&Rs) before
you buy into it.
Pet restrictions
sometimes appear
there. Also, if
you have talked
to other owners,
you will know
whether or not
there is
tolerance for
pets.
In the case
of Nahrstedt v.
Lakeside Village
Condominium
Association,
Natore Nahrstedt,
a resident of
Lakeside Village
Condominiums
believed it was
reasonable for
her to keep
three cats even
though her deed
restrictions
read, "No
animals (which
shall mean dogs
and cats),
livestock,
reptiles or
poultry shall be
kept in any
unit."
Nahrstedt
filed suit after
the board
assessed fines
of $500 a month
against her. The
California
Supreme Court
ruled in favor
of the
association.
