I put a deposit on an over priced condo in Maine because I want to move back to Maine and to be closer to a guy I am dating. Everything went well at first, pets are allowed and dogs under 20 pounds are allowed. I told them I foster rats from time to time. No problem.  I get the call today that I can't have rats because its in the rules. I said I didn't see it in the written rules and he tells me the condo association won't allow rats. They must have just made up this rule after my deposit on the condo. I said ok and asked for my deposit back and he said he will tell the realtor. I thought living in a condo would be hassle free because I would not have the exterior maintenace and snow plowing to worry about. I am going to look for a house and then I can have any pet I want.

Maybe the lingo is different on the east coast and west coast, but here condo means something YOU own, versus apartment being something you rent. Unless you're leasing the condo directly from the person who owns it, I don't see how they can tell you what to put in your OWN property.

Tell them you are planning on permanently adopting a pet hamster and see what they say. I bet that won't be a problem.

Condos are basically an evil combination of apartment rental and home ownership. They're neither. You don't have to shovel or mow, but "the man" can still tell you what to do.

Hopefully you'll be able to figure something out... but I would beware of lying at this point...

I knew you would ask me that!!  Actually about 10 people asked me that already. Yea, snow driving in my car is not good and I am looking into another vehicle or I can take the Downeaster that stops where I work.

I don't think I could ever live in a condo; even though you get plowing and outside maintenance done you pay for that in the monthly condo fees. You can buy a house and pay somebody to plow and shovel and make out better in the long run with being able to have the pets you want.

Around here it's getting to where even if you own a house in a development they tell you what you can and cannot dog.  It's crazy to me.  So far I can do whatever I want...well, for the most part...I still live in town and cannot have "farm" animals but....no limit on how many dogs, cats, birds, reptiles or rodents I can have.   

In theory, just not saying anything may work. Many have the same thought to renting.

The thing is, that you may be breaking a legal contract. If found out, you could be forced to re-home your animals or be forced to move. Depends on what the contract says. I lived in a condo for 5 years, though we leased from the owner of the particular condo unit. The landlord had no problem with any pets, and while the home association chanced their policies later on, our pets were grandfathered in. However, they may have every right to take action, including legal, against you if you're caught breaking the rules.

Just wanted to toss that out there. We've had rats surrendered because the owners broken leases (don't believe a condo situation had been a factor, though I know that legally, you are expected to adhere to the association rules and.. at least we... may sign a contract with the association) and either had to remove the animals, or be evicted. It's a fine line to walk. Maybe you'll never be found out, but many people who snuck in pets thought the same thing, until they were forced to make a choice... :\ (Re-home pets; keep pets and risk eviction/legal issues but fight against it; move.)

All that said, though it's no longer an issue for us, as I won't rent/buy from anywhere that doesn't want my pets there, period. They're entitled to setting the rules as they see fit, and if I don't agree to them, then it's not a good fit. I - personally - don't want to add more paranoia into my life (I have more than enough!) by breaking any rules. Especially when it comes to animals. That's my thing, though.

hannahchase - That's a real blow that they said one thing and then changed their decision. That said, it's probably better to steer clear of an association that does that anyway. Best to find out in advance, then have them be wishy-washy after you've bought and moved in, right?

This is true... if they flip-flopped on that, what ELSE will they flip-flop on after you've bought the place and moved in?

Even if you BUY a house you still have restrictions in any town.  The severity depends on the town.  I can't put a windmill on my property because it might fall on someone elses land and it would be over 3 stories tall.  Need permits to put up fencing etc... Need written neighbor permission to take down a line tree since they legally own half of it.  Can't own more than 3 dogs.  I can't build a concrete wall on my property lines all the way around and bunker myself in because it would block fire personnel from entering the premises.  And so on....

Some condo's are the size of apt's and they have pretty much the same restrictions.  My friends condo is only 900 sq feet and she's on the 3rd floor of a 4 floor building.  They have all kinds of restrictions.

Unfortunately, it's probably best that you don't mention them at all.  The property owner doesn't know you from Adam/Eve and has visions of rats overtaking the place, which would cause a big problem for them.  I've found that, if I have to mention them at all, I say they're hamsters.  They seem to have a much better reputation, although for the life of me I can't understand why. 

If there is a "Covenant" that an owner has to sign (my homeowners association does) you may be stuck.  HOWEVER, they should have provided a copy of the covenant when you put your money down (or before).  If the condo association is resident - r un it would require a referendum - and vote - to changethe rules.  Make 'em show it to you in writing and ask when the restriction was enacted.

I own a condo (6yrs now), and there are no restrictions... you own anything inside, and nothing on the outside.  No restrictions to how I modify the inside, but I can't attach a satellite dish outside because it alters the outside appearance - doesn't mean that people listen to that though.  I can have any pets I want (see sig) and no one can say anything.  The mortgage is $600/mo for a 1br, almost 900 sq ft. space (and even a garage!) and $50/mo for the HOA.  Not too bad for owning.. much cheaper than renting an apt (as that money is just thrown away) and owning a house.  Each area is different though... it all depends on your HOA.  Personally, I am relatively happy with my HOA, I am unhappy about the parking issues there though.