Typical Co-Op Pet Policy In NYC
Go Back To Previous PageA co-op is a great way to save money and buy into a Big Apple community. But what exactly does a typical co-op pet policy entail? Of course, you must pick the right co-op for your family. Pets can be a source of contention for many people, so do you need to choose a co-op with a good pet policy? Let’s discuss the New York City co-op pet policy. While every co-op will have a different policy, there are still some general trends we can report on.
Our guide will give you a good idea of what most co-ops will allow and disallow regarding NYC co-op pet policy.
What To Expect From A Typical Co-Op Pet Policy In NYC
If a pet owner is considering buying a coop apartment, you must ask your buyer’s broker to confirm the policy before submitting an offer. As part of the co-op purchase application, the Board of Directors has complete discretion in whether or not to approve your purchase.
Violating the pet ownership policy can easily cause an automatic board rejection.
Where can I find the co-op city pet policy?
You can find a co-op’s pet policy in the house rules.
The purchase application (also known as the board package) may mention the pet policy. It’s standard for some pet policy acknowledgment or rider, which the applicant must sign and submit with the completed board package.
Sometimes, the house rules or purchase applications do not clearly define the co-op’s policy. The best way to find out is to have your buyer’s agent contact the listing or managing agent.
Co-ops tend to be slightly more lenient regarding their pets than apartments.
Some apartments will not allow pets of any type. Most of the co-ops will have policies similar to the following:
- Most co-ops will allow domesticated animals, and they tend to be okay with hamsters, rabbits, gerbils, dogs, and cats.
- A typical co-op will have a pet limit, though. The usual pet limit is either one or two pets.
- Most co-ops may have height and weight or breed restrictions if you want to get a dog. Many co-ops will not allow pets over 40 pounds in
weight. If you have a dog breed considered aggressive, they may refuse to let the dog in the co-op. - Policies also tend to include pet vaccine requirements, and you must prove that you have vaccinated your dogs and cats most of the time.
- Co-ops may also charge an application fee for pets. The fee depends on the co-op and the pet, but it’s usually $200 to $300.
Does The Policy Apply To Service Animals And Emotional Support Animals?
Legally, co-ops cannot bar you from living in their buildings if you have a service animal or an ESA. You must show legal documents that prove that you need the animal for your health.
They violate several laws if they try to charge a fee for your pet or ask to bar you from living there. If this happens to you, the best thing you can do is talk to your real estate lawyer and your brokerage. Your broker and lawyer can advise you on what you should do next.
What Kind Of Pets Are Considered Aggressive?
The board members will primarily consider aggressive animals to be a dangerous breed. This list includes Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, rottweilers, pit bulls, bull terriers, and Dalmatians.
If you are not sure which breeds are allowed, ask your co-op. If you have a larger dog or a dog whose breed may be considered aggressive (justified or not) by others, you must double-check with the building before moving forward.
Are There Co-Ops That Ban Pets Altogether?
Yes, some co-ops have strict “no pets” policies. Co-Op City, in the Bronx, has a firmly no-pets co-op. However, there are
others out there that may ban pets altogether.
This is more common among co-ops built as affordable housing than in luxury buildings.
Do Co-ops Allow Renters to Have Pets in NYC?
It depends. Some co-ops that permit pets for shareholders expressly prohibit renters from having the same privilege of owning pets while residing in the co-op. In this case, a rental applicant may have to sign a ‘no pet rider’ as part of the co-op sublet board application.
Are Pets Required to Attend the Co-op Board Interview?
We’ve heard stories of applicants bringing their dogs to the co-op board interview so that the Board can measure their weight. The Board wanted to ensure compliance with the building’s weight restrictions for pets.
Pet owners tend to underestimate their pets’ weights. Usually, pet owners do not take frequent weight measurements of their pets. So, they should not rely only on their tax returns. A co-op may reject you if your pet is in a higher-weight body.
Therefore, many buyer agents often weigh their pets before advising them to proceed with a signed purchase contract.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
