Florida has the second-highest number of HOAs in the United States after California. The 49,420 associations in the state all have different rules and policies.
Homeowner associations have to decide if they want to allow pets within the community. Tampa Bay, Florida communities should always consider allowing pets, especially support animals.
Not only is this the law, but it can lead to other benefits. Keep reading to learn them.
1. Stay Compliant With the Fair Housing Act
The main benefit of having support animals in your Tampa Bay community is legal compliance. It's required by law under the Fair Housing Act to allow homeowners to have service pets.
If you fail to follow the laws, your HOA community could have a lawsuit on your hands. Even if you implement a "no-pet" policy, you have to accommodate those with service and support animals.
2. Support Animals Demonstrate Good Behavior
Typically, emotional support pets demonstrate good behavior because they are trained to help their human. If you fear the pet destroying property in your community, you can rest easy knowing this is unlikely.
However, there are protections for HOAs. The HOA can deny mental health pets that pose a danger to residents and destroy property. This allows you to keep your HOA home values high.
3. More Interest in the Community
Another one of the benefits of support animals is that they can generate interest in the community. There are 12.5 million pet owners in Florida alone. Allowing support animals and pets in general means filling the community.
Those with animals will consider moving into your community over other places. This is especially true if similar communities in the area don't allow pets.
Professional HOA property managers can help you set up policies to ensure your community stays successful with pets.
4. More Homeowner Participation
HOAs continuously look for increased homeowner participation. Not everyone in the community will want to volunteer and participate which can lessen funding and cause issues.
Allowing support animals can help support a sense of belonging. This is just one thing that can encourage people to feel like they belong in the community and even on the HOA board.
Homeowners with pets can start a club to get together and hang out with their pets. These gatherings are beneficial for individuals and the HOA.
5. Responsible Homeowners
Owning a pet is a huge responsibility that requires a long-term commitment. An average cat or dog can live 15 to 20 years. Pet owners tend to be responsible for their pets and will keep them from ruining the property.
Many support animals have had at least basic training to keep their behavior in check.
Allowing Pets in Your Tampa Bay Community
Allowing support animals -- and pets in general -- in your Tampa Bay community is beneficial for these reasons and more.
At PMI Arrico Realty & Property Management, we ensure you make the right decisions for your HOA. We know that every community has different needs so our services are customizable.
Our team of experienced HOA management professionals can offer an unmatched, innovative approach to solving community challenges. Our goal is to add value back to your community with the PMI Difference.
Contact us today to get started.
