Deed restriction regarding number of pets (Houston, Pasadena: HOA, houses, neighborhood)

[vcsmike]

I am considering a house in Pasadena in the Village Grove East subdivision. I read through the deed restrictions to see if there might be any issues for me, & I found one. It states that residents are allowed a maximum of two pets, & we own three dogs. I realize that by the letter of the deed restrictions, I should get rid of one of my dogs, or look for somewhere else to live. However, as a practical matter, can anyone tell me how strictly such provisions are typically enforced? Any specific experience with Village Grove East would be great as well, even if not related to this specific rule.

I ask because, up to now, I have never lived in an area with an active HOA. I do everything I'm supposed to do to insure that my dogs are not a nuisance, & I won't be getting any more pets. Therefore, if it's simply a rule to prevent people from hoarding animals, I think I'm OK. However, if it's enforced to the letter, that would be a problem.

Also, no specific consequences and/or enforcement provisions relating to this deed restriction are specified. Should someone decide to make an issue of it, what sort of action could the HOA actually take?

Thanks in advance for any input.

[DSL_PWR]

The HOA can legally fine you until you comply since you would have signed the CCR's for the neighborhood upon closing.

It's also public knowledge in favor of the HOA should they find this post and use it to their advantage in court if it went that far.

It's not worth it. Just find someplace else.

[ilikeme]

Really just depends on the HOA. In my neighborhood we have that rule also, but they only enforce it if the animals are a nuisance at a certain residence. If they don't cause any issues, then they don't mind if someone has 3-4 dogs and/or cats.

[Cabot]

I would look elsewhere. Would you be prepared to give up one of your dogs if push came to shove? I know I wouldn't so if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't risk it. There are plenty of other houses out there.

[cully]

We were in a HOA where they changed the rule on pets midstream. I guess we could have fought to be grandfathered in but we were already thinking of selling anyway. We had dogs that looked exactly alike. We walked one at a time thereafter. And for all they knew our one dog got walked an awful lot.

[crone]

Sounds kinda arbitrary. Is there a difference between 3 10 pound dogs and 2 100 pound dogs?

Does the HOA enforce the deed restrictions? Ours said 2 dogs and 2 cats per house. My across the street neighbor had 2 big dogs and a tiny one. She figured nobody ever saw the little one. She was HOA president for about 15 years.

Her neighbor complained to me about the smell from the back yard. It was a big problem.

[escanlan]

Originally Posted by Cabot

I would look elsewhere. Would you be prepared to give up one of your dogs if push came to shove? I know I wouldn't so if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't risk it. There are plenty of other houses out there.

Exactly! However I will modify that a bit and say "I WOULD NOT EVEN CONSIDER IT!". I can fully agree that you really don't want 15 dogs or other animals on a residential property, but restricting it to two?? Read your HOA covenants closely to see what other ridiculous restrictions there are!

[crone]

Two dogs and two cats is a pretty common deed restriction in Houston. IT is not ignored nearly as often as the county restriction to keep one's cats in the house or confined in their own yard.

[vcsmike]

Definitely would not be willing to give up one of my dogs. I just wanted to see if this was a boiler plate type thing that all HOAs had but was not strictly enforced.

Houses that feed into DPISD are thin on the ground, & the house that is the subject of this post is the only one we like that falls in our price range at the moment. Otherwise, I wouldn't consider it, which is what it sounds like I should do.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

[NickelsTX]

How about you follow the rules you would be agreeing to or move somewhere else?