The number of people living in homes within community associations is booming. The number of residents has grown from 2.1 million in 1970 to 75.5 million in 2023. With the growth in HOA residents comes the need for HOA boards to develop comprehensive policies regarding pets, service, and support animals in an HOA.
If you're not up to date on how to structure HOA community guidelines around animals, don't stress! Read on for an introduction to the topic.
Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals
The first thing to know when contemplating your HOA community guidelines is the difference between service animals and support animals.
Service animals are animals, typically dogs, that are highly trained to perform specific services for their owners. Many wear vests that identify them as service animals, but that is not required. Typical services performed include:
- Vision services for the blind
- Low and high blood glucose alerts
- Early detection of oncoming seizures
- Panic attack support
Support animals are animals that provide emotional support to their owners. They're prescribed by physicians and mental health providers to help people reduce their symptoms of depression, anxiety, and more. Support animals do not require any type of training, and they don't have full access to public spaces like service animals.
Do You Have to Allow Service Animals in an HOA?
In short, yes, you must allow service animals in HOA homes. Service animals provide essential services that give disabled folks equal access to their homes.
Failure to permit service animals may land the HOA board in hot water. That's because the denial is considered discrimination based on a disability by the Fair Housing Act and Tennessee state laws.
Do You Have to Allow Support Animals in an HOA?
Yes, your HOA must allow support animals because mental health conditions are a disability. This means denying a request for an emotional support animal is discrimination.
That said, there are times in which you may be able to ask for the animal to be removed. If the animal is dangerous or a major nuisance, then it's time to talk to the resident. If you're struggling with a request or unruly ESA, check in with an HOA management company for advice.
Managing HOA Pet Policies
Some HOAs have covenants that restrict pets in the community. This helps residents avoid costly property maintenance and maintain a certain level of peace.
Many potential buyers might balk at a pet-free community, though. That means that many associations take the prudent route and establish HOA pet policies. These include limitations on breeds, species, and the number of animals allowed in one home.
Spend some time researching what neighboring associations are doing. What's working and what's not? Then decide what you think works best for your community.
Managing Animals in Your HOA Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
Living in an HOA has many benefits, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility for the board members. Managing support animals in an HOA is definitely one of the biggest. If you're struggling to come up with the perfect policy, consider working with an association management company to get the best results without all of the work!
If you want to spend less of your time on HOA tasks and more time enjoying your life in Nashville, PMI Whiskey Trail is here to help you. Contact us today to learn more about our incredible services!
