Two of the most often asked questions from buyers looking to buy a condominium are about animals and people: pets and renters. You should think about these topics and the building size you could be living in or renting out.
Large condos have to act as policemen and even try to fine owners who do not comply with pet or guest rules.
Pet Rules:
Here are some things to consider.
- Big dogs are not as noisy as little dogs.
- Size is not as important as temperament.
- Two dogs have company and are happier.
- Happier pets make happier owners.
- Pet Parks in buildings are in demand.
- Pet Parks or areas are one of the amenities which can increase prices.
- Supplying poop bags and trash cans show a higher awareness of the owners of that condo.
- Choose the condo based on the quality of the owners’ decisions about their pets. You should find that they also do a better job of voting on rules and regs for the building in general.
- Almost all HOA rules say no pets at the pools. If they are well-behaved, why not at the pool?
- Rules of no pets on the grass are common. This leaves the sidewalk or the street. Doesn’t this sound weird?
- What about rules on who’s not using poop bags instead?
- Judge the people in the condo by how they make the rules for our pets, including cats and birds.
Rental Rules:
Here are some things to consider:
- Be sure you have a good idea of how many people rent their condos before you buy. You may not want to live in a ‘hotel’ atmosphere, or you may want to rent as it is an investment more than a second home for you.
- Wise owners have a strategy for how they rent. If they want to discourage noisy parties, rent longer than a long weekend, say 5-7 night minimum.
- Airbnb and Vipo have created marketing tools that draw clients to your condo or home. They have vetted the guests and will vet you as the owners. This can be a value worth the cost to you.
- Minimum days for rentals should be based upon understanding what you want to create as a policy for everyone’s benefit.
- Do not be surprised if the HOA can charge an occupancy fee for each night to absorb some of the costs of the utilities and wear and tear on the building.
- It can be a bummer to find more renters in the community pool than the owners; for some reason, it can become awkward.
- Does the building you are considering not allow renters to have pets? If you rent long term, this rule may cut down the occupants you would like to rent to for 6 or 12 months.
The importance of how pets and humans cohabitate in the building must be considered.
This article is based on current practices and my personal experiences in the Puerto Vallarta-Bahia de Banderas areas. I recommend that each potential buyer or seller of Mexican real estate conduct his own due diligence and review.
