questions about condos

There are a couple that will allow pets. However, dogs are limited to size, quantity and board approval. Usually, no more than 2 and must be under 30 lbs, if I recall correctly. I think the only one that allows larger dogs is Caret Bay Villas. Again number restrictions and only with board approval. The majority of condos don't allow any at all.

Owner is responsible for condo fees.
Tenant pays rent plus utilities plus any added services they may require with owner approval.

Owners usually require 1st, last and a security deposit.
If renting a condo that allows pets, there may be a pet deposit.

I would say that it is a hard and fast rule for the associations that do not allow animals. The fees include a lot of things you don't think about in the states: Maintenance of waste water plant, RO plant, water distribution system, internet/cable, as well as pool(s), tennis, landscaping, other common property issues. Also, wind storm,flood and earthquake insurance or reserves for self-insurance. Most of the condos are 30+ years old,so have ongoing issues with spalling, wood railings, concrete paths, etc. It is an expensive venture to live in paradise. 🙂

P.S. I know of someone who lives in a "one pet" condo and cheats. One reason why some associations are such sticklers for their rules and regulations.

I'll agree with EastEnder, condos that have a "No pets" policy strictly enforce that rule. So if you have a pet and are thinking of buying or renting a condo make sure the condo rules DONOT prohibit pets.

Yes, some condos have "high" HOA fees but, of course, that really depends on your definition of "high". The fees vary from condo to condo and each has their own particular formula as to what expenses/services are included and which are not.

If you are renting a condo usually you pay only the rent (and your utilities). The condo owner is responsible for paying the HOA/condo fees. Of course, you can bet that the condo owner has already factored the monthly fees when calculating how much rent you'll be paying so the renter is indirectly paying the condo fees. It is possible the terms of your lease might require you, as the renter, to pay the condo fees directly to the condo association but that's a rare occurrence.

Thank you everyone for the info. The widespread no pet thing is a little disappointing. We have a 11 pound Schnauzer. I guess we will be more focused on finding a house to rent. We will probably be more likely to find a house that allows pets. I was hoping the no pet rule was more like what we found at the Sapphire Marina a few weeks ago. While visiting the marina we noticed a sign with the marina rules on it. One rule was no pets We thought that was strange for a marina so we asked the dockmaster about it. He just said "that what the sign says" , his tone inferring that the rule was merely a suggestion and generally not followed.

He just said "that what the sign says" , his tone inferring that the rule was merely a suggestion and generally not followed.

Not sure that you can infer from a "tone" that a clearly written rule is just a suggestion.

Some landlords allow pets, others don't whether it be an apartment or a free standing house - just like anywhere else.

Unfortunately, there are many rules here that are either not enforced or inconsistently enforced. For example, dogs are not allowed at beaches, but if you go to a beach, there are plenty of people who believe they don't need to follow rules they don't like.

He just said "that what the sign says" , his tone inferring that the rule was merely a suggestion and generally not followed.

Not sure that you can infer from a "tone" that a clearly written rule is just a suggestion.

Some landlords allow pets, others don't whether it be an apartment or a free standing house - just like anywhere else.

I guess you had to be there. The dockmaster was clearly, although nonverbally, indicating to us that some of the long list of marina rules were not enforced. Pets being one. Running(excercising) on the dock was another. I thought the rule was a little strange anyway, Every good boat has a good dog on it.

I guess you had to be there. The dockmaster was clearly, although nonverbally, indicating to us that some of the long list of marina rules were not enforced. Pets being one. Running(excercising) on the dock was another. I thought the rule was a little strange anyway, Every good boat has a good dog on it.

I must be confused - I thought you were asking about pets in condos, not pets at a marina. The two entities at Sapphire are unrelated and any pets on the dock can't be assumed to belong to condo residents or housed therein. Sorry for the confusion but rest assured that when condo association rules say "no pets" it's meant and enforced.

I believe that Regatta Pt., Sea Cliff, Pineapple Village, and Caret Bay Villas allows dogs with Caret Bay being the only one allowing dogs over 30lbs. There may be 1 or 2 more condo complexes that do but can't think of any off hand.
Again, with condo board approval and wherever that entails.

Red Hook Mountain might.

The majority located on East End do not.
Those include Pavillion and Pools, all the Sapphire condos at the beach, hillside and Crystal Cove, Pt. Pleasant, Secret Harbor, Cowpet Bay East and West, Anchorage, etc.

Unfortunately, many landlords for residential rentals also have no pet policies but the size of your pup will help, being as small as he is as long as not destructive or a yapper. However, very hard to find fenced in yard in a rental for dogs.

Good luck in your search.

. . . .I was hoping the no pet rule was more like what we found at the Sapphire Marina a few weeks ago. While visiting the marina we noticed a sign with the marina rules on it. One rule was no pets We thought that was strange for a marina so we asked the dockmaster about it. He just said "that what the sign says" , his tone inferring that the rule was merely a suggestion and generally not followed.

This made me laugh. I've been walking my dog around Green Cay Marina on STX off and on for years, and nobody's batted an eyelash. But a few weeks ago I decided to read their rules board again, and saw no pets allowed. Oops! Asked about it and got the same wink and nod you did. It is strange for a marina, since there are so many boat dogs. If STT is anything like STX, many businesses are pretty lax. If it's a posted turtle nesting beach, though, please follow the rules.

Regarding condos and pets, nothing is worse than neighbors who can't control their dogs' barking or won't pick up after them. Easier to disallow than field the complaints about the bad apples. As for the size limit, it became a very real liability and insurance issue for our HOA, so only little dogs allowed now.

I guess you had to be there. The dockmaster was clearly, although nonverbally, indicating to us that some of the long list of marina rules were not enforced. Pets being one. Running(excercising) on the dock was another. I thought the rule was a little strange anyway, Every good boat has a good dog on it.

I must be confused - I thought you were asking about pets in condos, not pets at a marina. The two entities at Sapphire are unrelated and any pets on the dock can't be assumed to belong to condo residents or housed therein. Sorry for the confusion but rest assured that when condo association rules say "no pets" it's meant and enforced.

Old Tart, its OK. Yes I was originally asking about pets in condos but I was referencing my experience with the pet rules at the marina. I was hoping that maybe the pet rules at condos were just a suggestion like I found at the marina. I am finding out that that is not the case. 🙁 Its OK, I will find a place that allows pets once we make the move.

I believe that Regatta Pt., Sea Cliff, Pineapple Village, and Caret Bay Villas allows dogs with Caret Bay being the only one allowing dogs over 30lbs. There may be 1 or 2 more condo complexes that do but can't think of any off hand.
Again, with condo board approval and wherever that entails.

Red Hook Mountain might.

The majority located on East End do not.
Those include Pavillion and Pools, all the Sapphire condos at the beach, hillside and Crystal Cove, Pt. Pleasant, Secret Harbor, Cowpet Bay East and West, Anchorage, etc.

Unfortunately, many landlords for residential rentals also have no pet policies but the size of your pup will help, being as small as he is as long as not destructive or a yapper. However, very hard to find fenced in yard in a rental for dogs.

Good luck in your search.

Thank You Alana for the info

. . . .I was hoping the no pet rule was more like what we found at the Sapphire Marina a few weeks ago. While visiting the marina we noticed a sign with the marina rules on it. One rule was no pets We thought that was strange for a marina so we asked the dockmaster about it. He just said "that what the sign says" , his tone inferring that the rule was merely a suggestion and generally not followed.

This made me laugh. I've been walking my dog around Green Cay Marina on STX off and on for years, and nobody's batted an eyelash. But a few weeks ago I decided to read their rules board again, and saw no pets allowed. Oops! Asked about it and got the same wink and nod you did. It is strange for a marina, since there are so many boat dogs. If STT is anything like STX, many businesses are pretty lax. If it's a posted turtle nesting beach, though, please follow the rules.

Regarding condos and pets, nothing is worse than neighbors who can't control their dogs' barking or won't pick up after them. Easier to disallow than field the complaints about the bad apples. As for the size limit, it became a very real liability and insurance issue for our HOA, so only little dogs allowed now.

We visit the Green Cay marina during our visit 3 weeks ago. It is my favorite of all the marinas in the VI. Makes we were wish we moving to STX. The sign that you read might be outdated. When we talked to Steve the dockmaster there he said pets weren't a problem.

. . . .I was hoping the no pet rule was more like what we found at the Sapphire Marina a few weeks ago. While visiting the marina we noticed a sign with the marina rules on it. One rule was no pets We thought that was strange for a marina so we asked the dockmaster about it. He just said "that what the sign says" , his tone inferring that the rule was merely a suggestion and generally not followed.

This made me laugh. I've been walking my dog around Green Cay Marina on STX off and on for years, and nobody's batted an eyelash. But a few weeks ago I decided to read their rules board again, and saw no pets allowed. Oops! Asked about it and got the same wink and nod you did. It is strange for a marina, since there are so many boat dogs. If STT is anything like STX, many businesses are pretty lax. If it's a posted turtle nesting beach, though, please follow the rules.

Regarding condos and pets, nothing is worse than neighbors who can't control their dogs' barking or won't pick up after them. Easier to disallow than field the complaints about the bad apples. As for the size limit, it became a very real liability and insurance issue for our HOA, so only little dogs allowed now.

We visit the Green Cay marina during our visit 3 weeks ago. It is my favorite of all the marinas in the VI. Makes we were wish we moving to STX. The sign that you read might be outdated. When we talked to Steve the dockmaster there he said pets weren't a problem.

The sign I saw originally, years ago, didn't mention pets. I checked it the first time we walked there, after we were sent there by Tamarind Reef.

Many rules at our condo complex on STX are routinely ignored and broken, but pet rules are more enforced than most of the other rules.

The thing is...if it's a written rule, it may not be enforced "now", but it's one the books and can be enforced at any time. I wouldn't risk it.

Red Hook Mountain does (or at least did) allow pets. The condo fees are very reasonable. There is no pool or tennis courts, etc. There is a generator, small grounds, outstanding views and very convenient location. Haha...NO, I'm not a Realtor. We used to own several units there. I'm pretty sure there are a couple of units for sale. There are only 8 units, total. It's really a wonderful spot, if you like the east end. If I were ever to move back to STT, that's the first place I would look.

There are several other small complexes that may not be as prominent. You might consider placing some ads looking for a dog friendly condo, and see what you get. I'd start with craigslist, since it's free.

The condo fee is an agreement between the owner and the association. You can enter into any type of arrangement you want as a tenant, or an owner landlord, but ultimately the owner is responsible. As mentioned above, it's taken into consideration when the rent is set.

Good luck. Don't give up. An 11 lb dog should be able to find a home!! 🙂

Please do not rent a condo with the intention of breaking the rules because of selective enforcement or no enforcement of the rules, you might just wind up being the one they decide to enforce the rules on. Also, make sure that you verify before hand whether or not the owner is allowed to rent out the condo without the renters having to be approved by the board.

mike