The General Rule
Pet restrictions in HOA CC&Rs are generally enforceable if they were properly adopted and disclosed before you purchased. Common restrictions include breed bans (often Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman), weight limits (typically 25–50 lbs), pet count limits (typically 2 pets), and leash requirements in common areas. The Fair Housing Act creates an important exception: HOAs must make reasonable accommodations for residents with disabilities who need a service animal or emotional support animal, even if pets are otherwise banned. You must request the accommodation in writing and may be asked to provide documentation.
California-Specific Rules
California Civil Code §4715 limits HOAs from prohibiting pets entirely if at least one pet per unit was allowed when the governing docs were recorded. California courts have been sympathetic to pet owners in disputes over broad breed bans.
Why Your CC&Rs May Be Different
State law sets the minimum floor — but your community's CC&Rs, bylaws, and board-adopted rules may be stricter, may include exceptions, or may have been amended recently. The only way to know exactly what applies to your community is to read your specific governing documents.
Most CC&Rs are 40–120 pages of dense legal language. Finding the exact section that answers your question can take 20–30 minutes — if you can find it at all.
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