Unusual pets in condo buildings : When nature invades urban spaces

Condominiums are generally designed to offer a structured and organized living environment for their residents. But sometimes, reality goes beyond what you’d expect: clandestine chickens, a runaway turtle, ducks drying for homemade Peking duck, a rabbit found in an air conditioner… Property managers often find themselves dealing with unexpected situations involving unusual animals in urban spaces.

While dogs and cats are usually the main concerns in condo buildings, other more surprising species occasionally make their way into private spaces, raising questions about regulations, hygiene, and responsibility.

Here’s a look at some unusual stories and the management challenges these unexpected inhabitants bring.

When a condominium turns into a mini zoo: Field anecdotes

A turtle roaming free on a rooftop

Some animals are more adventurous than others. This is what Nicolas Ross, Director of Management, discovered when he received a surprising call from a resident reporting a turtle wandering on the roof of a building.

“On the top floor of this building we manage, some units have mezzanines that lead directly to the roof. We first sent a message to the affected residents to see if anyone had lost their turtle, but no response. In the meantime, I asked the concierge to retrieve it… but he never found it. Either the owner secretly picked it up, or… we’ll never know.” – Nicolas Ross

This situation highlights a recurring issue: the lack of clear regulations for some uncommon pets. While most rules address dogs and cats, other exotic animals may not be explicitly prohibited, leading to unexpected situations.

A poultry farming project in a condo building

Trends in food self-sufficiency and urban farming have led to some unprecedented situations in condominiums. Believe it or not, one resident decided to raise chickens on their balcony… on the 43rd floor in downtown Montreal! It was such an improbable situation that property managers started to wonder if the building would soon offer fried chicken.

In a luxury residential complex in downtown Montreal, the managers discovered that one resident had chickens on their balcony.

“A notice was sent to the co-owner reminding them that poultry is prohibited, but we never received a response. As we were changing the filters in the units, we asked the technicians to keep an eye out… but no trace of the chickens. We have no idea how they got there or how they left.” – Baptiste Grézel, Building Manager.

This situation highlights a challenge with enforcing rules. Without access to private spaces, how can you ensure compliance? It’s especially tricky in modern condominiums where balconies are designed to be out of view from one neighbor to another.

Duck drying… in a hallway

Another surprising case involved a co-owner attempting to make homemade Peking duck. When a resident showed their apartment to a potential buyer, they were confronted with plucked ducks drying in the hallway.

“Obviously, the person wanted us to intervene immediately and remove the dead animals. And, of course, it was a Friday at 4 p.m…” – Nicolas Ross

This anecdote highlights a fundamental hygiene issue:

• Managing common areas and reminding residents of the basic rules.
• The anonymity in condominium living that makes it hard to identify offenders and enforce sanctions.

“Basic hygiene reminder: you can’t leave dead animals in the common areas. It’s a basic principle… and yet, sometimes, it needs to be stated in black and white.” – Nicolas Ross

A rabbit seeking warmth… and sensitive management

While some stories are amusing, others reflect the strong emotional bonds between certain residents and their pets, making interventions more delicate.

This is the case with a rabbit that lived in a cage on a balcony, with a heater, even in the middle of winter at -20°C.

“One day, the tenant forgot to close the cage door. The rabbit got out and, seeking warmth, squeezed into the air conditioning unit… Unfortunately, it didn’t survive. The tenant came running into the lobby with the dead rabbit in her arms… you can imagine the scene.” – Baptiste Grézel

This type of situation highlights a delicate aspect of managing pets in condominiums:

“When it comes to pets, sensitivity is key. Many residents are extremely attached to their animals and can react poorly to interventions. It’s a case in itself.” – Antoine Portelance

Best practices for managing pets in condominiums

Given these unusual yet very real situations, here are some tips from property managers for effective pet management in buildings:

1. Clarify and strengthen regulations: Add specific clauses regarding exotic or unusual pets and specify the applicable sanctions.
2. Inform residents: Regularly remind residents of the rules through emails, notices, and general meetings.
3. Ensure rigorous follow-up: When an issue is identified, act quickly with warnings and progressive sanctions.
4. Facilitate reporting of violations: Use platforms like UpperBee to allow residents to report infractions and ensure effective follow-up.
5. Encourage resident responsibility: Raise awareness among residents about their role in respecting common areas and neighbors.

Conclusion: Balancing coexistence, regulations, and respect for common areas

While a condominium is a shared living space, it should also be a structured environment where everyone follows common rules. The anecdotes shared by our property managers highlight the diversity of challenges related to pets in urban settings and the importance of well-thought-out and enforced regulations.

However, beyond unusual cases, the daily reality for managers reveals many instances of neglect.

“Poop left in corridors, urine in elevators… This happens most often, and then it’s the concierges who end up cleaning it all up. It’s really baffling to see how disrespectful some people can be to common spaces.” – Antoine Portelance

Such behaviors often reflect a lack of accountability from residents, who assume the syndicate takes care of everything, at the expense of respecting neighbors and maintenance staff.

Finally, when it comes to pets, sensitivity is crucial.

“Many residents are deeply attached to their animals, and any intervention can be perceived negatively. Therefore, it’s essential to strike a balance between strict enforcement of regulations and a humane approach, especially when an animal needs to be declared harmful.” – Antoine Portelance

Whether it’s a runaway turtle, a clandestine chicken farm, a rabbit suffering from the cold, or a more typical noisy dog, every situation reminds us of the need for proactive management, clear regulations, and responsible residents.

And you, what’s your most unusual pet story in a condo building?