Can I keep pets in a condominium?
Yes: the building can't ban keeping domestic animals. The law is clear: the building rules can't ban owning or keeping domestic animals (art. 1138, last paragraph, of the Civil Code, after the 2012 reform). So no assembly or rule can stop you keeping a dog or cat in your flat. The general limits of coexistence remain, though: respect for decorum, hygiene and quiet (no disturbing noise, like continuous barking), cleaning the common areas and picking up waste. The rules can govern the use of common areas (lift, courtyard) but not the right to keep the animal. The owner is always liable for damage and disturbances caused.
📋 The rules
- The rules can't ban keeping domestic animals (art. 1138)
- No assembly can stop you keeping a dog or cat at home
- The limits on decorum, hygiene and quiet remain
- Cleaning the common areas and picking up waste
- The owner is liable for the animal's damage and disturbances
🔓 Exceptions
- Exotic or dangerous animals: bans and specific rules may apply
- The rules can govern the use of common areas (not ownership)
- Excessive noise or disturbances: challengeable regardless of lawful ownership
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A rule clause that bans keeping animals is void and can't be enforced against you. However, if the animal causes disturbances (disturbing noise, mess) or damage, the owner is liable: the residents can demand compliance with coexistence rules and, in serious cases, compensation or action to stop the disturbance. Continuous barking can breach noise rules. To avoid disputes, keep the animal on a lead in common areas, pick up waste, avoid disturbing the neighbours and respect the rules on using common spaces set by the regulation.
📎 Official sources
- Normattiva · Civil Code (building rules, art. 1138) →
- Normattiva · Law 220/2012 (condominium reform) →
- Ministry of Health · Animal protection →
❓ Frequently asked
Can the building ban me from keeping a dog?
No. The building rules can't ban owning or keeping domestic animals: art. 1138 of the Civil Code, after the 2012 reform, provides this. No assembly or rule can stop you keeping a dog or cat in your flat.
Are there still rules to respect?
Yes. Although you can keep the animal, you must respect decorum, hygiene and quiet: no disturbing noise, cleaning common areas, picking up waste and respecting the neighbours. The rules can govern the use of common spaces, but not the right to own the animal.
What if my dog barks too much?
Continuous, disturbing barking can breach noise rules and disturb the neighbours. In that case, regardless of the lawful ownership of the animal, the residents can demand compliance with coexistence rules and, in serious cases, action to stop the disturbance.
Can I keep an exotic animal in a condominium?
The rule on the ban applies to domestic animals. For exotic or dangerous animals, bans and specific rules may apply, linked to safety and the keeping of certain species. Check the rules applicable to that species.
Is a clause banning animals valid?
No. A building-rules clause banning keeping domestic animals is void and can't be enforced against you, as it's contrary to art. 1138 of the Civil Code. The rules on the proper use of common areas and on coexistence remain valid instead.
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