Service animals must obey all pet rules set by condo association

How long in real estate: Ten years What separates you from other Realtors? My customer service, work ethic and strict attention to detail is unparalleled. Additionally, when I list a property I engage on a comprehensive marketing plan which includes professional photographs, a large online campaign including submission to over 50 websites, local advertising in the newspaper and magazines in the target area where the property is located.

Describe your working style: I take the time to learn my customer’s real estate goals, and then I work to achieve that goal for them. What advice do you have for buyers? This is a very competitive market – be prepared with your finances before you start looking for a home. Submit strong offers supported with a lender approval or proof of funds for cash offers. What advice do you have for sellers? It’s important to price your home properly from the beginning, otherwise your listing may not get the rules and regulations concerning service and emotional support animals. Some example rules are: owners of the animal must pick up after the animal, and the animal must be on a leash at all times outside of the unit. If these rules are habitually violated, the association may have the animal removed. The board should consult its community association attorney to determine what rules may and may not be passed regarding such animals. Q. As snowbirds, we own a car in Florida and leave it in our assigned spot in our condo association. We returned to Florida to find that our car was towed because our license plate showed an out-of-date reg-

attention it deserves. What professional accomplishment makes you the most proud? It was my goal to be invited to apply and be accepted into the Master Brokers Forum for Broward County. I am pleased to have accomplished that goal. istration sticker. Was this legal? A. The association must have a towing contract in place with a reputable towing company. Towing rules differ among different cities and counties. Reputable towing companies will know the state law and local rules regarding towing. The association may only have vehicles towed if the association has certain parking rules in place and a vehicle owner violates such rules. If there are no parking rules, then the association does not have any rules that were violation. If the association does not have a rule stating that vehicles showing an expired tag will be towed, then the association would likely have violated the towing statutes. Are you involved in any charitable organizations? Food For The Poor Contact information: Julie Adler Mahfood, at (954) 304-4424; visit www.juliemahfood.com. Q. Pets are not allowed in our association. However, owners have brought pets in because the pets are emotional support animals or service animals. A few of these animals constantly bark and some complaints have been sent to the board about dogs jumping on other residents while in the elevator. Do owners with service animals or emotional support animals get free reign with their animals? Michael Bogen devotes his legal practice to representing

A. hundreds of condominium and No. Federal and state law homeowner associations. Bogen, allows such an owner to who is admitted to practice law in Florida, Washington, D.C. and Nehave a pet even though vada, is also admitted before the the association’s governing United States District Court in the documents prohibit pets into the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida. Michael Bogen is assistant association so long as the owner executive director of the Condo provides the proper documentaCouncil, which provides education tion. However, this does not give to over 1,000 association members. If you have a related quesfree reign to the owner. Assotion, please send your emails to ciations may pass reasonable column@condolaw.com. Q. Can the board charge unit owners to use the common elements? A. Generally, no. The association may not charge a use fee against a unit owner for the use of the common elements or association property unless otherwise provided for in the Declaration of Condominium or by a majority vote of the association, or unless the charges relate to expenses incurred by an owner having exclusive use of the common elements or association property.