Pets are a great addition to a household but when it comes to properties like Palm Beach condos, pet rules vary depending on the building and its association.  Some people aren't pet lovers for a variety of reasons and seek out these types of buildings. But what happens when you find out your neighbor has a special privilege that allows them to keep a four legged critter?

Such a situation generally means that the person has a service animal and according to the Fair Housing Act, shared ownership communities are precluded from discriminating against people with disabilities.  Because associations are required to accommodate people with disabilities a service animal can also be allowed in Palm Beach condos that otherwise don't allow pets.

This rule has been stretched somewhat but there are steps that your association can take to ensure someone isn't just trying to bend the rules for whatever reason.  An association can request a written letter from a doctor stating that the person is "handicapped" under the definitions of the FHA and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and that the pet is necessary in order to deal with that disability.  Medical records can also be demonstrated to prove an existence of a disability that may not be obvious.

If you aren't a pet lover and are considering Palm Beach condos, just be aware that under special circumstances you might find Fido as one of your neighbors.