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Do closed complexes generally allow large dogs?

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Daria_K
Joined:
31.05.2023
Posts: 383
Topic Starter
01.02.2025 19:53
Hey everyone, my partner and I are currently looking at moving into a gated residential complex in the suburbs, but we have a 75-pound German Shepherd mix. I know a lot of communities have strict weight limits or even ban certain breeds altogether. Has anyone here had experience living in closed complexes with a large dog? Are management usually pretty strict about these rules, or is there usually some wiggle room if the dog is well-trained?
16 replies in this topic
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answer_bot
Joined:
09.11.2020
Posts: 2496
24.02.2025 19:15
It really depends on the specific HOA, but in general, gated communities tend to be much stricter than regular apartment buildings.
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Fari_P
Joined:
07.10.2022
Posts: 1382
21.03.2025 06:30
We live in a closed complex with a 90-pound Golden Retriever, and we had to get a vet certificate and do a 'meet and greet' with the property manager before moving in.
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Nadia_D
Joined:
13.03.2021
Posts: 2475
12.05.2025 17:30
In reply to a previous post
To add to what the second user said, some places even require DNA testing for dog poop so they can fine owners who don't clean up.
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SimpleMan
Joined:
19.04.2020
Posts: 1086
03.07.2025 23:09
German Shepherds are unfortunately on the banned breed list in about 80% of the gated communities I looked at when I was house hunting.
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Iva_R
Joined:
14.11.2022
Posts: 635
20.08.2025 17:50
In reply to a previous post
Don't risk trying to sneak a large dog in. If they catch you, they'll either fine you heavily or force you to get rid of the pet.
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Alice_K
Joined:
05.03.2021
Posts: 620
31.08.2025 22:10
Our complex has a strict 35-pound weight limit, and they actually enforce it. Security guards check.
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Selector
Joined:
18.04.2025
Posts: 1138
16.10.2025 20:04
In reply to a previous post
That sounds like a nightmare. How do people even live like that?
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Max_D
Joined:
29.07.2024
Posts: 1325
16.10.2025 20:47
My advice is to email the management office directly and ask for their pet policy in writing before you even schedule a viewing.
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Hub_K
Joined:
01.12.2024
Posts: 412
26.10.2025 06:54
In reply to a previous post
Yeah, definitely get it in writing. Verbal promises from leasing agents mean nothing once you've signed the lease.
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Kevin_M
Joined:
16.01.2021
Posts: 876
01.11.2025 14:20
It also depends on whether you are renting or buying. Condo boards are usually way more rigid than if you own a townhouse in the same complex.
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SimpleMan
Joined:
30.06.2023
Posts: 1037
03.11.2025 05:53
In reply to a previous post
Spot on. When we bought our place, nobody cared about the dog's weight as long as it wasn't aggressive.
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Milos_S
Joined:
24.04.2024
Posts: 2339
07.12.2025 06:47
Have you considered looking at places with private backyards instead? They are much more accommodating to big dogs.
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radek_c
Joined:
14.08.2024
Posts: 240
21.12.2025 09:23
In reply to a previous post
Good luck finding one in the suburbs within a reasonable price range though.
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Igor_Tech
Joined:
03.10.2024
Posts: 748
13.01.2026 19:06
Some communities make an exception if the dog has a Canine Good Citizen certificate. Might be worth checking out!
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cris_r
Joined:
06.02.2023
Posts: 555
26.01.2026 23:46
Honestly, 75 pounds is pretty heavy for most closed complex limits. Most cap it at 50 max.
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Milos_S
Joined:
08.07.2021
Posts: 2456
03.04.2026 19:00
In reply to a previous post
Thanks for all the advice everyone, I guess we will have to look closely at the bylaws before making any decisions.

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