I have recently applied to my body corporate for the keeping of a dog… The body corporate advises that they will consider the pet application in 3 months time at the next committee meeting. In the meantime, I’m not allowed to bring the pet into the apartment. Is this an unreasonable amount of time to withhold their decision? – Melissa, QLD

Q: I am the owner of an apartment unit in Queensland. I have recently applied to my body corporate for the keeping of a dog. I have supplied the body corporate all documentation they have requested including:

• City council pet registration
• Vaccination documentation
• Deed of indemnity (for if anything happens to the pet on common area and to the common property)
• Insurance of the common area for any damages that the pet may do

The body corporate advises that they will consider the pet application in three months time (that is correct, three months time) at the next committee meeting. In the meantime, I’m not allowed to bring the pet into the apartment.

Is this an unreasonable amount of time to withhold their decision?

 

A: Because the time toward the next committee meeting is far away, you may be able to lodge a request to your committee’s secretary to hold a general meeting, which may help bring the time forward. This way you won’t have to wait as long.

It may be a good idea to explain why it is not viable to wait three months for a decision, especially with a pet.

Alternatively, you may wish to speak to your body corporate manager about the issue. They should be able to assist you in resolving the matter.