Pet clause

[Almodente]

Hello everyone
Hope you can help me
I am owner of flat. Our development are small (7 flats) and we have share of freehold. Our lease has reference to obtaining prior consent before you can keep a pet. There are already 2 pets in our development. One dog and one cat. No pet cause any inconvenience or troubles and nobody ever complained. Me and my partner decided to extend our family and get a dog. We asked our neighbors about granting permission and were devasted when our request was rejected. When we asked for explanation we didn’t receive any fair reasons why not. Our development is converted victorian house. I live on the ground floor with own private door and private patio. I feel discriminated with outcome because everyone should have equality, our development is not pet free and I see no reasons why I can’t enjoy my property fully as others do. What must be my next step? Thank you very much in advance.

What would happen if you got a dog despite the vote?

I don’t know. This is a problem

If there is no obvious come back from them (other than legal action) it may be you can use this to your advantage. If someone were to get a pet without permission that could set a precedent in the building for others not to ask for permission. I would arrange another meeting, meet with everyone prior to it and hint at this. I’d also reassure them your dog would never be left alone etc etc. Good luck

This is bonkers: they can't decide that some people can have pets and others can't. Whoever is chair of the committee is doing a piss poor job. What about your vote?

My vote includes in those 3 (in favour) So only 2 others voted in my favour.

Okay - even so, this isn't something a vote can be taken on: a precedent has been set and allowing some people to have pets, but others not is unreasonable. It should be a formality and permission given with whatever pet keeping rules there are passed to you.