Noisome or offensive
In the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database, I can restrict a client’s search in regards to pets. It is easy to rule-out “yes” or “no” in the “Pets Allowed” field. One of the reasons that my clients give for not wanting to live in a condo is pets. Some don’t want them; some don’t want restrictions on them.
For my die-hard pet lovers, the “with restriction” field is the same as “no.” Why? Because the legal language of the restriction usually looks something like this: "common household pets such as cats and dogs may be kept on premises but not in such kind or number to be noisome or offensive to occupants of the units." In close quarters, loud barking or howling, threatening behavior, poor waste hygiene, or biting or scratching are not acceptable dog or cat behaviors. Anyone who has lived near animals in apartments or condos has come upon a dog or cat that is truly noisome or offensive. The problem with humans is that their definition of “noisome or offensive” is way too hard to define.
People are unhappy on both sides of the dilemma:
In a condo where cats were allowed outside unless they were noisome or offensive, a condo-owner’s cat was deemed “offensive” for approaching and rubbing up against a fellow condo owner. After that, the cat was not allowed outside (per condo rules), with the owners charged $50 each time the cat was spotted outside. They netted their patio. The cat escaped…$50. He got out the basement window…$50. He slipped out the front door when the condo-owner came in with groceries…$50. You get the picture. In the age of cell phone with cameras, this cat was photographed every time he stepped out. They moved.
A landlord approved a couple with a beagle. Nice little dog. He was friendly and seemed well behaved. However, the minute his people left, he began to whine and howl. And I mean HOWL. (Think Snoopy.) All day, starting at 7:30 AM. On weekend nights it could go on until 2:00 in the morning. Good thing they were only a summer sublet.
How do we live together? How much barking is acceptable; is a yap or two when company comes OK? How much litter box smell should you tolerate in a back hall? What about droppings in the yard? Zero tolerance?
What is noisome or offensive to you? Has your dog or cat made you move?
