Can my lease be terminated for having pets?
In Colombia, pets are often considered an integral part of the family thanks to the deep connection that is created between them. In fact, it has been shown that their presence can have benefits for people's physical and emotional health. In fact, according to DANE, 67% of Colombian households have at least one pet, which is more than 4.4 million families. However, in the world of leases, the presence of pets or companion animals can raise questions for both parties. Here we explain whether your lease can be terminated for having pets.
Is pet ownership regulated by Colombian law?
Keeping pets within condominium properties is regulated by Constitutional Court ruling T-035 of 1997. This ruling states that pet ownership is part of the “exercise of fundamental rights to free development of personality and privacy, with the limitations imposed by the rights of others.” However, it is important to mention that this applies as long as the owners comply with certain commitments and duties to avoid harming the co-owners or neighbors of the apartments for rent in El Poblado or in any other area of the country.
The ruling also states that pet ownership may be regulated by condominium regulations, the co-owners' assembly, and basic coexistence rules.
