Many tenants have faced this confusing situation:
Your landlord verbally agrees — even writes in the lease — that you can keep a pet.
But once you move in, the community manager says,
“Sorry, our building doesn’t allow pets!”
So… who’s actually right? The landlord? The community committee? Or the law?
What Does the Law Say?
Civil Code Article 226, Paragraph 1:
“If performance becomes impossible due to reasons attributable to the debtor, the creditor may claim compensation for damages.”
✨ Plain Explanation: If the landlord causes the tenant to lose the intended use of the property — for example, by allowing pets when the community rules forbid them — the landlord may be liable for damages.
⚖️ Legal Source: Civil Code Article 226 – Law.moj.gov.tw
Civil Code Article 423:
“The lessor shall deliver the leased property in a condition fit for the agreed use and keep it that way during the lease term.”
✨ Plain Explanation: The landlord must provide a property suitable for the agreed purpose. If the lease states “pets allowed,” the landlord must ensure the property and environment actually permit pets.
⚖️ Legal Source: Civil Code Article 423 – Law.moj.gov.tw
Condominium Management Act, Article 3 (Item 12):
“Regulations: matters jointly adopted by all unit owners to promote common interests and maintain a good living environment.”
✨ Plain Explanation: Condominium regulations are legally binding once passed by the residents’ meeting. All occupants — including tenants — must follow them.
⚖️ Legal Source: Condominium Management Act Article 3 – Law.moj.gov.tw
Condominium Management Act, Article 16:
“Residents shall not keep animals that endanger public hygiene, peace, or safety. If other laws or the regulations prohibit animals, such rules shall apply.”
✨ Plain Explanation: If the official community regulations clearly forbid pets, tenants must comply. However, if the manager only says so verbally and it’s not written in the official regulations, the rule has no legal effect.
⚖️ Legal Source: Condominium Management Act Article 16 – Law.moj.gov.tw
Condominium Management Act, Article 23 (Paragraph 2, Item 3):
“A prohibition against keeping animals has no effect unless it is expressly stated in the official condominium regulations.”
✨ Plain Explanation: Only regulations that explicitly state “no pets” are enforceable. If the rule is not written in the officially adopted regulations, it’s invalid — even if the manager or committee insists otherwise.
⚖️ Legal Source: Condominium Management Act Article 23 – Law.moj.gov.tw
The Landlord–Tenant Contract: What It Really Means
A lease between landlord and tenant is a civil contract — once both parties agree, it becomes legally binding.
However, that contract still operates within the limits of the law.
If the community’s regulations prohibit pets, the landlord’s consent cannot override the community’s collective rules.
🧟♂️ Related Read: Is a Rental Agreement Always Necessary in Taiwan?
Community Rules: The “Neighborhood Law”
Community regulations are passed by all unit owners to maintain safety, cleanliness, and a peaceful environment.
If these regulations explicitly ban pets, then everyone — including landlords and tenants — must follow them.
When the Lease Allows Pets but the Community Doesn’t
If your lease says “pets allowed” but the building rules say otherwise, there’s a clear conflict.
In this case, the landlord fails to provide a property fit for the agreed purpose — this constitutes a breach of contract.
The tenant may terminate the lease early and claim reasonable damages, such as moving expenses or loss of deposit.
What Tenants Should Do in a Dispute
① Check the Community Regulations
Ask the community committee for a copy of the official regulations and confirm whether a “no-pet” rule actually exists.
If there is no written ban, the manager cannot legally stop you from keeping a pet.
② If Pets Are Banned, Negotiate to End the Lease
If the community rules explicitly prohibit pets, the property no longer meets the agreed purpose.
You may lawfully terminate the lease and seek compensation for moving costs or deposit losses.
③ If Pets Are Not Banned, Stand Your Ground
If the rules don’t prohibit pets, you have the legal right to keep one.
If the manager continues to interfere, contact the committee or file a complaint with your local housing authority under Article 16 of the Condominium Management Act.
Before Signing Any Lease
- Ask if the community has official “no-pet” regulations.
- Request to review the written condominium rules.
- Clearly include “pets allowed” in the lease contract.
- If uncertain, add a clause:
“If the community regulations prohibit pets, the tenant may terminate the lease early and claim compensation.”
🌕 Related Read: Do Tenants Have to Obey Landlord’s House Rules in Taiwan?
🦇 Related Read: Without Landlord’s Consent, Can Tenants Invite Others to Share Rent in Taiwan?
Conclusion: The Rules Win — Not Verbal Promises
A landlord’s permission only applies within the lease itself, but community regulations are collectively binding laws of the building.
When the landlord’s promise and the community’s rules conflict, always go back to what’s written in the regulations.
If pets are officially banned — follow the law and end the lease properly.
If the ban is only verbal — don’t be intimidated.
🦉 The only time you can truly keep a pet is when both the landlord agrees andthe community regulations do not prohibit it.
Ultimately, it’s not just about the landlord or the manager —
It's about the contract and the regulations together deciding what’s allowed.
