24/08/2026
MIDDELBURG: THE NO PETS ALLOWED & NO CHILDREN ALLOWED "RULE"
Confused and frustrated about the "no pets" or "no children" rules?
The “no pets” rule in sectional title schemes… almost as absurd as the illegal “no children” rule.
Curious about whether these rules are actually enforceable?
I was too. So I did a little research… and let’s just say, I may be ruffling a few feathers with this one. 🤣🐾
Your body corporate says no dogs over 5kg. Your neighbour has a cat. Someone down the hall has a parrot. And somehow, nobody agrees on what is actually allowed. 🐶🐱🦜
Pet disputes are some of the most heated issues in sectional title schemes, but what does the law actually say?
✅ If a scheme allows certain pets, blanket restrictions between species may need to be objectively justified. “Cats are fine, but dogs aren’t” isn’t necessarily the end of the conversation or legal.
✅ Weight and size restrictions can be valid, but reasonableness matters. A rule still needs to be applied fairly and consistently.
✅ Assistance animals are a completely different legal conversation. A genuine guide or service animal cannot simply be treated like an ordinary pet.
✅ Emotional support animals are a developing area of law, and reasonable accommodation can become relevant depending on the circumstances.
✅ And if you need trustee approval for a pet — get it in writing. Always.
And then there’s the “no children” rule… 👀
Unless a property is lawfully designated as a specialised retirement village or another legally recognised age-restricted development, a blanket “no children allowed” rule is a very different proposition from simply preferring a “quiet” complex.
The takeaway? Before you move into a sectional title scheme, read the conduct rules, understand your rights, and don’t assume every rule you’re given is automatically lawful.
And if you’re buying or selling property and want to know what you’re actually signing up for, that’s exactly the kind of thing I’m here to help you navigate. 🏡
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A picture of my baby in his Seeff attire, ready to break through the status quo of "No pets allowed". 😉
