Pets in Mumbai Housing Societies: What Owners and Tenants Should Know

Can a Mumbai society ban pets or charge extra for them? What the Animal Welfare Board of India guidance says, what societies can reasonably ask, and how owners should handle pet-owning tenants.

A bright living room with rattan pendant lights, a grey sofa and indoor plants

Pet disputes are among the most common society arguments in Mumbai. They usually start with a notice in the lift and end with a lot of WhatsApp messages. Knowing where the rules stand helps owners, tenants and committees avoid that.

The short answer

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has issued guidance that housing societies cannot ban residents from keeping pets, and should not charge extra fees for pets or ban them from lifts.
Maharashtra's Cooperation Department has issued directions to housing societies along similar lines.
Societies can still expect responsible behaviour: cleaning up, leashes in common areas, vaccinations and managing noise.
A landlord can still decide, through the leave and licence agreement, whether pets are allowed in their own flat.

The society can't ban the dog, but the owner can decide what goes in the agreement. Settle it before move-in, not after.

For owners renting out a flat

Decide whether you'll accept pets and say so in the listing.
If you allow pets, write it into the agreement, with clauses on damage and cleaning at move-out.
Record floors, doors and furniture condition at move-in with photos.
Tell the tenant about the society's reasonable rules on common areas.

For tenants with pets

Tell the owner before you sign, not after.
Keep vaccination records handy for the society.
Use leashes in common areas and clean up.
If the society pushes back, ask for the rule in writing and refer to the AWBI guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Mumbai society ban pets?

AWBI guidance says societies cannot ban pets. They can ask residents to keep pets responsibly in common areas.

Can my landlord refuse pets?

Yes, the owner can set terms for their flat in the leave and licence agreement.

Sources

Animal Welfare Board of India, guidance on pets in housing societies
Maharashtra Cooperation Department directions to housing societies on pets

Related reading

Looking for a pet-friendly rental? See Live Listings or WhatsApp us.

General information, not legal advice.

Own a flat in Mumbai while living abroad?

TND Listings manages, sells and helps you buy property across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane, with one point of contact.

Chat on WhatsApp More articles

TND LISTINGS

TND Listings is a professional real estate brokerage company serving buyers, sellers, NRIs and Private Institutes. At TND Listings, you are number one. We believe in integrity, commitment to excellence, a professional attitude, and personalised care.

→

f X Ig in