Malaysian strata law sets a nuisance-based standard for pet keeping — there is no blanket ban, but management can act when pets cause annoyance, health risks or danger. Here is how it works.
General legal information only — not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified Malaysian property lawyer. WhatsApp ClickBina for a referral.
By-law 14 of the Third Schedule to the Strata Management (Maintenance & Management) Regulations 2015 (made under the Strata Management Act 2013, Act 757) is the baseline pet rule applicable to all strata developments in Malaysia.
It states that in a building used for residential purposes, a proprietor shall not keep any animal in their parcel or on the common property that:
Critically, By-law 14 does not ban pets outright. It sets a nuisance and safety standard: you may keep pets, provided they do not cross any of the three thresholds above.
Some residents and even management committees incorrectly assert that keeping pets in condos is simply illegal. This is not accurate under the prescribed by-laws at the federal level. By-law 14 is a nuisance-based standard — a pet that causes no annoyance, poses no danger and complies with local authority rules is permitted under the Third Schedule.
The most frequently cited example is small, quiet dogs or cats in a unit where there are no neighbour complaints. Under By-law 14 alone, management has no authority to order removal solely because the animal is a dog or because pets are “messy” in general. There must be actual evidence of annoyance, danger or a breach of local authority rules.
Note: individual local authorities (e.g., DBKL for Kuala Lumpur) may have separate regulations on dog licensing, number of animals per unit, or specific breeds. These local authority rules constitute “written law” for the purposes of By-law 14(1)(c), so always check local authority requirements.
Under sections 32 and 70 of Act 757, a JMB or MC may make additional by-laws at a properly convened general meeting, provided they are not inconsistent with Act 757 or the Regulations. An AGM resolution can legitimately:
However, a total ban on all pets in a residential strata building is a more contentious position — some legal practitioners argue it may be challengeable as inconsistent with the spirit of By-law 14, which uses a nuisance standard rather than a prohibition. Courts and the Tribunal have not definitively ruled on this at the time of writing.
Always check your building’s registered additional by-laws: request a copy from management or the COB office. If the strict rule was never passed at a general meeting and registered, it may not be enforceable.
Under By-law 14(2), if management receives a complaint and concludes that an animal breaches By-law 14(1), the developer, JMB or MC may issue a written notice to the proprietor requiring removal of the animal within three days.
If you receive a 3-day removal notice, do not ignore it. Even if you believe the notice is unfounded:
By-law 14 does not define “annoyance or nuisance” precisely. Common situations management and tribunals consider include:
| Situation | Likely considered nuisance / annoyance? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dog barking persistently — multiple documented complaints from multiple units | Yes — likely | Evidence of frequency and multiple complainants strengthens management’s case |
| Single neighbour complaining about a quiet pet | Not necessarily | One subjective complaint alone may not meet the By-law 14 threshold |
| Pet fouling common corridors or lift lobby without cleaning up | Yes — likely | Also engages corridor obstruction/nuisance by-laws |
| Dog biting or threatening other residents in common area | Yes — danger to safety | Management entitled to act promptly |
| Large dog kept in unit with no complaints | Not automatically nuisance | Size alone is not the test; actual nuisance or local law breach required |
| Pet contravening local authority licensing rules (e.g., unlicensed dog) | Yes — By-law 14(1)(c) | Ensure all pets are licensed per DBKL / MBPJ / local authority requirements |
Even if an animal does not trigger a By-law 14 removal notice, pet-related behaviour on common property may engage other by-laws:
If your neighbour’s pet is causing noise or fouling issues, report the specific incident (with date, time and evidence) to management in writing. Also see our strata nuisance complaints guide →.
If a neighbour has complained to management about your pet:
If management is enforcing a blanket no-pet rule, the first question is: was this rule passed as an additional by-law at a general meeting?
Request a copy of the relevant by-law in writing from management. If they cannot produce a formally passed and registered additional by-law, their blanket ban may not be enforceable under Act 757.
| Aspect | Third Schedule By-law 14 (prescribed) | Additional by-law (AGM resolution) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Strata Management Regs 2015 (federal) | s.32/s.70 Act 757, passed at general meeting |
| Pet stance | Nuisance standard — no blanket ban | Can impose stricter rules (registration, limits, fines, potential ban) |
| Removal notice period | 3 days (By-law 14(2)) | May specify different period in additional by-law |
| Enforceability | Immediately enforceable at all strata properties | Only enforceable if properly passed and registered |
| Challengeable? | No — statutory basis | Yes — at SMT if inconsistent with Act 757 or unreasonable |
If you want to complain about a neighbour’s pet, a substantiated, well-documented complaint is far more effective than a verbal report:
The Strata Management Tribunal (SMT) has jurisdiction under Part 11 of Act 757 over disputes arising from the exercise or failure to exercise functions under Act 757 and its subsidiary legislation — which includes By-law 14 enforcement disputes.
Both residents and management can bring matters before the SMT:
Read the full process in our Strata Management Tribunal guide →.
If you are the pet owner receiving a complaint:
If you are the resident affected by a neighbour’s pet:
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