More and more people are looking for a pet-friendly home, both to buy and to rent. In an apartment block, though, an animal affects the neighbours too: noise, smells, the lift, the stairwell. Bulgarian law does not prohibit a dog or cat in a flat, but it sets clear duties. Here is what they are and how to avoid disputes.
The Act contains no ban — it sets duties. Owners, users and occupants must:
The declaration goes to the building manager — on a purchase or when letting, within 15 days, together with details of household members.
For each animal that needs walking (in practice, dogs), you pay the costs of electricity, water, heating, cleaning the common areas and the lift subscription as for one occupant. A cat that never leaves the flat is generally outside this rule. If the general assembly has opted to share costs by ideal shares or equally per unit, the calculation may be different.
The general assembly must adopt house rules and resolves disputes over use of the common parts, internal order and hygiene. So it can set reasonable rules — leads in the entrance and lift, cleaning up after animals, no leaving animals on the stairs or in the basement.
A ban on keeping an animal in your own flat is not among the powers the law gives the assembly. If neighbours have a complaint, the proper route is the specific breach — noise, mess, damage — not a blanket prohibition.
Dogs must be registered with a vet — on reaching 4 months, or within 7 days of acquiring an older dog. The vet fits a microchip and enters the details in the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency's system. Municipalities charge an annual dog fee; the amount, deadline and exemptions (in some municipalities, for neutered dogs or dogs of people with disabilities) are set by municipal ordinance. Check your own municipality's rules.
The law does not ban pets in rented homes, but the landlord decides whether to allow them. So:
More on the lease and the deposit in our guide to tenant rights and obligations.
Pet-friendly homes attract more applicants, especially families and long-term tenants. If you are open to it:
How to furnish a home to let so it lasts — see our guide to furnishing a flat to let.
If an animal causes damage to neighbours or the common parts — a leak from an overturned bowl, a scratched lift door, a bite — under the general rules of the Obligations and Contracts Act the animal's owner and the person in charge of it are liable. In a rented home, the tenant answers to the landlord for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Third-party liability cover added to a home insurance policy may cover part of these risks — check the terms.
Ask the manager for the house rules and whether there are animal-related disputes in the building. Check how costs are shared too — with a dog, your building charge will be higher.
We help landlords and tenants draw up a lease in which the pet is not a source of dispute. Call us or come into the office.
This is general information, not legal advice. Dog rules and fees are also set by municipal ordinances. Verified as of October 2026.
