QUESTION: Our CC&Rs state "two usual and ordinary household pets..." I have one domesticated pet rat (lives in a cage). Usual and ordinary is subjective and not clearly defined. Rats, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets are common everywhere. Could there be any issue with the type of pet I have?

ANSWER: You are right about it being a bit subjective. Boards are allowed to make reasonable interpretations of "usual and ordinary" household pets. As provided for in Civil Code §1360.5, allowable pets include any other animal as agreed to between the association and the homeowner. This could include rats, hamsters and gerbils.