Daily Halacha - Laws of Choshen Mishpat, 18th of Tammuz 5777
Understanding property rights and business operations in shared residential buildings
Is a person allowed to open a business in a shared residential building?
It is forbidden for a person to open a business in a shared building because it increases the number of people coming and going [Shulchan Aruch 156, 1]. For a business related to a mitzvah, such as Torah study, it is permissible in the same neighborhood but not in the same building [Shulchan Aruch 156, 3 and in Pitchei Teshuva].
Is it permissible to raise a dog in one's home?
Regarding raising animals, it is best to avoid doing so due to the concern of neglecting Torah study and the risk of eating before feeding one's animals. For raising dogs, beyond these concerns, there is a prohibition against keeping a dangerous dog in one's home, unless the dog is chained [Shulchan Aruch 409, 3]. Even for a non-dangerous dog, some authorities prohibit it due to concerns about frightening people and disturbing neighbors. Rabbi Eliezer the Great states, "One who raises dogs is like one who raises pigs" [Bava Kamma 83a].
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