French Phrase
On peut avoir des animaux dans l'immeuble ?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether it is allowed to keep pets or other animals inside the apartment building. It is a polite way to inquire about the building’s pet policy.
When to use
Use this question when you are looking at a rental, moving into a new apartment, or discussing house rules with a landlord or co‑owners about whether pets are permitted.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onpeutavoirdesanimauxdansl'immeuble?
On (impersonal pronoun)
Used like 'we' or 'people in general' to make statements or ask questions about a group.
peut (pouvoir, 3rd pers. sing.)
Present tense of pouvoir meaning 'can' or 'may', agreeing with the pronoun 'on'.
avoir (infinitive)
The infinitive verb meaning 'to have' or 'to keep' in this context.
des animaux (indefinite plural)
The plural indefinite article 'des' + noun 'animaux' (animals/pets).
dans l'immeuble (prepositional phrase)
Preposition 'dans' + elided definite article 'l'' before a vowel, followed by 'immeuble' (building).
🗨In Conversation
On peut avoir des animaux dans l'immeuble ?
Can we have animals in the building?
Oui, mais il faut demander l'accord du syndic.
Yes, but you need to get the co‑owner’s association’s approval.
✕Common Mistakes
On peux avoir des animaux dans l'immeuble ?
Use 'peut' (3rd person singular) with the pronoun 'on', not 'peux' which is 2nd person singular.
On peut avoir des animal dans l'immeuble ?
The noun must agree in number; use the plural 'animaux'.
On peut avoir des animaux dans le immeuble ?
Because 'immeuble' starts with a vowel, the article elides to 'l'' – 'dans l'immeuble'.
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce qu’on peut garder des animaux dans l’immeuble ?
Is it possible to keep animals in the building?
Les animaux sont‑ils autorisés dans l’immeuble ?
Are animals allowed in the building?
Peut‑on avoir un animal de compagnie ici ?
Can one have a pet here?
Cultural Tip
In many French apartment blocks, the "règlement de copropriété" (co‑ownership rules) often specifies whether pets are allowed, and some buildings ban dogs or cats altogether. Even when pets are permitted, you may need to inform the syndic (building manager) and respect quiet‑hours and common‑area rules. Asking politely, as in the example, shows respect for communal living norms.