Landlords are allowed to restrict pets entirely, or set limits on the number, size, or type of pets a tenant can have in their rental unit. If your landlord allows you to have a pet, it is important to include that term as part of your tenancy agreement; do not rely on verbal permission alone.
If you are allowed to have a pet, your landlord can require a pet damage deposit of up to half the monthly rent. This is the maximum amount a landlord can charge, regardless of the number of pets they allow you to have. You will have to pay this deposit either at the start of your tenancy, or when you get a pet at any point during your tenancy. If your pet causes significant damage or unreasonably disturbs others, your landlord may have grounds to evict you and keep your pet damage deposit.
Exceptions
If you have a dog that falls under the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act, your landlord must allow it and cannot require a pet damage deposit.
Resources
- TRAC Webpage – Pets
- RTA Section 18 – Terms respecting pets and pet damage deposits
- RTB Policy Guideline 28 – Pet Clauses
- RTB Policy Guideline 31 – Pet Damage Deposits
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