Canada Housing Market

Renting a home in Ontario is tough enough, but it gets even more challenging when landlords add ‘no pets’ clauses to rental agreements. Many renters believe these clauses are legally binding, but here’s the truth: in most cases, these rules are unenforceable.

Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) Protects Renters with Pets

Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), tenants have protections that allow them to keep pets in most situations, even if their lease includes a ‘no pets’ clause. Unfortunately, many renters are unaware of this law, which can lead to difficult situations where people feel forced to surrender their pets to secure housing. In fact, thousands of pets across Canada end up in shelters because their owners can’t find pet-friendly homes.

What Are the Actual Rules for Pets in Ontario?

To clear up any confusion, Ontario’s RTA states that a clause in your lease that bans pets is typically not valid. Even if you signed a lease with this clause, you are generally still allowed to have a pet in your home, whether you adopted the pet before or after signing the lease.

According to Rees Nam, Director of Communications at the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations (FMTA), tenants don’t need to inform landlords about pets once the lease is signed. It’s entirely up to the renter to decide.

However, there are exceptions. If your pet causes problems—like excessive noise, aggression, or allergy issues for other tenants—your landlord may have grounds to enforce the clause. These rules are often stricter in shared housing, where tenants are renting rooms with common living areas.

Pet Deposits and Extra Fees in Ontario

Another area of confusion involves pet deposits or extra fees. In Ontario, pet deposits are illegal. As Rees Nam points out, landlords cannot charge additional fees for pets. The only legal deposits are for first and last month’s rent and possibly a key deposit. If a landlord demands a pet deposit, renters can either refuse or get their money back after moving in.

If a landlord discovers you have a pet and starts harassing you, Nam advises, “You can ignore them or file a complaint with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).”

Pets in Condos: Different Rules Apply

For tenants renting condos, the rules can be different. While the RTA may allow pets, condo corporations can set their own rules, which could include banning pets altogether or restricting certain breeds or types of animals. Make sure to check your condo’s bylaws before bringing a pet into your unit.

Can You Be Evicted for Having a Pet?

One common question is whether a tenant can be evicted for having a pet. In general, the answer is no—unless the pet is causing significant problems like damaging the property or posing a threat to other tenants. Any eviction related to a pet would have to go through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), where a decision would be made based on the facts of the case.

Protect Your Pet and Know Your Rights

Understanding your rights as a tenant in Ontario can save you stress and help keep your beloved pet safe. If you’re dealing with a landlord who is trying to enforce a ‘no pets’ rule, you have resources available. Organizations like the FMTA and the Landlord and Tenant Board can offer support and guidance.

For more information on tenant rights, visit the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations or the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board websites.