Before applying for a rental with a pet, check two things separately: whether the animal is permitted, and whether the requested deposit or fee is lawful. Canadian tenancy rules differ by jurisdiction, and the building may have its own applicable rules.
This guide explains what to verify and what to put in writing. It does not determine the outcome of an individual tenancy dispute.
Three provincial starting points
Ontario: the province's standard lease guide explains that additional terms prohibiting pets are void under the Residential Tenancies Act. Condominium rules may still apply. That does not settle every animal-related dispute: noise, damage, safety, allergies and whether the Act covers the accommodation can matter. Obtain advice about your actual situation rather than treating a headline as permission for any animal in any building.
British Columbia: the province's pets and tenancy guidance says tenancy agreements can restrict pets, including their size, type and number. Document agreed changes in writing. Its deposit guidance caps a pet damage deposit at half of the first month's rent, regardless of the number of permitted pets, and says landlords cannot charge an additional monthly pet fee. Guide and service dogs have separate protections; confirm the applicable requirements.
Québec: the government's rights and obligations page describes pet restrictions and disability-related exceptions. The Tribunal administratif du logement publishes case summaries showing that circumstances and the wording matter. Do not assume that every restriction leads to the same remedy or that an exception applies without examining the facts. Ask the Tribunal or a qualified adviser about your situation.
These examples were checked on October 9, 2026. They do not describe the other provinces and territories. Start with your own government's residential tenancy authority and confirm whether its legislation covers your accommodation.
Read the building rules too
Ask for the applicable condominium or strata declaration, bylaws and pet rules before signing. Check species, number, size and common-area restrictions. Ask the landlord to identify the provisions they rely on. Another resident having a pet does not prove that yours is permitted.
Disability accommodation and service animals require a separate assessment under applicable rules. Do not describe an ordinary pet as a service animal to bypass a restriction.
Make the application concrete
A short pet profile can give a landlord information to assess: species, age, approximate size, routine and any relevant training. Use facts you can substantiate. Ask permission before sharing a reference's contact details, and avoid unnecessary private veterinary records.
Provide an honest account of who looks after the animal during the day. Ask what the landlord needs rather than promising a pet can never make noise or cause damage. If insurance is requested, ask the insurer to confirm whether the actual animal and relevant liability are covered; do not infer coverage from the policy name.
Record permission and money clearly
Before paying or signing
- Which animals are permitted, and under which building rules?
- Does adding another animal require a new agreement?
- Is the requested deposit or fee permitted in this jurisdiction?
- What is the lawful amount, purpose and return process?
- How will move-in condition and existing damage be recorded?
- Which authority can answer a dispute about this accommodation?
Keep the agreement, receipts, inspection records and photographs. A pet damage deposit is not automatically the landlord's money to keep; follow the jurisdiction's return and dispute process. Get individual advice before withholding rent or ignoring a notice.
Plan the cost of the move
Include transport, temporary care and lawful housing deposits in the pet budget. The dog budget and cat budget explain how to collect local quotes. If you are moving between jurisdictions, use the moving checklist before assuming your old arrangements still apply.
Check permission and the current rules before adopting, signing or paying. Written information makes a decision easier to assess; it does not replace the tenancy authority's advice about your own case.
