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Pets and tenancy

Last updated on December 21, 2023

Landlords state whether pets are allowed at a rental property in the tenancy agreement. Tenants must follow the pet rules stated in the tenancy agreement. Landlords can limit pet size, type, number of pets and set reasonable pet-related rules. 

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Tenants must check their tenancy agreement before getting a pet

The tenancy agreement says whether tenants can have pets in a rental unit.

Landlords do not have to allow pets

Some tenancy agreements include a no-pets clause, meaning pets cannot be in the rental unit. Landlords are not required to change this clause if a tenant wants to get a pet.  

Any change to the tenancy agreement must be in writing

The landlord and tenant may agree to change the tenancy agreement to allow pets. Any changes should be documented in writing, either: 

  • In a separate agreement
  • By the landlord and tenant initialing a handwritten note on the original agreement 

Learn more about changing a tenancy agreement. 

Landlords may also enforce pet restrictions in the tenancy agreement. These could include restrictions on: 

  • The size of the pets
  • The type of pets 
  • The number of pets allowed in the unit

Verbal agreements

If a tenant can prove that the landlord verbally agreed to allow the pet, the landlord may not be able to enforce pet restrictions or claim a breach of agreement. 

Pet damage deposits must be no more than half of one month's rent

A landlord can ask for a pet damage deposit during a residential tenancy if: 

  • A tenant gets a pet for the first time with the landlord's permission 
  • A new tenant with a pet moves into the rental unit

The deposit must be no more than half of one month's rent. Landlords can only require one pet deposit no matter the number of pets allowed.  

Example: If a tenant pays $1,500 per month in rent, the landlord can ask for no more than $750 for the pet damage deposit. 

Unit inspections before getting a pet help to reduce conflict

If pets are allowed in the rental unit, the landlord will need to schedule a unit inspection with the tenant before the pet begins to live in the rental unit. This is important to have as a reference in case of any disagreements about pet damage. During the inspection, the landlord and tenant should complete a Condition Inspection Report (PDF, 1.6MB) - Form RTB-27. 

Keeping the deposit if tenants don't repair pet damages 

Landlords can't keep pet damage deposits on their own. If the tenant doesn't fix pet-related damage to the unit before moving out, the landlord can:

  • Apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch to keep all, or part of, the pet damage deposit depending on the amount of damage
  • Ask the tenant to agree in writing that the landlord will keep all, or part of, the pet damage deposit. 

Pet deposits are returned when the tenancy ends 

A pet damage deposit must be returned by the landlord at the end of the tenancy if there is no pet-related damage in the unit. The landlord does not have to return the pet damage deposit before the end of tenancy if a pet dies or no longer lives in the rental unit. 

Guide and service dogs can live in rental units

Certified guide and service dogs are not considered pets and are allowed to live in rental units.

Guide and service dogs must be certified 

Tenants with a guide or service dog must ensure that the dog is certified. If a tenant has a guide or service dog, the landlord is allowed to ask for documentation to check whether the dog is certified.  

Restrictions on guide or service dogs aren't allowed

People with disabilities who have guide or service dogs are allowed to have them in rental units without any restrictions. Landlords can't reject someone as a tenant just because they have a disability and rely on a guide or service dog for assistance. 

Guide and service dogs don't need a deposit   

Guide and service dogs are not considered pets. Landlords can't require a pet damage deposit for tenants with guide or service dogs. 

Tenant role and responsibilities 

Check the tenancy agreement 

Before getting a pet, tenants must review the pet rules stated in the tenancy agreement. The tenancy agreement will say if pets are allowed, and if there are any restrictions on: 

  • The size of the pets
  • The type of pets 
  • The number of pets allowed in the unit

If restrictions are unclear, tenants must communicate with their landlord for clarification. Landlords can ask for pet documents, such as vaccination records.  

Follow pet restrictions 

If pets are allowed, tenants must follow any restrictions set by the landlord in the tenancy agreement. 

In addition, tenants should comply with any pet-related rules in the agreement. 

Basic pet care 

Tenants should ensure that they are managing basic pet care responsibilities, including: 

  • Feeding and watering 
  • Grooming and hygiene 
  • Health care and vaccinations 
  • Pet waste cleanup 

Pet-related damages 

Tenants are responsible for any damage caused by a pet during the tenancy. 

Landlords can request an order for tenants to pay additional costs if the pet damage deposit isn't enough to repair the damage. 

Respecting others can prevent issues 

Tenants have a responsibility to ensure that their pet does not disturb other residents in the rental property. If there are complaints about a pet, tenants should work with their landlord to resolve any problems, such as noise complaints or safety concerns. 

Ignoring these issues may lead to further action from a landlord, including ending of the tenancy. 

Tenants must follow any pet-related bylaws in the community. 

Getting a new pet without permission can lead to eviction 

If the tenancy agreements says that pets aren't allowed and a tenant gets a pet, this could lead to eviction. 

Landlord role and rights

Tenants who get pets without permission 

If a tenant does not follow the pet restrictions in a tenancy agreement there are several actions landlords can take. 

Agreeing to the change

Landlords can change the tenancy agreement to allow pets.  

Any changes must be recorded in the tenancy agreement and communicated with the tenant. 

Provide tenant with a breach letter

Landlords who wish to maintain and enforce pet restrictions may provide the tenant with a written notice called a breach letter. This letter must explain: 

  • How the tenancy agreement has been broken
  • How much time is allowed to remove the pet 
  • What will happen if the pet is not removed (e.g., eviction) 

Landlord can evict tenants who breach a material term

Material terms in a tenancy agreement are terms that are considered so important that any breach gives the other party the right to end the agreement. 

If pet related terms in the tenancy agreement are material terms, landlords have the right to end the tenancy. 

Landlord can seek dispute resolution for tenants who breach an ordinary term

An ordinary term is a term that is not as important as a material term, but still must be followed.

If an ordinary term related to pets in the tenancy agreement is broken, landlords can seek dispute resolution and ask for an order that the tenant comply with the tenancy agreement. Dispute resolution is a process to help resolve conflicts between landlords and tenants.  

If the tenant does not comply with the order, landlords can end the tenancy. 

Addressing pet issues between tenants can reduce conflict 

Landlords have a responsibility to address any pet-related issues that may arise between different tenants living at the same rental unit. Landlords should work with tenants to address any issues and work to find a shared solution for everyone. 

Resources

Information sheets 

Previous legal decisions 

Additional resources

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