Pets
A landlord may take action if a tenant gets a pet and their tenancy agreement does not allow it or if a tenant’s pet causes problems.
No Pets Allowed
Some tenancy agreements include a no-pets clause – a term that says the tenant cannot have pets. Getting a pet without permission may be grounds for a landlord to issue a notice to end the tenancy.
- Change a tenancy agreement to include pets
- See what happens if a tenant gets a pet without permission
Damage from Pets
Tenants must repair any damage caused by a pet before they move out. If not, the landlord may ask the tenant to agree to allow the landlord to keep all or part of their pet damage deposit, or the landlord may apply for dispute resolution to keep all or part of the deposit. A landlord can request an order for the tenant to pay additional costs if the amount of the pet damage deposit isn’t enough to cover the damage.
Choose from these forms groups on the forms page:
- Dispute Resolution Forms - Standard
- Dispute Resolution Forms - Direct Request
The landlord and tenant must inspect the rental unit at the end of the tenancy to check for damage – including damage caused by pets.
Other Problems Caused by Pets
Tenants are responsible for their pet at all times – it’s not acceptable for pets to disturb others, cause damage or threaten safety. Some problems with pets are grounds for a landlord to issue a notice to end the tenancy.
Disputing a Notice to End Tenancy
A tenant can dispute the notice by applying to the Residential Tenancy Branch for dispute resolution within ten days of receiving the notice.
It’s important to take the correct steps by completing a Tenant’s Application for Dispute Resolution asking to cancel the notice to end tenancy – writing a letter or talking to the landlord isn’t enough. The tenant should include a copy of the Notice to End Tenancy with the application for dispute resolution.
If a tenant disputes a notice, the notice is suspended until an arbitrator makes a decision.
Choose from these forms groups on the forms page:
- Dispute Resolution Forms - Standard
- Dispute Resolution Forms - Direct Request
The content on this website is periodically reviewed and updated by the Province of British Columbia as per the date noted on each page: February 7, 2020.
