Pets in Rental Properties Ontario: Landlord Rights, No-Pet Clauses and the Law

Few topics frustrate Ontario landlords more than pets. You include a no-pet clause in your lease. Your tenant signs it. Then a dog appears. You point to the clause, and your tenant tells you it is unenforceable. Unfortunately, they are right.

This guide explains why no-pet clauses do not work in Ontario, what rights you actually have, and how to manage pet-related issues effectively within the law.

The Law: Section 14 of the RTA

Section 14 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 states that a provision in a tenancy agreement that prohibits the presence of animals in or about the residential complex is void. This means:

• No-pet clauses cannot be enforced, even if the tenant signed the lease agreeing to them
• You cannot evict a tenant simply for having a pet
• You cannot charge a pet deposit or pet rent in addition to the legal rent deposit
• You cannot refuse to rent to someone because they have a pet (though screening for pet ownership is a grey area in practice)

This law applies to all residential tenancies governed by the RTA. There are limited exceptions, discussed below.

Why Does This Law Exist?

The Ontario legislature determined that blanket pet bans create an unreasonable barrier to housing. Many responsible pet owners would face homelessness or be forced to surrender their animals if landlords could freely prohibit pets. The law balances tenant rights against legitimate landlord concerns by voiding blanket bans while preserving remedies for actual problems caused by specific animals.

Exceptions: When You Can Restrict Pets

Condominiums

If your rental unit is in a condominium corporation that has a no-pet rule in its declaration (registered before the unit was first occupied), that rule overrides the RTA. Condo declarations are powerful documents, and a properly registered pet restriction is enforceable. However, this applies only to the condo declaration, not to condo rules passed after the fact by the board of directors.

Shared Living Spaces

If the tenant shares a kitchen or bathroom with the landlord or a member of the landlord's family, the tenancy is exempt from the RTA entirely. In this case, you can enforce a no-pet policy.

What You Can Actually Do About Problem Pets

While you cannot ban pets outright, the RTA does give you remedies when specific animals cause specific problems:

Damage to the Property

If a pet causes damage beyond normal wear and tear (scratched hardwood floors, chewed door frames, stained carpets), you can file an L2 application with the Landlord and Tenant Board to seek compensation. Document all damage thoroughly with photographs, repair estimates, and before/after comparisons.

Noise and Disturbance

A dog that barks constantly, disturbing other tenants, constitutes interference with reasonable enjoyment. You can serve an N5 notice (Notice to End a Tenancy for Interfering with Others) giving the tenant seven days to correct the issue. If the problem recurs within six months, you can file an L2 application for eviction.

Allergic Reactions

If another tenant has a severe allergy to a pet and has medical documentation, this creates a competing rights situation. The LTB has ordered pet removal in some cases where another tenant's health was significantly affected. These cases are fact-specific and can go either way.

Dangerous Animals

If a pet is dangerous (has bitten someone or poses a genuine safety risk), you can serve an N7 notice for an immediate eviction hearing. Ontario's Dog Owners' Liability Act also provides additional remedies for dangerous dogs, and municipalities may have breed-specific bylaws.

Municipal Bylaws

Most municipalities have animal control bylaws that limit the number of pets (commonly two to three dogs and three to five cats). If a tenant exceeds these limits, municipal bylaw enforcement can intervene.

Practical Strategies for Pet-Friendly Landlording

Since you cannot prevent pets, here is how to manage the situation proactively:

Choose Durable Materials

• Luxury vinyl plank flooring instead of hardwood (scratch-resistant, waterproof, easy to replace)
• Semi-gloss or satin paint finishes that wipe clean easily
• Avoid carpet in main living areas (if you must, use commercial-grade with stain treatment)
• Metal or solid core doors on lower levels

Document Property Condition Thoroughly

Complete a detailed move-in inspection checklist with photographs of every room, floor, wall, and fixture. This establishes the baseline condition and makes it much easier to prove pet damage when the tenant moves out.

Include Pet-Related Provisions in Your Lease

While you cannot ban pets, you can include reasonable provisions in the additional terms section of the Ontario Standard Lease:

• Tenant is responsible for any damage caused by their pet beyond normal wear and tear
• Tenant agrees to comply with all municipal animal control bylaws
• Tenant agrees to clean up after their pet in common areas immediately
• Tenant will not leave their pet unattended on a balcony

These provisions are enforceable because they address specific behaviours rather than banning pets outright.

Screen for Responsible Pet Ownership

You cannot refuse a tenant solely because they have a pet, but you can ask questions during the application process:

• What type and breed of pet do you have?
• Is your pet spayed or neutered?
• Can you provide a reference from a previous landlord regarding your pet?
• Is your pet up to date on vaccinations?

The answers give you insight into whether the applicant is a responsible pet owner, and you can weigh this as one factor among many in your overall tenant screening process.

What About Pet Rent or Pet Deposits?

You cannot charge extra rent or a separate deposit for pets. The RTA limits deposits to a rent deposit (last month's rent) and a key deposit (refundable, no more than the actual cost of replacing the key). Any additional charge labelled as a pet deposit, pet fee, or pet rent is illegal and the tenant can recover it through the LTB.

Insurance Considerations

Check your landlord insurance policy regarding pet-related liability. Some policies exclude certain dog breeds or have limitations on animal-related claims. Make sure your coverage protects you if a tenant's pet injures a visitor or another tenant on the property. Ask your insurer specifically about animal liability coverage.

Final Thoughts

The pet situation in Ontario is not what most landlords want, but it is the reality. Fighting it wastes energy and legal fees. The smart approach is to accept that tenants will have pets, prepare your property accordingly, document everything, and use the specific remedies the RTA provides when actual problems arise. Most pet owners are responsible people who take care of their animals and your property. Focus on finding good tenants overall, and the pet issue usually takes care of itself.