Can landlords ban pets in Ontario? A renters’ guide
Ontario law voids 'no pet' clauses in leases, but condo rules, serious allergies and nuisance behaviour can limit pet ownership. Here’s what tenants should do.
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By Torontoer Staff
Ontario law prevents landlords from enforcing blanket 'no pet' provisions in rental agreements, but that does not mean every building is open to animals. Tenants have rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, and there are a few important exceptions landlords and renters should understand.
Real-estate agent Ashlie Valentine, who works in the Greater Toronto Area, says listings often still include 'no pets' language even though such clauses are not legally binding. That mismatch creates confusion for applicants and tenants alike.
What the law says
The Residential Tenancies Act treats 'no pet' clauses in leases as void. If a tenant already has a pet, or adopts one during a tenancy, the landlord cannot rely on a written 'no pets' rule to evict the tenant simply for pet ownership.
They can put 'no pets' in the listing. But their having a clause in your lease that states 'no pets allowed' is not legally enforceable.
Ashlie Valentine, GTA real-estate agent
Can a landlord evict a tenant for having a pet?
A landlord cannot evict a tenant solely because they own a pet if the tenancy otherwise complies with the lease and the law. Eviction may be an option only when a pet’s behaviour creates serious problems, such as persistent loud barking, aggressive actions, odour issues, or property damage.
They can’t actually evict you based on just having the pet.
Ashlie Valentine
Can landlords refuse applicants who have pets?
Landlords may decline an applicant who discloses a pet, and some listings advertise 'no pets' to discourage enquiries. In practice, landlords often cite other reasons for choosing a different applicant, but discrimination based on pet ownership remains a common complaint.
Landlords may not charge additional pet fees or require a separate pet deposit. They can, however, seek compensation for pet-related damage at the end of a tenancy.
Disclosure and relationships with landlords
Tenants are not legally required to disclose pet ownership when applying or after moving in. That said, being upfront can help maintain a productive relationship with your landlord and reduce the risk of disputes.
If you want to have a positive relationship with the landlord, then it’s always good to be upfront and honest.
Ashlie Valentine
Key exceptions: condos, allergies and nuisance
Some limits do override the Residential Tenancies Act. Condo corporations can prohibit pets in their declaration or rules, and those restrictions apply to tenants. Buildings with specific pet rules must be respected.
Allergies can be an exception in rare cases. If another resident, such as the landlord or a co-tenant, has a serious, documented medical allergy, and reasonable accommodations have been considered, the Landlord and Tenant Board may allow remedies including removal of the animal.
[This is] only if allergies are really serious and they have medical support from a doctor, as well as, there has to be an effort to make accommodations.
Ashlie Valentine
Finally, nuisance and damage are legitimate grounds for action. Repeated disturbances, aggressive behaviour, or damage to the unit or common areas can lead a landlord to file for eviction on the usual grounds.
Practical steps for renters
- Check your lease and any condo or building rules before bringing a pet into a unit.
- Document the condition of the unit on move-in and move-out, and keep records of any landlord communications.
- Try to resolve concerns directly with the landlord, and propose reasonable solutions such as crate training, noise reduction, or professional cleaning.
- If a landlord attempts to evict you solely for having a pet, consider filing an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
- Get medical documentation if allergies are involved, and seek legal advice when disputes hinge on health claims.
Where to look for more information
Both landlords and tenants should consult the Residential Tenancies Act for authoritative guidance, and the Landlord and Tenant Board for dispute resolution. Community legal clinics and tenant advocacy groups can also provide advice tailored to specific situations.
Understanding the limits of 'no pet' clauses helps tenants make informed choices and prepares them to respond if a landlord pushes back. Clear communication and documentation are the simplest ways to reduce conflict over pets in rental housing.
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