Renting
with Pets.

Section 14 of the RTA Protects You

Section 14 of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is the single most important piece of legislation for pet owners renting in Ontario. It states that a provision in a tenancy agreement prohibiting the presence of animals in or about the residential complex is void. In plain language: no-pets clauses in Ontario leases have no legal force.

This means that even if you signed a lease that explicitly says "no pets allowed," that clause is unenforceable once you have moved in. Your landlord cannot use a no-pets clause in your lease as grounds to evict you, withhold your deposit, or impose penalties. The clause simply does not exist in the eyes of the law.

This protection applies to all types of pets — dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, rabbits, and other domestic animals. There is no restriction on breed, size, or number of pets under the RTA itself (though other rules may apply, which we cover below). The law is designed to prevent landlords from using blanket pet bans to discriminate against tenants who own animals.

It is worth noting that Section 14 applies specifically to residential tenancy agreements governed by the RTA. Most standard apartment rentals, basement apartments, houses, and purpose-built rental units fall under the RTA. However, certain types of housing — such as units where the tenant shares a kitchen or bathroom with the landlord or a member of the landlord's family — may be exempt. If you are unsure whether your rental is covered, consult the Act directly or seek legal advice.

Understanding your rights under the RTA is the foundation of renting with confidence in Ontario. Read our complete guide to Ontario tenant rights for a broader look at the protections available to you.

The Critical Distinction: Before vs. After Move-In

While Section 14 protects tenants from no-pets clauses, there is a critical distinction that every pet owner must understand: the protection only applies once you are a tenant. Before you have signed a lease and taken possession of the unit, you are an applicant — and the rules are different.

A landlord can legally refuse to rent to you if you disclose that you have pets. At the application stage, the landlord has broad discretion over who they choose as a tenant. They can decide not to offer you the unit for any reason that is not a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code — and pet ownership is not a protected ground.

This creates a strategic consideration for pet owners. You are not legally required to volunteer information about your pets during the application process. However, if the landlord asks directly whether you have pets, lying could damage the relationship later — even though the landlord cannot evict you once you have moved in.

The smartest approach is to work with a rental agent who understands the market. An experienced agent knows which landlords and buildings are pet-friendly, which property managers are flexible, and how to position your application in the best possible light. This avoids awkward confrontations and increases your chances of finding a home where both you and your pet are genuinely welcome. Learn how our agents help you find the right rental.

In practice, many landlords in the Greater Toronto Area accept pets without issue. The rental market is competitive, and landlords who refuse pet owners are limiting their applicant pool significantly. With roughly 60% of Canadian households owning at least one pet, a blanket "no pets" policy means turning away the majority of potential tenants.

Grounds for Pet-Related Eviction

While the RTA protects your right to have a pet, it does not give you an unlimited pass. Section 76 of the Residential Tenancies Act outlines the specific circumstances under which a landlord can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) to terminate a tenancy because of an animal in the unit.

You can be evicted if your pet:

• Causes serious allergic reactions: If another tenant in the building has a documented, serious allergy to your pet and it is substantially affecting their health or ability to live in the building. Mild discomfort is not sufficient — the reaction must be medically significant.
• Makes excessive noise: If your pet consistently makes noise that substantially disturbs other tenants' reasonable enjoyment of the premises. A dog barking occasionally is normal; a dog barking for hours every day while you are at work is a different matter.
• Causes significant damage: If your pet is causing damage to the rental unit or common areas beyond normal wear and tear. Scratched door frames, chewed baseboards, soiled carpets, or damaged landscaping can all qualify.
• Is a restricted breed under municipal bylaws: Some Ontario municipalities have breed-specific legislation. For example, pit bull-type dogs are subject to restrictions under the Dog Owners' Liability Act in Ontario. If your pet violates a municipal bylaw, the landlord may have grounds for an application to the LTB.

The key point is that the landlord cannot evict you simply for having a pet. They must demonstrate one of these specific issues, and they must prove it at a hearing before the Landlord and Tenant Board.

The Eviction Process

Even when legitimate grounds exist, eviction for a pet-related issue is not automatic. The landlord cannot simply tell you to get rid of your pet or leave. There is a formal legal process that must be followed, and you have rights at every stage.

Here is how the process works:

• Notice to the tenant: The landlord must first give you notice that there is a problem with your pet. In many cases, this starts as an informal conversation or written request. The landlord may ask you to address the issue — for example, keeping your dog on a leash in common areas or cleaning up after your cat in shared spaces.
• Application to the LTB: If the problem persists after notice, the landlord must file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board. They cannot bypass this step. Self-help eviction — such as changing the locks or demanding you leave — is illegal in Ontario.
• Hearing before the LTB: Both the landlord and the tenant have the right to attend the hearing and present evidence. The landlord must prove that the pet is causing the specific problem described in their application. You have the right to defend yourself, bring witnesses, and present your own evidence.
• LTB decision: The Board will weigh the evidence and make a decision. Importantly, the LTB often orders conditions rather than eviction. For example, the Board might order that the dog must be kept on a leash in common areas, that the tenant must hire a dog walker during work hours, or that the tenant must repair specific damage within a set period.
• Eviction as a last resort: The LTB will only order eviction if the problem is severe, the tenant has failed to comply with previous orders, or the situation cannot be remedied by conditions. Even then, the tenant typically has a period of time to comply before the eviction takes effect.

If you receive a notice from your landlord about your pet, do not panic. Take it seriously, document everything, and understand that you have the right to a fair hearing. Many pet-related disputes are resolved without eviction when both parties communicate and make reasonable accommodations.

The Only Legal Deposit

Ontario has some of the strictest deposit rules in Canada, and they work overwhelmingly in the tenant's favour. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, the only financial deposit a landlord can legally collect is a last month's rent deposit. That is it. Nothing else.

This means that the following are all illegal in Ontario:

• Pet deposits: A fee charged specifically because you have a pet — whether labelled as a "pet deposit," "pet fee," "animal surcharge," or anything else. It does not matter what the landlord calls it.
• Damage deposits: A deposit intended to cover potential damage to the unit. Landlords in other provinces can charge these, but in Ontario they are prohibited.
• Cleaning deposits: A fee charged upfront to cover cleaning costs when you move out. Also illegal.
• Key deposits beyond reasonable cost: A landlord can charge a refundable key deposit, but only for the actual cost of replacing the keys — not as a disguised security deposit.

If a landlord asks you for a pet deposit, you have every right to refuse. If you have already paid one — perhaps because you did not know it was illegal at the time — you can recover that money. File a T1 Application with the Landlord and Tenant Board to request the return of the illegally collected deposit. There is no time limit on filing for amounts collected during a current tenancy.

Many tenants do not realize they have this right. If you paid a "pet deposit" when you moved in, you are entitled to get that money back — with interest. The LTB takes these applications seriously because the law on this point is clear and unambiguous.

Landlord Remedies for Pet Damage

Some tenants wonder: if pet deposits are illegal, how does the landlord protect themselves against damage? The answer is that the law provides a different mechanism — one that is based on actual damages rather than preventative charges.

Here is how it works in practice:

Landlords can file a claim with the Landlord and Tenant Board for actual damages caused by a pet, but only after the damage has occurred. They cannot charge preventatively. The landlord must document the damage, provide evidence (photos, repair invoices, contractor estimates), and demonstrate that the damage was caused by the pet and goes beyond normal wear and tear.

The distinction between normal wear and tear and actual damage is important. A carpet that shows signs of foot traffic after five years is normal wear and tear. A carpet that has been shredded by a cat or stained by repeated pet accidents is damage. The LTB evaluates these claims on a case-by-case basis, considering the age and condition of the item before the damage occurred.

As a responsible pet owner, the best way to protect yourself is to document the condition of the unit when you move in. Take photos and videos of every room, every surface, and any pre-existing damage. Email these to your landlord with a note confirming the condition at move-in. This creates a clear record that protects you against unfounded damage claims later.

If your pet does cause damage during the tenancy, address it promptly. Repairing a scratched door frame or replacing a damaged blind is far less costly than defending against a formal LTB claim — and it maintains a positive relationship with your landlord. Learn more about your financial rights and rent control protections in Ontario.

Condo Rules Can Override the RTA

There is one major exception to the RTA's pet-friendly protections, and it catches many renters by surprise: condominium corporation rules. If you are renting a unit in a condo building, the condo's declaration and rules may restrict or prohibit pets — and those restrictions are enforceable, even though the RTA makes no-pet lease clauses void.

This is because condo pet restrictions are governed by the Condominium Act, 1998 — a separate piece of legislation from the Residential Tenancies Act. The Condominium Act gives condo corporations the authority to create and enforce rules that apply to all residents of the building, including both owners and tenants.

Condo declarations can set a range of pet restrictions:

• Breed restrictions: Certain breeds may be prohibited entirely. This is common with larger dog breeds or breeds perceived as aggressive.
• Size restrictions: Many condos limit pets to a maximum weight — 25 pounds is a common threshold, though it varies widely between buildings.
• Number restrictions: The declaration may limit the number of pets per unit — for example, a maximum of two pets, or one dog and one cat.
• Type restrictions: Some condos allow cats but not dogs, or allow only fish and small caged animals. Others prohibit all pets except service animals.
• Complete bans: In rare cases, a condo declaration may prohibit all pets. If the ban is in the original declaration (not just a later rule change), it is very difficult to challenge.

These restrictions are enforceable against tenants because the condo corporation has a legal relationship with the unit owner, who in turn is responsible for ensuring their tenants comply with condo rules. If a tenant violates the condo's pet rules, the condo corporation can take enforcement action against the unit owner, who may then seek to end the tenancy.

How to Protect Yourself in a Condo Rental

The most important step you can take when considering a condo rental is to ask to see the condo declaration and rules before you sign the lease. The declaration is the founding legal document of the condominium and contains the most important rules, including any pet restrictions. The rules document provides additional details on day-to-day governance.

Your rental agent can request these documents on your behalf. In Ontario, the condo corporation is required to provide a status certificate (which includes the declaration, rules, and other key information) upon request. Reviewing this before signing protects you from discovering pet restrictions after you have already committed to the unit.

Here is the key distinction to remember:

• If the condo allows pets: The landlord cannot override the condo's rules with a stricter no-pets clause in the lease. If the condo declaration permits pets, your landlord's lease clause prohibiting them is void under Section 14 of the RTA — just like any other no-pets clause.
• If the condo restricts or bans pets: Those restrictions apply to you as a tenant, regardless of what the RTA says. The condo declaration takes precedence because it is enforced under the Condominium Act, not the RTA. You must comply or face potential enforcement action.

Not all condos restrict pets. Many newer condo buildings in the GTA are explicitly pet-friendly, with designated pet relief areas, dog washing stations, and pet-welcoming policies. The key is to verify the rules before you sign so there are no surprises.

Working with a rental agent who knows the condo market is invaluable here. An experienced agent will already know which buildings are pet-friendly and which have restrictive declarations — saving you the time and frustration of discovering restrictions after you have already fallen in love with a unit. Start your rental profile to get matched with an agent who knows the market.

Strategy and Disclosure

Applying for a rental as a pet owner requires a balance of legal awareness and practical strategy. You know your rights — no-pets clauses are void, pet deposits are illegal, and you cannot be evicted just for having an animal. But rights alone do not get you a great apartment. You need a plan.

First, the question of disclosure. You are not legally required to tell your landlord that you have a pet when applying. Pet ownership is not a question that appears on the standard Ontario rental application form, and you are under no obligation to volunteer the information. However, many tenants choose to be upfront about their pets — and there are good reasons for this approach.

Honesty builds trust. A landlord who discovers your pet after move-in cannot evict you for it, but the surprise can create tension and damage the landlord-tenant relationship. Starting the tenancy on a foundation of openness generally leads to a smoother experience for everyone involved. If the landlord is going to have a problem with your pet, it is better to know before you sign than after you have moved in.

Consider preparing a "pet resume" — a one-page document that presents your pet in the best possible light. Include the following:

• Breed, size, and age: Basic information that helps the landlord understand what kind of animal will be living in the unit. Older, calmer pets are generally easier to accept than puppies or kittens.
• Temperament and behaviour: A brief description of your pet's personality. Is the dog well-socialized? Does the cat stay indoors? Is the pet good with other animals and children?
• Training and certifications: Has your dog completed obedience training? Does your pet have any certifications (Canine Good Citizen, therapy animal, etc.)? Include copies of training certificates.
• Veterinary records: Up-to-date vaccination records, spay/neuter certificate, and recent checkup information demonstrate responsible ownership.
• References from previous landlords: If you have rented before with your pet, a positive reference from a previous landlord is extremely valuable. It shows a track record of responsible pet ownership in a rental setting.

A well-prepared pet resume signals to the landlord that you are a responsible owner who takes the commitment seriously. It can make the difference between a hesitant landlord and an enthusiastic one.

Target the Right Properties

Not all rental properties are created equal when it comes to pets. Knowing where to focus your search can save you significant time and frustration — and increase your chances of landing a home where your pet is genuinely welcome.

Private landlords are often more flexible than large institutional landlords (REITs). A private landlord who owns one or two rental properties is more likely to make exceptions, negotiate, and consider the whole picture of your application. Large property management companies, on the other hand, tend to apply blanket policies across their entire portfolio. That said, many REITs in Ontario do accept pets — they just have standardized policies about it.

Ground-floor units and townhouses are generally easier for dogs. Quick access to outdoor space for walks and bathroom breaks is a practical consideration that matters for both you and your pet. Upper-floor apartments in walk-up buildings can work, but a dog that needs to go out four times a day will appreciate not having to navigate three flights of stairs each time.

Ask about nearby parks and green spaces. Proximity to off-leash dog parks, walking trails, and green spaces makes a significant difference in your daily quality of life as a pet owner. Some neighbourhoods are notably more dog-friendly than others — with pet supply stores, veterinary clinics, groomers, and dog-friendly patios all within walking distance.

Purpose-built rental buildings often have clear pet policies. Unlike individual condo landlords who may vary in their approach, purpose-built rental companies typically have published pet policies that are consistent across all units. This makes it easier to know upfront whether your pet is welcome. Many newer purpose-built rentals in the GTA actively market themselves as pet-friendly, complete with on-site pet amenities.

A rental agent who knows the market is your greatest asset in this search. An experienced agent knows which buildings welcome pets, which landlords are flexible, and which neighbourhoods offer the best infrastructure for pet owners. They can steer you away from properties where you are likely to face resistance and toward ones where both you and your pet will thrive. See how our process works or start your rental profile today.