Finding a rental in Ontario is tough enough, but adding a pet to the mix can make the search feel almost impossible. Many tenants worry that a “no pets” clause will block them from securing a home, while others feel pressured to hide their animals out of fear of losing their lease. At the same time, landlords often struggle to understand what they can and cannot enforce, especially when it comes to damage, noise, or building rules.
Despite how common pets have become, confusion around Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act continues to fuel tension on both sides. The truth is that most “no pets” clauses are void, and tenants cannot be evicted simply for having a pet. There are exceptions, especially in condos or shared living situations, but the rules are more structured than many realize.
This guide breaks down the laws, the exceptions, and the practical steps that help both tenants and landlords navigate renting with pets in Ontario with more confidence and fewer surprises.
Why Renting With Pets Is a Major Issue in Ontario
Renting with pets in Ontario has become a real challenge for both tenants and landlords. Pet ownership is rising across the province, and many renters now consider their animals part of their family. The problem is that the number of pet-friendly rentals has not kept pace. This creates a tight and competitive market where tenants often feel they have to hide their pets or rush to apply for the few units that allow them.
Landlords also face uncertainty. Many rely on outdated assumptions about what a “no pets” clause can legally enforce, while others worry about noise, allergies, or damage. The gap between what the Residential Tenancies Act actually allows and what people believe it allows fuels most of the confusion.
As a result, landlords may miss out on reliable tenants, and renters may feel discouraged before they even start looking. Clear rules and transparent conversations about pets can reduce conflict and make the rental experience easier for everyone involved.
What the RTA Actually Says About Pets
Many renters in Ontario feel anxious about mentioning pets to a landlord. Some even hide their pets out of fear of losing their home. The Residential Tenancies Act aims to remove that fear. It clearly states that any “no pets” clause in a lease is void. In other words, if you already live in a rental unit in Ontario, your landlord cannot evict you just for having a pet, even if the lease says otherwise.
This law exists because pets are part of many families. For some people, a pet is their emotional anchor, especially during stressful times. Losing a home because of a pet would be deeply unfair, and the RTA protects against that.
Still, this protection is not absolute. If a pet causes serious damage, ongoing noise, or health and safety concerns, a landlord can take action. But they must provide real evidence and follow the proper legal process. Many pet-related disputes happen simply because expectations were unclear or communication broke down. Tenants who understand the RTA are in a much stronger position to resolve problems quickly and avoid unnecessary conflict. Landlords benefit too, since knowing the rules helps prevent costly legal mistakes.
Below is a simple breakdown of how rights and responsibilities work under the RTA:
Legal Reference – RTA on Pets
- “No pets” clauses in leases are void
- Landlords cannot evict a tenant just because they have a pet
- Evidence is required for any eviction based on pet-related issues
Landlord Rights
- Can pursue eviction for significant damage or disturbances caused by a pet
- Can enforce reasonable pet-related rules if justified
- Must document all pet-related issues before filing a claim
Tenant Rights
- Can have pets regardless of lease wording
- Cannot be evicted solely for pet ownership
- Encouraged to stay informed and communicate openly to avoid disputes
These rights give tenants confidence while helping landlords maintain safe, well-managed rental properties.
When a No-Pets Rule Can Be Enforced
Even though the RTA voids “no pets” clauses, there are situations where a no-pets rule is legally enforceable in Ontario. This is where many renters get confused, and misunderstandings often lead to tension long before a lease is signed.
A no-pets rule can be enforced in these situations:
Condominium Buildings
Condos have their own bylaws, and those bylaws often take priority over the RTA. If a condo corporation bans pets or restricts certain pets, tenants must follow those rules. Always check the condo’s pet policy before signing anything.
Shared Accommodations
If you are renting a space where you share the kitchen or bathroom with the landlord, the RTA does not apply in the same way. In these cases, the landlord can legally prohibit pets.
Short-Term Rentals
Units that fall outside the RTA, such as some vacation or temporary rentals, may set their own rules about pets.
Health and Safety Risks
If a pet triggers a significant health risk, such as severe allergies, or poses safety concerns, landlords may enforce a no-pets rule. But they must document everything with proper evidence.
In all of these situations, clarity matters. Tenants should always ask questions about pet rules up front, and landlords should be honest about any restrictions. This prevents surprises later and helps both sides start the rental relationship on the right foot.
Can a Landlord Deny an Applicant Because of a Pet?
This question causes a lot of stress for renters. The truth is simple:
Yes, landlords in Ontario can refuse an applicant because of a pet before a lease is signed.
The RTA protects current tenants, not applicants. Until a contract is in place, landlords are free to choose a pet-free applicant; except when it involves a service animal.
For renters with pets, this reality can feel discouraging, especially in competitive markets. But there are ways to improve your chances:
- Be honest about pet ownership
- Provide a pet resume
- Include references from previous landlords or neighbors
- Offer training certificates or vet records
- Show proof of good behavior from past living situations
Sometimes landlords hesitate because of bad past experiences, not because they dislike pets. Transparency and documentation can ease those concerns.
And remember: Service animals cannot be denied, even during the application stage.
Service Animals and Support Animals
Service animals are protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code, providing tenants with significant rights. Landlords cannot charge extra fees or impose restrictions on tenants with service animals, which are specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities. Additionally, any documentation related to a service animal should remain private, respecting the tenant’s right to confidentiality.
On the other hand, emotional support animals, while beneficial, do not enjoy the same level of legal protection. Landlords are required to assess requests for emotional support animals on a case-by-case basis, considering relevant documentation provided by the tenant.
Clear guidelines can help landlords navigate these situations more effectively. Education about service animals can reduce misunderstandings and foster a better landlord-tenant relationship. Tenants should be aware of their rights concerning supporting animals, and landlords can seek legal resources for clarity on these issues.
Pet Deposits, Pet Rent, and Extra Fees
Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act makes it clear that landlords cannot charge pet deposits or pet rent. Tenants cannot be asked to pay any extra fee simply because they have a dog, cat, or other household pet. If a pet causes damage, the landlord can only recover costs from the standard last month’s rent deposit. Separate pet fees are not allowed.
There are a few exceptions outside traditional RTA rentals, like certain condo corporations or short-term accommodations that have their own cleaning fees. However, these must be outlined clearly in the agreement before a tenant signs anything. Hidden or surprise charges can lead to disputes, so transparency is important for both sides.
Tenants should always ask about potential fees at the application stage. Understanding long-term costs helps avoid financial stress. Landlords should follow RTA guidelines closely and keep detailed records of any damages, since documentation is essential if disputes ever reach the Landlord and Tenant Board. When everyone is upfront about expectations, it creates a smoother and more trust-based rental experience.
When a Landlord Can Evict Because of a Pet
Eviction due to pets is rare in Ontario, but it is possible. A landlord must prove that a pet is creating significant problems. Common reasons include:
- Serious property damage
- Ongoing noise disturbances
- Risk to other tenants
- Health issues (such as severe allergies)
- Keeping a prohibited animal in a condo
The landlord must issue the correct notice, such as:
- N5 notice for interfering with reasonable enjoyment or causing damage
- N7 notice for serious issues, including dangerous pets
Documentation is essential. Photos, logs, written complaints, and videos can all be used as evidence. Tenants can dispute the notice at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).
Most of the time, issues can be solved before reaching eviction. Honest communication often leads to solutions like training, repairs, or agreements about behavior.
Practical Tips for Tenants Renting With Pets
Many tenants feel stressed when looking for a pet-friendly home, but preparation can make the process smoother and increase your chances of getting approved.
Here are helpful tips:
- Create a detailed pet resume
- Offer references from past landlords or neighbors
- Include vet records and proof of vaccinations
- Share training certificates or obedience class info
- Be upfront about pet ownership
- Keep your unit clean to avoid damage claims
- Respect shared areas and noise levels
- Review all pet policies before signing
- Consider pet insurance for protection
- Stay updated on Ontario rental laws
A responsible pet owner with good communication skills is far more likely to secure a rental and maintain a positive relationship with their landlord.
Practical Tips for Landlords Offering Pet-Friendly Rentals
Pet-friendly units often attract more applicants and help reduce vacancy rates, but landlords still need to protect their property.
Useful practices include:
- Set clear pet policies in the lease
- Focus on behavior, not breed
- Require a detailed pet agreement
- Keep thorough documentation of any issues
- Consider a one-time cleaning fee instead of illegal pet deposits
- Encourage references from previous landlords
- Educate tenants about their responsibilities
- Keep open lines of communication
- Stay informed about RTA guidelines
- Offer amenities or community rules that support responsible pet ownership
By balancing fairness with protection, landlords can build strong relationships with tenants while maintaining their investment.
Make Renting With Pets Easier With the Right Support
Renting with pets in Ontario can feel overwhelming, especially when rules seem unclear and every listing feels out of reach. Tenants worry about losing housing because of outdated policies, and landlords struggle to balance legal obligations with real concerns about property damage, allergies, and noise. The good news is that the Residential Tenancies Act provides a solid framework that protects both sides. Once you understand when a no-pets rule applies, what rights you have under the RTA, and how service animals and support animals fit into the picture, the entire process becomes more manageable.
If you want help navigating Ontario’s rental laws or need guidance on lease agreements, applications, or tenant rights, Found Spaces is here to make the process easier. We simplify complicated rules and give you clear steps to move forward with confidence.
Need clarity on Ontario rental laws or help with your next lease? Contact Found Spaces for expert guidance and practical resources that support both renters and landlords.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can landlords refuse to rent to someone because they have a pet?
No, landlords in Ontario cannot refuse to rent to someone just because they have a pet, unless the rental unit has specific rules that allow for no pets.
What if a tenant has a service animal?
Landlords must allow service animals even in no-pet buildings, as these animals are not considered pets but necessary supports for the tenant.
Can a landlord charge extra fees for tenants with pets?
Landlords in Ontario cannot charge additional fees or deposits just because a tenant has a pet, unless it’s clearly stated in the rental agreement.
What types of pets are usually allowed?
While the Residential Tenancies Act doesn’t specify, common pets like dogs and cats are generally accepted unless restricted by specific rules in the building.
Can landlords evict tenants because of pet-related issues?
Landlords can only evict tenants for pet issues if the pet is causing significant damage or disturbance, and proper notice must be given first.
TL;DR Renting with pets in Ontario poses challenges due to limited pet-friendly options. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) states that “no pets” clauses in leases are void, but landlords may enforce rules in condos or shared accommodations. They can deny applicants based on pet ownership prior to lease signing, but service animals are protected. Pet deposits and additional fees are illegal, and landlords can only pursue eviction for significant issues caused by pets. Tenants should be proactive in showcasing their pets, while landlords should establish clear pet policies.
