Requesting Pet Accommodation in Alberta Rentals: Tenant Guide

Bringing a beloved pet into your rental home in Alberta often means understanding both your rights as a tenant and the responsibilities of your landlord. While Alberta law doesn't automatically guarantee tenants can keep pets, there are specific steps—and legal protections—if you require a pet as part of a disability accommodation. This article breaks down the process of requesting pet accommodation in Alberta, explains key legal considerations, and helps you advocate for your needs with confidence.

Understanding Pet Policies in Alberta Rentals

In Alberta, landlords can prohibit pets, allow some types, or permit pets with restrictions. However, human rights legislation requires landlords to accommodate service animals and support animals for tenants with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship.

• Typical pet policies: Many landlords use leases or rental agreements to set rules about pets. Always check your agreement before signing.
• Human rights protections: Tenants with disabilities who require a service or support animal may have a right to keep that animal, regardless of a no-pet policy.

Relevant Alberta Legislation

The main laws covering tenant-landlord relationships in Alberta are the Residential Tenancies Act^[1] and the Alberta Human Rights Act^[2]. The Act protects against discrimination for disability, including the use of service or support animals.

How to Request Pet Accommodation

If your need for a pet is related to a disability (for example, a therapy or service animal), you may request an accommodation from your landlord. It's important to follow the right steps and provide any required documentation.

• Step 1: Review your lease and check the pet policy.
• Step 2: Gather supporting documentation—for example, a letter from a healthcare professional stating the need for a service or support animal.
• Step 3: Write a formal request to your landlord, stating that you are requesting an accommodation under the Alberta Human Rights Act. Attach your supporting documents.
• Step 4: Keep written records of all communications.
• Step 5: If your request is refused, seek help from the Alberta Human Rights Commission or a tenant support group.

Landlords can only refuse a reasonable accommodation if it creates an undue hardship, such as significant safety, health, or financial concerns that they can prove.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

• Alberta Human Rights Complaint Form (PDF link): Use this if your landlord denies a valid accommodation request. Clearly document all attempts to resolve the matter and submit supporting evidence. The Alberta Human Rights Commission provides a step-by-step complaint guide.

For most rental matters (excluding human rights issues), Alberta tenants and landlords resolve disputes through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). However, disability accommodation disputes generally go to the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Requesting a pet accommodation based on disability is your right under the Alberta Human Rights Act, but you must:

• Demonstrate the medical or psychological need
• Ensure your pet does not cause undue damage or disturbance
• Follow all reasonable rules set in your lease that do not contradict your rights

Landlords may still require you to follow pet-related rules (like cleaning after your animal) and could request a pet damage deposit, subject to the maximum security deposit allowed under the Residential Tenancies Act. For general information on deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What If My Landlord Refuses?

Landlords must consider requests for disability accommodation seriously. If your request is denied without clear evidence of undue hardship, you have the right to file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission. For non-disability-related pet issues, landlords are generally allowed to enforce their pet policies, but you have the right to fair treatment and a written explanation.

Additional Resources

For a full understanding of tenant and landlord rights in Alberta—including rules beyond pet accommodation—see the detailed guide on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta. To find pet-friendly homes, search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Accommodation

1. Can my landlord refuse my service or support animal in Alberta?
   Landlords generally cannot refuse service animals or properly documented support animals needed for disability accommodation unless accommodating would cause undue hardship.
2. Do I need to pay a pet deposit for a service animal?
   Landlords in Alberta may not charge additional deposits specifically for service animals needed due to disability but can require a general security deposit, not to exceed one month's rent.
3. What documentation is needed for a pet accommodation request?
   A letter from a licensed healthcare provider stating your need for a service or support animal is usually required. Include all relevant details in your request to your landlord.
4. Where do I file a complaint if my landlord rejects my accommodation request?
   File complaints about disability accommodation with the Alberta Human Rights Commission, not the landlord-tenant tribunal.
5. Can I be evicted for getting a pet if my lease prohibits them?
   Without a valid disability accommodation, your landlord may have grounds to pursue eviction or enforce penalties as per your lease, but proper notice and procedures must be followed.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Pet policies are up to landlords, except for disability-related accommodations protected by human rights law.
• Requesting accommodation requires proper documentation and a formal request to your landlord.
• If denied, you may file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission for disability-related needs.

Remember, having clear communication and keeping excellent records can help make the process smoother for both you and your landlord.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Human Rights Commission – Making a Complaint
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) (for non-human rights tenancy disputes)
• Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) – Landlord and Tenant Info
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta

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1. [1] Alberta Residential Tenancies Act and Regulations
2. [2] Alberta Human Rights Act

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