BC Pet Rules: Condos vs Apartments for Tenants

Bringing a pet into your rental home can provide companionship and comfort, but the rules around pets vary greatly depending on whether you rent a condo or an apartment in British Columbia. Understanding your rights, landlord or strata restrictions, and how to navigate these policies is essential for tenants in BC.

Condos vs. Apartments: How Pet Rules Are Set

In BC, pet rules differ for condos (strata properties) and apartments (typically rental units owned by a single landlord):

• Condos (Strata): Rules are set by the strata corporation, which can limit or prohibit pets via bylaws.
• Apartments: The landlord sets pet policies in the rental agreement, which must comply with the Residential Tenancy Act.

Each type has unique processes for tenants who own pets or are considering getting one.

Understanding Strata Bylaws for Pets

Strata councils can legally create and enforce rules regarding pets, including limits on species, size, number of animals, or outright prohibitions. These bylaws are binding and registered with the Land Title Office.

• Check your building’s bylaws before moving in or bringing home a pet.
• If considering a service or guide animal, note that these may be exempt under human rights legislation.

Should you wish to challenge a bylaw, tenants can request changes at annual general meetings or file a complaint through the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT), which resolves strata disputes in BC.

Apartment Rentals: Landlord Pet Policies

Landlords have the discretion to accept or prohibit pets, but must clearly state their policy in the rental agreement.

• If pets are permitted, landlords often collect a pet damage deposit (maximum half a month’s rent).
• Service and guide dogs are generally excepted under provincial law, regardless of no-pet policies.
• Getting a pet without consent can lead to a breach of your agreement and possible eviction.

Read more in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for insight into your responsibilities.

What Happens If Pet Rules Are Broken?

Tenants who breach pet-related bylaws or agreements may face:

• Fines (in condo units, set by the strata)
• Warnings and requests to remove the pet
• Eviction procedures (must follow the Residential Tenancy Act)

Pet Damage Deposits

In apartments, if a landlord allows pets, a separate pet damage deposit can be required. This deposit must be:

• No more than half a month’s rent
• Kept in trust and returned if there’s no pet-related damage when you move out

Your Rights as a BC Tenant with Pets

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, landlords and tenants have specific obligations when it comes to pets:

• Landlords must not unreasonably withhold permission for certified guide or service dogs.
• Tenants must disclose pets at the start of the tenancy or seek written opt-in permission.
• Disputes about pets can be addressed through the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB).

For a deeper overview, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

What Forms Might Tenants Need?

• Pet Addendum/Agreement: Sometimes used to clearly set out pet rules in a signed agreement. Provided by landlord or strata; no standard government form is required but ensure you keep a copy.
• Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB Form): Use this form if you believe your landlord or strata is acting unfairly regarding pets.
  • Form Name/Number: "Application for Dispute Resolution" (RTB-12)
  • When to use: For example, if you are asked to remove a pet you believe is permitted, or your pet deposit wasn’t returned promptly.
  • Application for Dispute Resolution (RTB-12)
• Civil Resolution Tribunal Application (online): If your dispute is with a strata council (condo rules), you can apply to the CRT directly online.

Not sure which body can help you? Use the RTB for apartment rental disputes, and the CRT for condo or strata issues.

Be proactive: Always keep written proof of landlord or strata permission if you have a pet. This can make future disputes much easier to resolve.

Tips for Renting in Pet-Restricted Buildings

• Ask for current bylaws or rental agreement details before you sign a lease.
• Get all pet approvals in writing.
• If you require an assistance animal, mention BC’s Human Rights Code protections.
• To browse more pet-friendly rentals, Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca.

Many tenants seeking flexibility choose to Tenant Rights in British Columbia before signing a rental agreement in strata or apartment buildings.

FAQs: Pets in Condos and Apartments in BC

1. Can a landlord or strata charge any fee they want for a pet?
   No. In apartments, pet damage deposits can be no more than half a month's rent. Strata fines or fees must follow their registered bylaws and cannot be arbitrary.
2. What if my landlord didn’t mention pets in the lease?
   If your agreement is silent about pets, you should not assume pets are allowed. Get permission in writing before acquiring a pet. Unauthorized pets can lead to breach of lease issues.
3. Are emotional support animals exempt from no-pet rules?
   Emotional support animals do not have automatic exemption. Only certified service dogs (for a disability) are protected by law in most cases. You may need to provide documentation and potentially apply to the Human Rights Tribunal if denied.
4. How do I challenge an unfair pet rule in my condo?
   Speak with the strata, request a bylaw change at the AGM, or apply to the Civil Resolution Tribunal if you believe the rule is discriminatory or improperly enforced.
5. Where do I go for help with a pet dispute?
   For rental apartments, contact the Residential Tenancy Branch. For condos/strata, contact the Civil Resolution Tribunal. Both have online dispute application forms.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• BC’s pet rules vary by property type: check all bylaws or agreements before moving in with a pet.
• You have rights when it comes to certified guide or service animals.
• Resolve disputes with your landlord or strata through the correct tribunal.

Knowing your responsibilities and following the right procedures helps protect your rights as a tenant with pets in British Columbia.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) – Government of BC: For apartment/rental disputes, forms, and information. Phone: 1-800-665-8779
• Civil Resolution Tribunal (Strata Disputes): For strata/condo pet complaint resolution and bylaws disputes.
• BC Housing Tenant Services: Advocacy and support programs.
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia: Comprehensive overview of tenant laws.

1. Residential Tenancy Act, British Columbia, current legislation.
2. Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB), Government of BC: Official portal.
3. Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT), Strata dispute resolution.
4. Information on pet damage deposits, BC Policy Guideline 28.