Pet Damage Deposits and Fees in Manitoba

Renters in Manitoba often wonder whether landlords can charge pet damage deposits or extra fees when they allow animals. This guide explains what provincial rules say about pet-related deposits and fees, how those charges differ from regular security deposits, and what evidence tenants should collect to challenge unfair charges. You will find clear steps for documenting damage, filing a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Branch, and examples of documentation landlords commonly accept. The goal is to help tenants understand their rights, avoid unexpected charges, and prepare practical evidence if a claim arises in Manitoba. It also covers what landlords can and cannot charge up front, how provincial forms work, and when to seek free legal advice for tenants.

What landlords can and cannot charge

Manitoba landlords can seek payment for repairs or cleaning needed because of a pet, but any charge must be reasonable, documented, and in line with provincial rules. Tenants should not accept vague or non-itemized charges without supporting invoices or receipts. If your lease mentions a specific pet deposit or fee, keep a copy of that clause and ask the landlord how the deposit will be applied or refunded.

Common pet-related charges

• Pet deposit or security hold for potential damage or extra cleaning.
• Non-refundable pet fees that cover wear and tear or additional cleaning.
• Repair costs for scratched doors, chewed trim, or damaged flooring.
• Replacement costs for damaged fixtures or lost keys related to pet incidents.

Before you pay any pet fee, ask for a written explanation of what it covers and whether it is refundable. Keep receipts and request itemized invoices for any work claimed by the landlord; vague estimates are harder to challenge.

How to protect yourself as a tenant

Document the rental condition the moment you move in and again when you move out. Use time-stamped photos and a short written checklist. If possible, agree a move-in inspection report with the landlord and keep a copy. When a landlord charges for pet damage, ask for detailed invoices and compare them with independent repair estimates if the amounts seem excessive.

If you want more background on general deposit rules, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know and for moving-out specifics consult How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out. You can also search rentals that allow pets using Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca.

FAQ

Can a landlord charge a separate pet damage deposit in Manitoba?

Landlords may seek compensation for damage caused by pets, but any deposit or fee must be reasonable, documented, and applied according to the Residential Tenancies Act and related rules; tenants can dispute charges they believe are unjustified.^[1]

What evidence helps when disputing pet damage charges?

Take clear dated photos and videos at move in and move out, keep receipts for professional cleaning or repairs, save communication with the landlord, and collect estimates or invoices from qualified contractors.

How do I file a dispute about pet-related charges?

If you cannot resolve the issue with your landlord, file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch and bring all your evidence to the hearing.^[3]

How-To

1. Document the unit with dated photos and a short written condition report immediately when you move in and again when you move out.
2. Collect receipts, invoices, and professional cleaning records that show actual costs rather than estimates.
3. Contact the landlord in writing to request an itemized breakdown of any pet-related charges and a timeline for refunding refundable deposits.
4. If the landlord does not respond or you disagree, file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch and attach your evidence.^[3]
5. Attend the hearing or mediation with copies of photos, receipts, the lease, and any written communications to support your case.

Key Takeaways

• Keep dated photos and written notes at move in and move out to protect against unfair pet charges.
• Always ask for itemized invoices and receipts for any charges related to pets.
• If you cannot resolve a dispute, file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancies Branch.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba)
• [2] Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
• Residential Tenancies Branch forms and guides

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Branch (Province of Manitoba)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (C.C.S.M. c. R117)
3. [3] Residential Tenancies Branch forms and information