How to Request Pet Accommodation as a Tenant in New Brunswick

Many tenants in New Brunswick wish to have pets in their rental homes, but not all landlords are open to this. Understanding your rights and the correct steps to request pet accommodation is essential for maintaining a positive tenancy. This guide outlines the process, legal context, and current forms available to ensure your request is handled professionally and fairly under New Brunswick law.

Understanding Pet Policies in New Brunswick Rentals

New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Act does not specifically mention pets. This means landlords can include pet restrictions or conditions in their rental agreements. However, there are exceptions—tenants with disabilities who require a service or support animal have legal protections and may request accommodation under human rights law.

When Can You Request Pet Accommodation?

If your lease prohibits pets or is silent about them, you can seek your landlord's consent to keep a pet. Accommodation is more likely to be required if you have a medically documented need for a service or support animal under the Human Rights Act. For all other situations, landlords are generally allowed to say no, but clear and respectful communication improves your chances.

• Review your lease for existing pet clauses.
• If you require accommodation for a disability, medical documentation will strengthen your request.
• Always communicate in writing and keep records of requests and responses.

Step-by-Step: How to Request Pet Accommodation

Here's how tenants in New Brunswick should proceed when requesting pet accommodation:

• Check your rental agreement for pet clauses.
• Prepare your request in writing, clearly outlining your situation and why you are asking for permission.
• If it's for a support or service animal, attach relevant documentation (such as a doctor's note or medical certificate).
• Submit your request formally to the landlord and ask for a written response.
• If refused and you believe the decision is discriminatory, you can contact the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission for guidance.

A respectful, detailed written request often leads to more positive outcomes, even when the lease initially prohibits pets.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

There is no standardized provincial form specifically for requesting pet accommodation in New Brunswick. If your request is related to a disability or service animal, you may need to submit documentation to your landlord and, if necessary, to the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission using their complaint form. This form is used when a tenant believes their rights have been violated due to a landlord's refusal to accommodate a service animal.

• Human Rights Complaint Form: File this if you need to challenge a denial of pet accommodation on human rights grounds. Download from the official source.

For general issues regarding rules or disputes about pets in rentals, you may file a dispute using the rental tribunal's standard Form 6 – Application for Assistance. This form is available through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

• Form 6 – Application for Assistance: Use this to formally request the tribunal's help with unresolved disputes. Download the official form.

Which Tribunal Handles Rental Disputes?

New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Tribunal oversees rental disputes, including issues related to pet policies, accommodation requests, and tenant-landlord disagreements.¹

Tenant Responsibilities When Requesting Pet Accommodation

Even if your landlord agrees to a pet, you remain responsible for preventing damage and ensuring your pet does not disturb other residents.

• Ask your landlord if additional Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know will apply for pet damage
• Notify your landlord of any issues right away to avoid disputes

Legal Protections and Tenant Rights

Human Rights legislation in New Brunswick requires landlords to consider requests for support or service animals as a form of accommodation. Outside of this, landlords can set pet policies, but must respect their tenants’ rights under the Residential Tenancies Act and the Human Rights Act.²

For a full overview of tenant and landlord rights in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Looking for Pet-Friendly Rentals?

If your request is not approved or you are searching for a rental that allows pets, you can search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca. Their platform simplifies your search with filters for pet policies and location preferences, making it easier to find the right home for you and your companion.

Common Tenant Concerns with Pet Accommodation

It's common for tenants to worry about potential issues such as deposit increases, unfair treatment, or disputes. Knowing your rights helps address these concerns. For more on typical rental challenges, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord in New Brunswick refuse to allow pets?
   Yes. Unless you require a service or support animal due to a disability, landlords can refuse pets or set limits, usually detailed in your lease agreement.
2. Is there an extra deposit for having a pet?
   Pet deposits are not specifically outlined in New Brunswick law, but you may be required to pay for damage caused by your pet. Discuss this with your landlord and always get terms in writing.
3. What should I do if my landlord refuses my request for a service animal?
   You may file a complaint with the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission if your need is related to a disability and you have supporting documentation.
4. How can I prove my pet is a support animal?
   Provide medical documentation confirming your need for a service or support animal, such as a letter from your healthcare provider.
5. Who mediates disputes about pets in rentals?
   The New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal handles rental disputes, including those involving pet accommodation.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords in New Brunswick can generally refuse pets, but human rights law protects tenants who need service animals.
• Always make your accommodation request in writing and provide supporting documents if necessary.
• If your request is denied for discriminatory reasons, support is available from the Human Rights Commission and Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

In summary, understanding your lease, communicating clearly, and knowing your rights under provincial law make pet accommodation requests more successful.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal – For rental disputes, forms, and guidance
• New Brunswick Human Rights Commission – For discrimination or disability accommodation issues
• For a detailed breakdown of rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick
• Tenant Advocacy: Contact the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB)

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1. ¹ New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal
2. ² Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick; Human Rights Act of New Brunswick

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