Pet Rules for Condos vs Apartments in New Brunswick

Navigating pet rules when renting in New Brunswick is crucial for tenants who want to live with their animals. Pet policies can differ between condos and apartments, and understanding these differences helps you avoid misunderstandings and maintain a positive landlord-tenant relationship. This guide provides current information on pet regulations, your rights, and what to expect when renting with pets in New Brunswick.

Understanding the Basics: Pet Policies in New Brunswick Rentals

In New Brunswick, rental housing such as apartments and condominiums can have different approaches to pet ownership. There is no province-wide law that automatically allows or prohibits pets in rentals, so pet rules typically depend on:

• The tenancy agreement or lease you sign
• Condominium corporation by-laws (for condos)
• Landlord policies (for apartments and rental buildings)

It is essential to carefully review your lease and discuss any questions with your landlord or property manager before bringing a pet home.

What the Law Says: Overview of Relevant Legislation

New Brunswick’s main residential tenancy law is the Residential Tenancies Act^[1]. This Act sets out the obligations and rights of landlords and tenants. However, it does not state whether pets must be allowed or not. Instead, landlords may include pet restrictions or permissions in your lease agreement.

The official body handling rental disputes is the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT).

Pets in Condos: More Than the Lease

If you rent a condo (a unit in a building governed by a condominium corporation), your landlord might be subject to additional rules set by the condo board. These by-laws can:

• Prohibit pets entirely
• Allow only certain types or sizes of pets
• Impose noise or nuisance conditions

In this case, even if your rental agreement allows pets, the condominium corporation's by-laws could overrule it. Ask your landlord for a copy of the condo by-laws and get written clarification about pet policies before signing or moving in.

Pets in Apartments: What Landlords Can and Can't Do

For most apartments in New Brunswick, landlords have the right to set their own rules on pets. These rules should be stated in the rental agreement. Key points for tenants:

• If your signed lease prohibits pets, a landlord can ask you to remove your pet or potentially end your tenancy for breach of contract.
• If your lease is silent on pets, the situation is less clear – you should seek written confirmation before acquiring an animal.
• Landlords cannot charge you a "pet deposit" (only a single security deposit is allowed under provincial law).

Be sure to understand what is permitted before bringing a pet into your rental. For more about deposit rules, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

When Can a Landlord Deny Pets?

Landlords or condo boards might refuse pets due to:

• Existing no-pet rules in the agreement/by-laws
• Concerns about noise, allergies, or property damage
• Municipal restrictions on the type or number of animals

However, landlords must allow service animals for tenants with disabilities, even if a "no pets" policy is in place. Service animals are protected by human rights law. If you face discrimination regarding a service animal, contact the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission.

What to Do if There Is a Dispute About Pets

If a disagreement arises about pets in your rental:

• Start by talking with your landlord or condo board to resolve the issue directly
• If the problem continues, you may file a complaint or seek mediation through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Relevant Tribunal Forms

• Application for Administrative Decision (Form 12.1) – Use this to ask the Tribunal to decide if an action (such as eviction over a pet) is lawful under your lease. Download this form from the official government site.
  For example, if your landlord tries to evict you for having a registered service animal, you can use this form to apply for a decision.

Action Steps for Tenants with Pets

• Read your lease or rental agreement carefully for any pet clauses.
• If you rent a condo, ask your landlord to provide condo by-laws about pets.
• If you want to keep a pet where rules are unclear, get written permission from your landlord.
• If you have a service animal, know your rights under human rights law.
• Use official forms to address disputes through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if needed.

Always keep copies of any written agreements and communications related to pets in your file for future reference.

Health and Safety Issues Relating to Pets

If a pet creates a health or safety concern (like an infestation or repeated noise complaints), a landlord or condo board may ask you to address the problem, or in serious cases, remove the animal. Find out more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

More Resources and Your Rights

For a detailed look at tenant rights in New Brunswick, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Finding pet-friendly rentals can be challenging. You can search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca to compare options and find your next home.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pets in Condos and Apartments

1. Are landlords in New Brunswick required to allow pets?
   No, pet policies are set by the lease or, for condos, by the condo corporation by-laws. There is no provincial law requiring landlords to allow pets, except for service animals.
2. What if my lease is silent regarding pets?
   If your lease doesn’t mention pets, speak with your landlord and get written confirmation before obtaining a pet to avoid problems later.
3. Can a landlord charge a pet deposit in New Brunswick?
   No, landlords can ask for only one security deposit, which cannot exceed one month's rent. Additional "pet deposits" are not allowed by law.
4. How do I deal with a dispute about my pet?
   Try to resolve the issue with your landlord first. If necessary, submit an Application for Administrative Decision to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
5. Are there exceptions for service animals?
   Yes. Landlords and condo corporations must allow service animals for people with disabilities, even where pets are otherwise banned.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Pet policies are governed by your lease or condo by-laws in New Brunswick – always check before committing.
• Service animals are protected by human rights law.
• Know your options if a dispute arises and keep all documentation in writing.

By understanding your rights and responsibilities, you can avoid surprises and enjoy a smoother renting experience—whether you have pets or are considering getting one.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: Info, help, and forms for tenancy disputes
• NB Human Rights Commission: For service animal and accommodation rights
• Local tenant advocacy groups (ask your municipality for recommendations)
• For more about living with pets and tenant rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, New Brunswick. Read the Residential Tenancies Act
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Learn about the Tenancy Tribunal
3. Service Animals – NB Human Rights Commission. Rights for Tenants with Disabilities

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