Denied Housing for Having a Pet? Tenant Rights in Newfoundland

If you've been turned away from renting a home in Newfoundland and Labrador because you own a pet, you may wonder what rights you have as a tenant. This article explains the key laws, landlord limitations, and what you can do if you feel you've been discriminated against for pet ownership.

Can Landlords Refuse to Rent to Tenants With Pets in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Unlike some provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 does not prohibit landlords from refusing to rent to tenants with pets¹. This means that a landlord may include a 'no pets' rule in their rental advertisements or lease agreements, and they can legally deny an applicant who owns a pet.

However, there are important exceptions and human rights considerations. A strict 'no pets' policy cannot override a tenant’s right to keep a service animal or support animal related to a disability under the Human Rights Act, 2010.²

Exceptions: Service Animals and Human Rights

Under the Human Rights Act, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants due to a disability, which includes denying a person the right to a service animal. If you have a service or support animal prescribed for a disability, refusing your tenancy on this ground may be considered discrimination.

What Should a Tenant Do If Denied Housing Over a Pet?

If the pet is not a service animal, the landlord is generally permitted to refuse your application. However, for service or support animals, you have the right to file a human rights complaint if you believe you’ve experienced discrimination.

• If denied housing for a service animal, speak with the landlord first and provide any requested documentation confirming your need for the animal due to a disability.
• If your case is not resolved after speaking with the landlord, consider filing a complaint with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission.

For situations unrelated to discrimination, it's essential to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Learn more about them in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Rental Agreements, Pet Clauses, and Deposits

If you sign a lease that contains a 'no pets' clause, you are bound by its terms, unless you have a human rights exemption. Breaking the rule may risk eviction, with proper process required under the law. Landlords cannot charge a specific 'pet deposit,' but must follow the rules on regular rental deposits. For more detail on rental deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Tenancy Agreements and Moving in With a Pet

Clarify the pet policy before signing the lease. If there are any doubt or exceptions, always get them in writing. Once a lease is signed with a 'no pets' clause, adding a pet may breach the agreement.

Which Tribunal Handles Tenant-Landlord Disputes?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, disputes over rental agreements, evictions, and some housing issues are managed by the Residential Tenancies Section, Digital Government and Service NL. This office does not handle human rights discrimination cases—where service or support animals are at issue, contact the Human Rights Commission instead.³

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Form L1: Application to Determine a Dispute – Used when a tenant or landlord wishes to resolve a tenancy disagreement (for example, after a warning about a pet in violation of lease terms).
  Official form and instructions available from: Residential Tenancies Forms. Fill this out if you and your landlord cannot agree, and submit it to Residential Tenancies.
• Human Rights Complaint Form: – Use this form if you feel discriminated against due to a service or support animal and your disability.
  File online or download from: Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission Complaints.

Be sure to gather any supporting documents, such as your lease, communications with your landlord, and (for service animals) your medical documentation.

The Role of Tenancy Law and Discrimination Rules

Landlords have the right to set certain conditions on tenancy, but they must not violate any aspect of the Human Rights Act when a disability is involved. General pet ownership is not a protected ground unless linked to an identified disability.

It’s also important that both tenants and landlords know their broader responsibilities. For a full summary, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Summary

Most "no pet" or pet restriction policies are legal in Newfoundland and Labrador, except in the case of service or support animals linked to disabilities. Gathering evidence and communicating clearly can help resolve issues early. If you're looking for pet-friendly or other rental options, Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca to browse available listings across Canada.

FAQs: Denied Housing Over Pet Ownership in Newfoundland and Labrador

1. Can a landlord deny me a rental in Newfoundland and Labrador because I have a pet?
   Yes. Unless the pet is a service or support animal required due to a disability, landlords can legally impose 'no pet' rules and deny tenancy on that basis.
2. What rights do I have if my service dog was the reason I was denied a unit?
   You may have a human rights claim. Landlords cannot deny a tenant accommodation due to a service animal needed for a disability.
3. What steps should I take if I think I was discriminated against over my support animal?
   Speak to your landlord with appropriate documentation. If the issue persists, file a complaint with the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission.
4. Is it possible to pay an extra deposit for a pet in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   No, the law only allows for a rental security deposit, not an additional or ‘pet-specific’ deposit.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Section, Service NL: Inquiries about landlord-tenant rules, forms, and disputes
• Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission: For discrimination and service/support animal claims
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador: Laws, regulations, rights, and responsibilities overview
• Tenant Advocacy: Local advocacy centers or legal aid for tenants can help with documentation and advice.

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1. ¹ Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (NL)
2. ² Human Rights Act, 2010 (NL)
3. ³ Residential Tenancies, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

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