Pets in Condos vs Apartments: Nunavut Tenant Rules

Many tenants in Nunavut wonder whether pets are allowed in condominiums or apartments, and what rights and responsibilities they have around pet ownership. With the unique housing landscape in Nunavut, understanding the differences in pet policies between condos and apartments—and the legal protections that apply—can help you avoid costly disputes and ensure a safe, happy home for both you and your furry companions.

Understanding Pet Rules in Nunavut Rental Housing

If you rent a condo or apartment in Nunavut, your right to have a pet depends on your lease, any condo corporation bylaws, and Nunavut's main rental law: the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut) ^[1]. There is no blanket law either guaranteeing or prohibiting pets in rental units; much comes down to your agreement with your landlord and, if you live in a condominium, the condo board's rules.

Condos vs. Apartments: What’s the Difference?

• Condominiums (Condos): In condos, pet restrictions may come from both the landlord and the condo corporation. Condo buildings often have detailed bylaws about what kinds, sizes, or numbers of pets are allowed, and whether specific breeds are banned.
• Apartments: For rentals that are not condos, pet policies are generally set only by the landlord, as long as these are fairly applied and clearly stated in your lease.

Whether you’re in a condo or apartment, always ask for the pet policy in writing before signing your agreement. Verbal promises can be difficult to enforce later on.

Legal Rights and Responsibilities for Tenants With Pets

The Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act does not specifically require landlords to allow pets. However, if pets are allowed (or not mentioned) in your lease, your landlord must honor that agreement. Landlords can add reasonable clauses governing pet behaviour, noise, or damage—these should always be clearly outlined in writing.

• If your lease prohibits pets, keeping an animal could be grounds for eviction.
• If your lease allows pets or does not mention them, your landlord cannot later ban pets without your agreement on a new lease.
• Condo bylaws can override a landlord’s pet allowance—meaning, even with a pet-friendly landlord, the condo board may still restrict or prohibit pets.

To prevent potential disputes, conduct a thorough Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants before moving in and record your unit’s condition. This can help resolve disagreements about pet-related damage if they arise later.

Service Animals and Support Animals

It is important to know that, under human rights law, tenants with a documented disability may have the right to keep a service animal or support animal, even if the building is otherwise pet-free. Tenants should be prepared to provide documentation showing their need for a service animal if asked.

How to Respond to Pet Complaints or Rule Changes

If your landlord or condo board raises issues about your pet (such as noise, damage, or allergies), it’s important to respond promptly and in writing. Tenants who receive a written warning or notice about their pet should:

• Review the lease and any condo bylaws
• Communicate in writing with the landlord or board
• Try to resolve issues (such as cleaning, repairing damage, or using leashes in common areas) as soon as possible
• If the issue cannot be solved, seek guidance from the Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office

For broader issues, the Residential Tenancy Office (RTO) of Nunavut resolves disputes between tenants and landlords, including those related to pets.

Forms for Pet-Related Disputes

There are no Nunavut-specific forms exclusively for pet disputes, but standard RTO forms can be used for broader issues. For example:

• Application for Dispute Resolution (RTO Form): Use if your landlord tries to evict you for having a pet or if you're facing unfair pet restrictions.
  
  Example: If your landlord gives you an eviction notice because you adopted a dog—despite your lease being silent on pets—you may apply to the RTO.
  Download the Application for Dispute Resolution (PDF)

Obligations for Pet Owners: Keeping Your Rental Safe

Tenants must ensure that their pets:

• Do not cause excessive noise or disturb neighbours
• Do not damage the property
• Are kept clean and well cared for
• Are properly supervised in shared or common areas

Remember, landlords may hold tenants responsible for any damage caused by pets. Learn more about Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to understand your full legal duties.

Looking for Pet-Friendly Rentals?

Finding pet-friendly housing can be challenging in smaller markets. Tenants can Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca to find listings across Canada that suit your needs and your pets.

For a full overview of your rights and local rules, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

FAQ: Pets in Nunavut Rental Housing

1. Can my landlord stop me from having a pet in my apartment in Nunavut?
   Yes, if your lease agreement clearly states no pets are allowed, your landlord can prohibit pets. If pets are not mentioned in your lease, you may have a right to keep one, but confirm by checking any building or condo bylaws as well.
2. Do condo bylaws override the landlord’s pet policy?
   Yes. In condominiums, building bylaws take precedence. Even with a pet-friendly landlord, the condo board can ban or restrict pets based on their rules.
3. Can I be evicted for breaking a pet policy?
   If you violate a clear pet prohibition in your lease or condo bylaws, your landlord may begin eviction proceedings. Tenants can challenge eviction through the Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office.
4. Are there special rules for service or support animals?
   Yes. Tenants with disabilities have the right under human rights law to keep a service animal, even in no-pet buildings, if proper documentation is provided.
5. What should I do if I’m facing eviction or a dispute about my pet?
   Gather all documents (lease, communications, bylaws), try to resolve the situation in writing, and, if needed, submit a dispute form to the Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office for help.

Key Takeaways

• Pet rules in Nunavut rentals depend on your lease, landlord, and—if in a condo—condo bylaws.
• Always review and get the pet policy in writing before signing a rental agreement.
• Know your rights if you have a service or support animal; these usually must be accommodated.
• The Residential Tenancy Office is your go-to for resolving disputes or clarifying legal questions on pets.

With clear understanding and open communication, most pet-related issues in Nunavut rentals can be prevented or resolved amicably.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office: For dispute resolution, forms, and information.
• Canadian Human Rights Commission: For support animal accommodations or discrimination concerns.
• Local tenant advocacy services or the legal aid office in Nunavut can also offer support.

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office: https://gov.nu.ca/edi/information/residential-tenancy-office-rto
3. Canadian Human Rights Commission: https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/en

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