Many tenants in Ontario wonder: can my landlord legally ban me from having pets in my rental apartment or house? With a patchwork of rules across Canada, it's important for tenants in Ontario to know their rights and responsibilities surrounding pets and rental housing.

Ontario's Rental Laws and Pets: The Basics

Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords generally cannot include or enforce a "no pets" clause in a lease. This means that in most cases, a landlord cannot evict you just for having a pet, even if your rental agreement says "no pets allowed." Tenant Rights in Ontario protect tenants from being unfairly restricted from having pets at home.^[1]

Key Points for Tenants

• No pets clauses: These are usually not enforceable.
• Eviction for pets: A landlord cannot evict you just for having a pet unless a specific legal exception applies.
• Exceptions exist: There are situations where pets can be restricted.

If you're searching for a new rental, you may want to Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca to avoid any confusion.

When Can a Landlord Ban Pets in Ontario?

While the law generally protects tenants with pets, there are important exceptions you should know about. A landlord can bring an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) to evict a tenant due to a pet in the following circumstances:

• Allergies: If another tenant (or the landlord, in small residential buildings where they also live) has severe allergies that pose a health risk.
• Danger: The pet is considered dangerous or has attacked someone on the property.
• Landlord's insurance: The pet causes the landlord's insurance provider to refuse to insure or renew the policy.
• Significant damage or disturbance: The pet causes considerable damage to the property or creates unreasonable disturbances (like persistent noise).
• Type of housing: The rental is a condominium or co-op with valid bylaws restricting specific animals.

What Happens If You Receive a Notice About Your Pet?

If your landlord believes your pet falls under an exception, they may serve you with an official notice. The main form used is:

• Form N5: Notice to End Your Tenancy for Interfering with Others, Damage, or Overcrowding (N5)
  When is it used? If your pet is allegedly causing damage, making excessive noise, or posing a danger, your landlord must use this form to start the eviction process.
  How do you respond? If you fix the problem within 7 days (e.g., finding a new home for the pet, or preventing further nuisance or damage), eviction can usually be prevented. If you disagree, you have the right to defend your case before the Landlord and Tenant Board.
  Example: You receive Form N5 because your dog has caused damage to the backyard fence. If you repair the fence within seven days, the eviction notice will not proceed unless the issue happens again.

All official forms can be found on the Landlord and Tenant Board’s website.^[2]

Summary of Tenant and Landlord Rights Regarding Pets

Ontario law recognizes the importance of both tenant stability and landlord property interests. As a tenant:

• You are usually allowed to have pets in your rental home.
• Exceptions apply, and your landlord can take lawful steps if your pet endangers others, causes damage, or violates condo/co-op rules.
• Rent cannot be increased or deposits demanded because you have a pet. For more information on deposits see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Tip: Always read lease agreements, keep copies of official notices, and be ready to provide information about your pet if issues arise. To learn about general obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Condominium and Co-operative Housing Rules

If you rent a unit in a condo or co-op, be aware that these communities often have their own pet bylaws. If the building’s rules legally ban pets, your landlord must follow those bylaws—even if provincial law protects pets in most rentals.

FAQ: Pets and Rentals in Ontario

1. Can a landlord include a "no pets" clause in my lease in Ontario?
   Landlords may include it, but it is generally not enforceable, except in certain situations (condos, safety or allergy issues).
2. Can I be evicted for having a pet my landlord did not approve?
   Not just for having the pet, but you could be evicted if your pet causes significant problems or fits the exceptions in the law.
3. What should I do if I receive an eviction notice due to my pet?
   Read the notice carefully, fix any issues within 7 days if practical, and be prepared to present your case at the Landlord and Tenant Board.
4. Are "pet deposits" allowed in Ontario?
   No. Landlords cannot demand extra deposits for having pets. Damage deposits are not permitted, except for key deposits.
5. Do condo boards have the final say on pets?
   Yes, if you rent in a condominium, the building’s rules or bylaws may prohibit pets—and your lease must follow those rules.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Most tenants in Ontario can have pets, thanks to protections under the Residential Tenancies Act.
• There are exceptions, so know your building’s rules and act quickly if you receive a formal notice from your landlord.
• If your pet causes harm, disturbance, or breaks condo bylaws, your landlord can take legal steps. Stay informed about your rights and responsibilities.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) of Ontario: For forms, guides, and to apply for hearings
• Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: Renting in Ontario
• Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) – Your Rights as a Tenant With Pets
• Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17, official Ontario legislation
2. Landlord and Tenant Board forms and guides: LTB official forms

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