How to Request Pet Accommodation in Ontario Rentals

Many renters in Ontario wonder about their rights when it comes to having pets in their rental units. If you require a pet accommodation — especially due to a disability or other human rights grounds — it’s important to understand your options, legal protections, and the proper steps to take for a successful request. This guide will explain how to request pet accommodation in Ontario, your landlord's obligations, and how to resolve disputes if they arise.

Your Rights as a Tenant: Pets and Accommodation

In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) governs most rental relationships. The RTA generally prohibits "no pet" clauses in leases. This means landlords cannot evict you just for having a pet, unless the pet is causing specific problems, such as damaging the property or disturbing other tenants.

If you require a pet for disability-related reasons (such as a service animal or emotional support animal), the Ontario Human Rights Code provides further protection. Landlords have a duty to accommodate tenants with disabilities — including allowing service animals — unless doing so would cause them undue hardship.

• Landlords can only refuse pets if the animal is dangerous, causes significant damage, or if another law applies (e.g., condominium by-laws, municipal bans on certain breeds).
• You cannot be denied housing because you have a pet, except for specific cases allowed by law.

For more on your rights and obligations as a tenant, review Tenant Rights in Ontario.

When and How to Request Pet Accommodation

If you have (or plan to get) a pet and anticipate issues with your landlord, or if you require a pet as an accommodation for a disability, take action early. Clear communication is key.

Step-by-Step: Making Your Request

• Prepare documentation if your pet is needed for a disability (such as a doctor's note explaining the need for a service animal, without disclosing detailed medical information).
• Submit your request in writing to your landlord. Clearly state what you need and provide supporting documentation.
• Allow your landlord a reasonable amount of time to respond and discuss potential solutions (such as leash use, extra cleaning, or pet insurance, if offered).
• If your landlord refuses your request, ask them to provide a written reason.
• If you believe the refusal is discriminatory, consider filing a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO).

What If a Landlord Refuses Pet Accommodation?

Landlords can only refuse accommodation in rare cases, such as:

• The pet poses a dangerous risk
• The pet causes undue hardship due to allergies or health risks to others
• Another law or condominium rule prohibits the pet

If you believe your request has been denied improperly, you have several options:

• Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) Ontario for information or filing an application if you face eviction or other issues.
• File a human rights complaint with the HRTO if the issue involves disability discrimination.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Application to the Landlord and Tenant Board (Form T2: Tenant Application about Maintenance and Repair)
  • When used: If your landlord takes action against you for having a pet in violation of your rights or fails to accommodate your needs, you can use this form to file a claim with the LTB.
  • Download Form T2 and instructions
• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario - Application (Form 1)
  • When used: To file a discrimination complaint if your pet accommodation was refused on disability-related grounds.
  • Download HRTO Form 1 and instructions

Does Your Lease Have a No-Pets Clause?

In most cases, a no-pets clause is void and unenforceable under Ontario law. However, if your pet causes problems as defined by the RTA (health, safety, or damages), you may still face legal action. It's a good idea to address pet ownership honestly and openly at the start of your tenancy and to review your lease and initial inspection process. For guidance on settling in with pets and ensuring a healthy space, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

To discover more pet-friendly rentals, you can Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca with easy filter options.

FAQ: Pet Accommodation Requests in Ontario Rentals

1. Can my landlord evict me just for having a pet in Ontario?
   Generally, no. No-pet clauses are not enforceable unless your pet causes serious issues under the law.
2. Does my landlord have to let me keep a service or emotional support animal?
   Yes, if you have a disability-related need, your landlord must accommodate unless it causes undue hardship.
3. What can I do if my landlord refuses my pet accommodation request?
   You can try mediation, apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board, or file a human rights complaint if applicable.
4. Are there official forms I need to use?
   Yes. Use Form T2 for maintenance or repair disputes with the LTB, and HRTO Form 1 for human rights complaints.
5. Where can I find more information about my rights?
   See Tenant Rights in Ontario for a summary of laws and protections.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Tenants in Ontario are generally allowed to have pets; most no-pets clauses are not valid.
• Special accommodations for service and support animals are protected under the Human Rights Code.
• Know which forms and tribunals can support you if you face challenges.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board: For tenancy applications, dispute forms, and contact information.
• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario: For filing discrimination complaints and information on accommodations.
• CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario): Guides and tenant help resources.
• For a full summary of rental laws and details about your rights, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – Read the Residential Tenancies Act here.
2. Ontario Human Rights Code – Ontario’s Human Rights Code official site.
3. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) Ontario – LTB information and applications.
4. Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario – HRTO website.
5. Ontario government tenant resources – Renting in Ontario: Your Rights.