In Ontario, deciding whether to rent a condo or an apartment can be influenced by your need to keep a pet. While both property types fall under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1], there are important differences when it comes to pet rules and enforcement. This article explains what Ontario tenants need to know about pets in condos versus apartments, including types of restrictions, your rights, and what to do if you face disputes.

Understanding Pet Rules in Ontario Tenancies

Most Ontario tenants want to know: Can my landlord ban pets? The answer depends on whether you live in a standard rental apartment or a condominium unit:

• Apartments: Ontario law prohibits landlords from including a "no pets" clause in rental agreements for most apartment units. Even if such a clause exists, it is generally unenforceable under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.^[1]
• Condos: Condominium corporations can pass their own rules (under the Condominium Act, 1998^[2]) that ban or restrict certain pets. These rules are usually enforceable, even if Ontario's tenancy law generally allows pets.

It’s important for tenants to review the rental agreement and the condo’s rules (if renting a condo) before moving in with a pet.

Pets in Rental Apartments: Your Rights

For traditional rental apartments covered by the Residential Tenancies Act:

• "No pets" clauses in leases are not valid and cannot be enforced, except in rare cases (for example, if the pet is dangerous or causes serious allergies to others).
• Landlords cannot evict you solely for having a pet, unless the pet is causing serious problems.
• Some exceptions exist for cooperative housing or if keeping a pet violates local health/safety bylaws.

For more on your post-signing rights, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Pets in Condominiums: What’s Different?

Unlike standard apartments, condos often have bylaws and rules set by the condominium corporation that may:

• Ban all pets or certain breeds/species
• Limit the number or size of pets
• Require prior approval before bringing in a pet

These rules apply to tenants as well as owners and are usually enforced by the condo board. If the condominium’s rules ban pets, landlords may require tenants to remove pets even when rental law would normally protect pet ownership.

What if I already live in a condo and the pet rules change?

If new restrictions are adopted after you move in, transitional provisions may apply. However, existing pets are not always “grandfathered,” so check the mansion’s specific rules and consult the condo corporation if needed.

Your Legal Protections and Responsibilities as a Tenant

• Landlords in apartments generally can’t evict for having a pet, unless the pet causes damage, poses danger, or violates local bylaws.
• Condo corporations can enforce their own rules, and landlords are required to ensure their tenants comply.
• If a pet causes health or safety issues, landlords or condo boards can take legal action.

Unsure if your rights are being respected? Learn about broader Tenant Rights in Ontario.

The Role of Official Tribunals and Boards

Ontario disputes between tenants and landlords about pets are handled by the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB).^[3] For disputes about condo rules, issues may go to the Condominium Authority Tribunal or be managed internally by the condo board.

Common Problems & Solutions

If you receive a notice to remove your pet or to vacate the unit due to a pet issue, understand your options:

• For apartments: Challenge the notice at the LTB if you believe the landlord is enforcing an unlawful restriction.
• For condos: Check the official rules and procedures. If you believe the condo board is acting unfairly, you may appeal internally, or, if unresolved, to the Condominium Authority Tribunal.

Maintaining your pet responsibly (noise, cleanliness, no damage) helps prevent complaints. For more on resolving problems, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Official Forms for Pet Disputes

When a pet-related dispute arises, specific forms may apply:

• N5 Notice to End your Tenancy for Interfering with Others, Damage or Overcrowding – Used by landlords if a pet is causing serious problems (example: biting, property damage, excessive noise).
  Learn more and download the form from the Landlord and Tenant Board official forms page.^[4]
• T2 Application About Tenant Rights – Used by tenants who believe their rights (including to keep a pet) are being violated.
  Access the form at the LTB Tenant Forms area.^[4]

Example: If you receive an N5 Notice because of your dog’s barking, you can respond to the notice and, if unresolved, file a T2 Application to protect your tenancy rights.

Quick Reference: Key Differences

• Apartments: Pet bans are mostly unenforceable by law.
• Condos: Condo board rules may ban or limit pets and can override tenancy act protections.
• Disputes in apartments go to the Landlord and Tenant Board, while condo disputes may involve additional processes.

For pet-friendly listings, Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca and avoid hassle from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pets in Ontario Rentals

1. Can my landlord evict me for having a pet in an Ontario rental apartment?
   In most cases, your landlord cannot evict you solely for having a pet, unless your pet is dangerous, causes significant damage, or creates serious allergic or health issues for others.
2. Are "no pet" clauses legal in Ontario?
   No, in standard residential apartments, "no pet" clauses are generally unenforceable under Ontario law, but condominiums can lawfully ban or restrict pets through their rules.
3. How can I challenge a notice I received about my pet?
   If you get a notice (like an N5), respond within the time given and, if needed, file a T2 Application with the Landlord and Tenant Board before the notice period expires.
4. Do condo pet rules apply to renters as well as owners?
   Yes, condo corporation bylaws and rules apply to everyone living in the building, including tenants.
5. Where can I find pet-friendly listings in Ontario?
   You can Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca for a wide selection of apartments and condos across Ontario.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Know the difference: apartments and condos follow different pet rules.
• "No pets" rules in apartments are largely unenforceable.
• Condo corporation rules on pets are valid and apply to all tenants.
• Use official LTB forms when facing pet-related disputes with your landlord.

In summary, understanding the property type and reading all rules before moving in with your pet is essential to avoid complications and preserve your rights as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB) – Information, forms, and dispute resolution
• Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) – Condo board disputes, including pet-related issues
• Ontario Tenants Rights – Tenant advocacy and support
• Tenant Rights in Ontario

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 - Ontario Law
2. Condominium Act, 1998 - Ontario Law
3. Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB)
4. LTB Official Forms and Instructions

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