Being told you can't rent a home because you have a pet can be stressful and confusing for tenants in Ontario. Understanding your rights under Ontario's rental laws can help you respond confidently—especially if you believe the refusal is unfair or discriminatory. This article breaks down the law surrounding pets in rental housing, what landlords can and can't do, and what steps tenants can take if they've been denied housing due to pet ownership.

Are "No Pets" Clauses Enforceable in Ontario?

Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) states that "no pets" provisions in a lease agreement are generally void and unenforceable (section 14). That means landlords can't usually refuse to rent to you or evict you solely because you have a pet, unless exceptions apply.^[1]

• It's illegal for a landlord to include a "no pets" rule in your lease and use this rule to evict you or end your tenancy in most cases.
• Some exceptions exist in buildings where keeping pets is explicitly prohibited by municipal by-laws, condominium rules, or in cooperative housing communities that have their own rules.

When Can a Landlord Refuse or Evict a Tenant Over a Pet?

While general pet bans in rental agreements are not enforceable, the law allows landlords to take action if:

• A pet causes excessive noise, damage, or poses a safety risk to others.
• A pet is otherwise prohibited by local law, condo by-law, or in specific types of housing with separate regulations.

Landlords can also refuse to rent to an applicant if:

• The building has legitimate "no pets" rules imposed by a condominium board or municipality.
• The animal is a restricted or dangerous breed under municipal laws.

Discrimination and Human Rights Protections

It’s important to note that pets are not a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code. However, service animals (like guide dogs) used by tenants with disabilities are an exception. Denying housing due to the use of a service animal is a violation of the Human Rights Code and may be considered discrimination.

If you rely on a service animal and are denied housing, you have the right to file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.

Most tenants in Ontario cannot be evicted or denied housing just for having a pet, but exceptions apply if the pet is causing real problems or is not permitted by other legal rules.

What Should You Do If Denied Housing Because of a Pet?

If a landlord refuses your application due to pet ownership alone, consider these actions:

• Ask the landlord in writing for the specific reason for denial—keep all communication records.
• Check if there are condo or by-law pet restrictions for the specific building.
• If you have a service animal and were denied on this basis, file a discrimination complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
• If you’re already a tenant and facing eviction over pet ownership (without damage, noise, or safety issues), the landlord may be in violation of your rights. The Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario handles residential tenancy disputes.

For more information about your overall rights and responsibilities when renting, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Key Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Form T2: Application About Tenant Rights (Download from Landlord and Tenant Board)
  If your landlord is trying to evict you for having a pet (and you believe this is not legally justified), you can use Form T2 to make a complaint to the Landlord and Tenant Board. Example: You receive an eviction notice for having a pet, but your pet is not causing any issues and there are no legal pet bans—form T2 lets you challenge this action.
• Application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (Official Human Rights Tribunal Forms)
  If you’re denied housing for needing a service animal, submit a complaint using the HRTO’s application forms. Example: You’re blind and depend on a guide dog; a landlord refuses your rental application because of your dog—this is a rights violation under the Human Rights Code.

Understanding Your Lease and Tenant Obligations

Even if "no pets" rules are usually unenforceable, tenants must follow all other responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, including preventing property damage and maintaining cleanliness. For a summary of both tenant and landlord duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Ontario’s protections empower many tenants to have pets, but it’s always important to check for special house rules, by-laws or exceptions before signing a lease.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord in Ontario refuse to rent to me because I have a pet?
   No, in most cases, landlords cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you have a pet. Some exceptions apply in condos, co-ops, or where by-laws restrict pets.
2. Are service animals treated differently under the law?
   Yes. Service animals used by people with disabilities are protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code. Denying rental housing due to a service animal may be illegal.
3. What if my pet causes problems in the rental unit?
   If your pet causes significant damage, noise complaints, or endangers others, the landlord can take legal steps. Each case is assessed individually.
4. Can "no pets" rules be part of my lease?
   Yes, but these provisions are void for most rental units under Ontario law and cannot be used to evict you unless specific exceptions apply.
5. How can I file a formal complaint if denied housing due to a pet?
   Depending on your situation, you can file Form T2 with the Landlord and Tenant Board or submit an application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario for discrimination related to service animals.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• "No pets" clauses in rental agreements are not enforceable in most Ontario rentals.
• Exceptions exist for service animals, condo by-laws, and specific municipal rules.
• Tenants facing unfair denial or eviction over permissible pet ownership can appeal to the Landlord and Tenant Board or Human Rights Tribunal.

Learning your rights is the first step to fair housing access in Ontario.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario – Information on applications, forms, and legal processes
• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario – For discrimination complaints, especially regarding service animals
• Ontario Rental Housing Rights Page – Official guide to tenant rights
• Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca – Filter and find Ontario rentals that welcome your furry friends

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1. See: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, Section 14, Government of Ontario.

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