Many tenants in Quebec wonder if they can keep pets while renting an apartment or a condo. Quebec's rental laws, combined with building bylaws and lease agreements, create a unique legal landscape for pet owners. This article explains the rules affecting pets in both condos and apartments, your rights and obligations, and how to resolve disputes if they arise.

Quebec Laws: Pets in Condos vs. Apartments

In Quebec, whether pets are allowed depends on several factors, including the lease agreement, the type of property (condo vs. apartment), and building rules.

Pets in Apartments

For apartments, the default rule in Quebec is that pets are allowed unless your lease or building regulations specifically prohibit them. The tenancy law that applies is the Civil Code of Québec, Book V – Leases^[1]. Most standard leases (including the official Quebec Lease Form) have a section where restrictions on pets can be recorded.

• If your lease explicitly prohibits animals, you must follow that rule.
• If there is no mention or clause about pets, you generally have the right to keep them, provided they don’t cause damage or disturb neighbors.

Tenants are still responsible for any nuisances or damages their pets may cause. Under Quebec law, landlords cannot introduce new rules about pets after a lease has been signed, unless the tenant agrees.

Pets in Condominiums

Condominiums, whether owner-occupied or rented out, are governed by internal bylaws ("règlements de l’immeuble"). These bylaws may:

• Completely ban all pets
• Allow certain types, sizes, or numbers of pets
• Impose rules on breeds, noise, or leashing

If you rent a condo unit, you must comply with both your lease and the condo’s bylaws. In many cases, these bylaws are stricter than the general rules for apartments.

Always check the building bylaws and your lease before bringing a pet home. Ask for a copy from your landlord or the condo board.

Resolving Pet Disputes and Know Your Rights

Disputes about pets may arise if the landlord or condo board claims a rule is being broken, or there’s an issue with noise or damage. Tenants and landlords can apply to the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) to resolve these disagreements.

• If your lease is silent on pets, you usually have the right to keep one unless you are in a condo with stricter bylaws.
• Landlords cannot evict you solely for having a pet, unless there is a clear rule against it in the lease or you are violating building bylaws.

Document all communications and ask for bylaw references if you receive a complaint.

Relevant Official Forms in Quebec

• Standard Lease Form (Formulaire de bail résidentiel): Use when signing a new rental agreement. This official form includes a section where pet restrictions can be written in. Get the official lease form here.
• Application to the TAL (Demande au TAL): If you are involved in a dispute about pets, such as eviction or a request to remove a pet, you can apply to the tribunal. The form and instructions are available on the Tribunal administratif du logement's website.

When using these forms:

• Complete all relevant sections carefully and attach supporting documents (e.g., your lease, correspondence, building bylaws).
• Submit your application online or in-person at your local TAL office.

Tips: What Tenants Should Do Before Getting a Pet

• Read your lease and ask your landlord for clarification about pet rules.
• If you’re moving into a condo, obtain a copy of the building’s pet policies.
• Keep records of all permissions or communications related to your pet.

• If you have a support animal or service dog, be aware that different legal protections may apply.
• Try to resolve complaints with neighbors or your landlord directly before seeking formal intervention.

For more on post-lease tenant responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Quebec tenant-landlord laws sometimes differ from other provinces, so review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec for a full overview.

If you’re searching for a place that welcomes pets, you can search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca to find apartments or condos with suitable policies.

FAQ: Pets, Tenants, and Quebec Rental Rules

1. Are pets automatically allowed in Quebec rentals?
   Not always. You need to check both your lease and building bylaws. If neither mention pets, you generally have the right to keep one unless it's a condo with stricter rules.
2. Can my landlord add a "no pets" rule after I move in?
   No. The landlord cannot change lease terms to ban pets after you've signed, unless you agree.
3. Do service animals have special protections?
   Yes. Quebec law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms may protect tenants with guide dogs or service animals even where pets are otherwise restricted.
4. What should I do if a neighbor complains about my pet?
   Try to resolve the issue directly. If the complaint continues, be prepared to show your pet is not causing excessive noise, damage, or health issues.
5. Where can I go if I have a dispute with my landlord over my pet?
   You can file an application with the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) – Dispute resolution, forms, and legal information
• Éducaloi Quebec – Legal information for tenants, including pets and leases
• Régroupement des comités logement et associations de locataires du Québec (RCLALQ) – Tenant advocacy and support
• For rights and responsibilities: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Quebec

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1. Civil Code of Québec (Leases), Book V
2. Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
3. Quebec Lease Form: Official Government Resource

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