1. Background of the Petition Recently, a parliamentary petition spearheaded by Humane Canada has called for the inclusion of a specific provision in the proposed federal renters’ bill of rights. This provision seeks to eliminate “no pet” clauses in rental agreements, aiming to ensure that tenants with pets are not excluded from available rental housing.
2. Landlord Groups’ Concerns Some Canadian landlord organizations have voiced their concerns about the potential impact of such a change. Cameron Choquette, CEO of the Saskatchewan Landlord Association, shared his perspective with Global News. He acknowledged that while pets are increasingly important to many renters, flexibility is needed for rental housing providers. Choquette explained that in situations where current tenants might have allergies or in smaller buildings, a “no pet” clause might be necessary to accommodate specific circumstances.
3. The Argument for Pet-Free Options Kevin Russell, executive director of the Investment Property Owners Association of Nova Scotia (IPOANS), emphasized that renters might prefer pet-free buildings for their own reasons, including safety concerns. He argued that eliminating “no pet” clauses on a national level could lead to increased disputes between tenants with pets and those without, exacerbating the existing housing crisis. Russell suggested that expanding rental housing supply is a more effective solution for accommodating pet owners.
4. Current Pet Policies in Canada Pet policies in Canadian rental properties generally allow landlords to prohibit pets, with some exceptions for service animals. Ontario has a somewhat different approach. According to Oduraa Legal Services, while landlords in Ontario can initially refuse to rent to pet owners, once a tenancy agreement is in place, tenants can move in with their pets and cannot be evicted solely for having them. However, pets can be removed if they cause severe allergic reactions, damage to the property, or excessive noise.
5. Condo Exceptions in Ontario There are exceptions to this rule in Ontario’s condo market. Condominiums can impose pet bans if outlined in the building’s governing documents. The Condominium Authority of Ontario stated that both tenants and owners should be aware of and agree to community rules, including pet policies, before moving in.
6. Frustrations and Challenges for Landlords Landlords have expressed frustration over the proposed changes. Kevin Costain, a board member for the Small Ownership Landlords of Ontario (SOLO), noted that some landlords only discover the restrictions after trying to enforce them. He described the current environment as adversarial and stressed the need to balance the benefits of having a pet with the responsibilities it entails.
7. The Need for Balanced Solutions Both Choquette and Costain believe that while pets should be allowed in rental properties, a universal approach may not be suitable. They argue that some buildings may legitimately need to remain pet-free due to various factors. Choquette highlighted that a one-size-fits-all policy might not address the diverse needs of different rental situations effectively.

In summary, while the push to void “no pet” clauses is motivated by the desire to include more tenants with pets, landlord groups argue that such a change could lead to conflicts and challenges. They advocate for a balanced approach that considers the needs of all parties involved.