In Ontario, charging “pet rent,” pet damage deposits, or mandatory non-refundable pet cleaning fees is strictly illegal under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). If you were forced to pay an extra fee for your dog or cat, you can file a T1 Application with the LTB within one year to get a 100% refund.
Finding an affordable rental unit in cities like Toronto, Kitchener, or London is difficult enough, but finding one that accepts your furry family members can feel impossible. 🐕 Taking advantage of this desperation, many landlords try to impose extra monthly fees dubbed “pet rent,” or demand a $500 “pet damage deposit” before handing over the keys. They might even try to sneak these clauses into your lease agreement.
However, Ontario has some of the strongest tenant pet protections in Canada. Section 14 of the Residential Tenancies Act explicitly voids “no pet” clauses in standard leases. Furthermore, the RTA outlaws any security deposits other than the Last Month’s Rent. This means any extra fee tied specifically to your pet is an illegal charge. If you have been paying these unlawful fees, this guide will show you how to claw your money back.
Step-by-Step Process for Disputing Illegal Pet Rent in Ontario
Landlords rely on tenants not knowing their rights. Reclaiming your illegally collected pet rent or pet deposit requires documenting the payments and pursuing the proper channels at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). 📍 Here is your action plan.
Step 1: Identify the Illegal Charge in Your Lease
Review your Ontario Standard Lease agreement. Look for any clauses that say “$50 additional monthly rent for dog,” “$300 non-refundable pet cleaning fee,” or “$500 pet damage deposit.” Even if you voluntarily signed this contract and agreed to the fee to secure the apartment, the clause is automatically void and unenforceable under Ontario law. You cannot contract out of the RTA.
Step 2: Gather Your Proof of Payment
You cannot simply tell the LTB you paid the fee; you must prove it. 💸 Gather your bank statements, e-transfer receipts, or cashed cheques that show the extra money leaving your account. If the landlord requested the pet deposit in cash, you need to find text messages or emails where the landlord acknowledges receiving the cash. This evidence is vital for your application.
Step 3: Send a Demand Letter for a Refund
Before filing legal paperwork, politely but firmly demand your money back. Write an email to your landlord stating: “Under the Residential Tenancies Act, pet rent and pet damage deposits are illegal charges. Please refund the $500 pet deposit I paid on [Date] by the end of the week, or I will be forced to file a T1 Application with the LTB.” Often, the threat of legal action is enough.
Step 4: File a T1 Application with the LTB
If the landlord refuses to refund the money, log into the Tribunals Ontario Portal. 💻 You must file a T1 Application: Tenant Application for a Rebate of Money the Landlord Owes. You will select the reason indicating the landlord collected an illegal charge. You will upload your lease and payment receipts. Note: You must file this application within exactly one year from the date the illegal money was collected.
Step 5: Attend the Hearing and Enforce the Order
You will eventually be scheduled for a virtual LTB hearing. The adjudicator will review the lease, confirm the fee was related to a pet, and order the landlord to pay you back. Once you have the official LTB Order, if the landlord still refuses to pay, you can take that order to the Small Claims Court to have their wages or corporate bank accounts garnished.
How Much Does it Cost to Recover Pet Rent in Ontario?
Fighting an illegal pet fee is designed to be affordable for the average renter. 💰 Here are the typical costs involved:
- LTB Filing Fee: Filing your T1 Application online costs $53 CAD. If you are successful, the LTB will almost certainly order the landlord to refund this $53 to you on top of the illegal pet fees.
- RHEU Complaint: Calling the provincial Rental Housing Enforcement Unit to report the landlord for charging an illegal fee is completely free.
- Paralegal Fees: If you feel overwhelmed and hire a paralegal, expect to pay between $500 and $1,200 CAD. However, T1 applications for illegal fees are generally straightforward enough for tenants to handle themselves.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Time is of the essence when dealing with illegal charges. By law, you only have 12 months from the date the fee was collected to file your T1 Application. Once filed, due to severe backlogs at the Landlord and Tenant Board as of May 2026, you will likely wait 6 to 10 months for a hearing date. If the RHEU intervenes successfully, you might get your refund in just a few weeks.
Legal Rent Increases vs. Illegal Pet Rent
Landlords often try to confuse pet rent with lawful rent increases. ♻ Here is how to tell the difference.
| Type of Charge | Legal Status | Explanation under the RTA |
|---|---|---|
| $50 Monthly “Pet Rent” | Strictly Illegal | Any base rent increase tied specifically to owning an animal is void. |
| Annual Guideline Rent Increase (e.g., 2.5%) | Legal | Standard yearly rent increase applicable to all tenants, regardless of pets. |
| $500 Pet Damage Deposit | Strictly Illegal | The only legal deposit in Ontario is the Last Month’s Rent. |
| Bill for Actual Damage Caused by a Dog | Legal | Landlords can pursue tenants through the LTB for actual damage repairs. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my landlord evict me if I refuse to pay pet rent?
No. You cannot be evicted for refusing to pay an illegal charge. As long as you continue to pay your lawful base rent in full and on time, the LTB will dismiss any eviction attempt based on unpaid ‘pet rent’.
What if my condominium has a strict ‘no pets’ by-law?
This is the one major exception in Ontario. While the Residential Tenancies Act voids ‘no pet’ clauses in standard leases, the Condominium Act supersedes it. If the condo corporation’s official declarations ban pets, the landlord can enforce that ban and apply to the LTB to have you evicted if you bring a dog in.
Can my landlord charge me for carpet cleaning when I leave?
A landlord cannot charge a mandatory, pre-set cleaning fee just because you have a pet. However, if your pet actually soiled the carpets beyond ordinary wear and tear, the landlord can file an L10 Application to sue you for the exact cost of the professional cleaning required.
I signed a contract agreeing to the pet deposit. Is it still illegal?
Yes. Section 3 of the RTA states that any lease provision that contradicts the Act is void. You cannot sign away your rights. Even if you willingly signed a document agreeing to a $500 pet deposit, it remains illegal, and you are entitled to a refund.
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