In Ontario, a standard “no pets” clause in a lease is void under the Residential Tenancies Act. However, a landlord can legally evict you if your pet is inherently dangerous, causes severe allergic reactions to others, significantly interferes with the reasonable enjoyment of the landlord or other tenants, or if a condominium corporation’s strict by-laws prohibit the animal.
Finding a pet-friendly rental in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, or Mississauga can feel like an impossible task. Many landlords explicitly advertise their apartments as “no pets allowed” and force applicants to sign leases containing strict anti-pet clauses. Fortunately for animal lovers, the province has very strong tenant protections. Under Section 14 of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), these clauses are generally void and unenforceable. You cannot be evicted simply because your landlord discovers you have a golden retriever or a cat living in your unit.
However, as of May 2026, the law does not provide a blanket protection for every pet in every scenario. Your right to own a pet ends where another person’s right to safety, health, or quiet enjoyment begins. If your dog barks incessantly at night, acts aggressively toward neighbours in the hallway, or triggers a severe, medically documented allergy for another resident who shares a ventilation system, you could face a formal eviction notice. Understanding the specific exceptions to Ontario’s pet rules is essential if you are facing a dispute, and consulting with a paralegal can help you prepare a strong defence.
Step-by-Step Process in Ontario
If a landlord wants to remove a tenant because of a pet, they cannot just change the locks. They must follow a strict legal procedure through the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Here is what the process typically looks like.
Step 1: Identify the Grounds for Eviction
🔍 The landlord must establish a legally valid reason. Simply disliking animals is not enough. If you live in a condominium building, the Condominium Act overrides the RTA. If the condo corporation has a registered declaration stating “no dogs over 25 lbs,” the landlord must enforce it. In non-condo buildings, the landlord must prove the pet is causing property damage, excessive noise, or a severe allergic reaction (usually requiring a doctor’s note from the affected neighbour).
Step 2: Receive an N5 or N7 Eviction Notice
If the landlord has valid grounds, they will serve you with a formal notice. An N5 notice is used for interference with reasonable enjoyment or property damage (like a cat destroying carpets). An N7 notice is used for serious safety, health, or inherently dangerous situations (like a dog that bites someone). Read this form carefully, as it details exactly what the landlord is accusing your pet of doing.
Step 3: The 7-Day Void Period (N5 Only)
If you receive an N5 notice, you are given a 7-day grace period to correct the behaviour. This is your chance to save your tenancy. You can “void” the notice by fixing the issue within those 7 days. For example, you might hire a professional dog trainer to stop the barking, pay for the damaged carpet, or relocate the pet temporarily. If you correct the problem, the eviction process stops.
Step 4: Attend the LTB Hearing
If you receive an N7 (which cannot be voided), or if you fail to correct the N5 issue, the landlord will apply to the LTB for an eviction order. You must attend the virtual hearing to present your defence. You can bring evidence, such as letters from other neighbours stating your dog is quiet, or veterinary records proving your pet is well-behaved. The adjudicator will ultimately decide if the pet’s behaviour warrants an eviction.
How Much Does it Cost in Ontario?
Defending an eviction notice at the Landlord and Tenant Board involves a few financial considerations, though tenants generally have lower out-of-pocket costs than landlords.
| Expense / Fee | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| LTB Filing Fee | $0 for tenants to defend. The landlord pays $201 to file the application. |
| Paralegal Representation | $500 to $1,500+ if you hire a professional to defend your tenancy. |
| Pet Training / Daycare | $50 to $100+ per day to mitigate noise issues while you are at work. |
| Carpet Repair / Damages | Highly variable. Often $200 to $1,000+ if your pet caused actual property damage. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
An N5 notice requires the landlord to give you at least 20 days’ notice before the termination date (with 7 days to void it). An N7 notice gives only 10 days’ notice because it involves safety issues. However, the landlord cannot force you out on that termination date. They must wait for an LTB hearing. In 2026, the backlog at the LTB means you will likely wait 5 to 8 months for a hearing date. You can legally remain in your unit with your pet during this entire waiting period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a ‘no pet’ clause legal in Ontario?
Under Section 14 of the RTA, a clause in a tenancy agreement prohibiting the presence of animals in the rental unit is void. A landlord cannot evict you simply for acquiring a pet after moving in.
Can a landlord ask for a pet deposit?
No. In Ontario, landlords are strictly prohibited from demanding damage deposits or pet deposits. The only deposit a landlord can legally collect is a Last Month’s Rent deposit and a refundable key deposit.
Do condo rules override the RTA?
Yes. If you rent a unit in a registered condominium building, you must follow the condo corporation’s by-laws and declarations. If the condo rules say ‘no pets over 10 kg’, the landlord can and must evict you if you violate that specific rule.
What if my neighbour claims they are allergic?
To evict you for a neighbour’s allergy, the landlord must provide hard evidence to the LTB. The neighbour typically must provide medical documentation proving the allergy is severe, and the landlord must prove that the allergy is directly caused by your specific pet.
Can they evict my registered service dog?
Service animals are protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Even in a condominium with a strict “no pets” by-law, a certified service animal or emotional support animal must generally be accommodated, provided it does not pose a direct safety threat.
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