In Ontario, any clause in a standard residential lease that bans pets is legally void. However, you can still be evicted if your pet causes severe damage, makes excessive noise, or if you live in a condominium building that has its own specific registered bylaws prohibiting animals.
Searching for an apartment in London while owning a dog or cat can feel incredibly discouraging, as many property listings boldly state “No Pets Allowed.” However, what landlords put in their advertisements does not always reflect the actual law. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) strongly protects the rights of tenants to enjoy the companionship of their animals. Understanding these protections, as well as their clear limitations, will help you navigate renting in London without fear of illegal eviction. This guide clarifies exactly what your rights are and how to handle a dispute.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pet Rights in London, Ontario
Whether you rent a basement apartment in White Oaks or a high-rise unit downtown, your tenancy is generally protected by provincial law. However, possessing rights also requires responsible pet ownership.
Step 1: Know the Law Before Signing
Section 14 of the Residential Tenancies Act states clearly that any provision in a tenancy agreement prohibiting the presence of animals in a residential complex is void. This means that even if you sign a lease that says “No Pets,” the landlord generally cannot enforce that specific clause after you move in. 🗂
Step 2: Recognize the Exceptions
While the RTA protects you, it does not apply universally. The most common exception in London is condominiums. If you rent a unit directly from a condo owner, you must follow the Condominium Corporation’s official declarations and bylaws. If the condo board legally bans dogs over 20 pounds, that rule overrides the RTA, and you must comply.
Step 3: Maintain Proper Pet Etiquette
The right to have a pet is not an absolute free pass. You must ensure your animal does not interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of the landlord or other tenants. This means you must immediately clean up waste, control aggressive behaviour, and prevent excessive, continuous barking that disrupts the neighbourhood.
Step 4: Dealing with Landlord Harassment
If your landlord discovers your pet and begins harassing you, issuing illegal threats of eviction, or demanding illegal “pet fees,” you should document everything. Keep all text messages and emails. You can file a T2 Application (Application about Tenant Rights) with the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) to stop the harassment. 📄
Step 5: Responding to an Eviction Notice (N5)
A landlord can legally try to evict you by issuing an N5 form if your pet is causing damage, triggering severe allergic reactions in other tenants, or creating excessive noise. If you receive an N5, you typically have 7 days to correct the behaviour (e.g., soundproofing, hiring a dog walker). If you fix the issue, the notice becomes void.
How Much Does it Cost in London?
Legally speaking, it should not cost you anything extra to have a pet in an Ontario rental unit, as discriminatory fees are banned. However, legal disputes can incur costs.
| Type of Expense | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Pet Deposits | $0 (Completely illegal in Ontario) |
| Pet Cleaning Fees | $0 (Illegal to charge upfront) |
| LTB T2 Application (Online) | $48 (To report landlord harassment) |
| LTB T2 Application (Paper) | $53 (If filed physically) |
| Damages Caused by Pet | Varies (You are 100% financially liable for actual damage) |
It is crucial to remember that while a landlord cannot ask for a pet damage deposit when you sign the lease, they can absolutely take you to the LTB or Small Claims Court to force you to pay for scratched hardwood floors or torn carpets when you move out. 💵
How Long Does the Process Take?
If a dispute arises, the timelines depend entirely on the LTB. If a landlord issues an N5 notice for pet-related noise or damage, you are given a strict 7-day window to remedy the problem.
If the problem continues and the landlord files for an eviction hearing, they will generally have to wait 4 to 8 months for an adjudicator to hear the case. During this waiting period, you cannot be forced out of your home. Only an official LTB order, enforced by the Sheriff, can legally remove you and your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a pet?
Yes, this is a major loophole in the system. While a landlord cannot evict you for getting a pet after you move in, they can legally choose not to select your application during the screening process if they discover you have a pet.
Do I have to tell the landlord about my pet when applying?
There is no legal obligation under the RTA to disclose that you own a pet when filling out a rental application. However, lying outright on an application can sometimes harm your relationship with your new landlord from day one.
What if my pet is a registered service animal?
Service animals are strictly protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. A landlord cannot refuse to rent to you, nor can a condo board enforce a “no pet” bylaw against a legally designated service animal.
Can a landlord demand I declaw my cat?
No. A landlord cannot require you to perform medical procedures on your pet, such as declawing or devocalizing, as a condition of your tenancy. Such demands are unenforceable and violate animal welfare standards.
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