Renters and Pets

Renting with Pets and the Residential Tenancy Act

Landlords in Vancouver may choose not to allow pets in their property or may put restrictions on the size, number or type of the pets you may have.  Rules surrounding the allowance of pets and pet damage deposits are outlined in the Residential Tenancy Act.  It is important that you familiarize yourself with the rules so you can be a knowledgeable consumer. 

Some highlights of the act are as follows:

  • If they do allow pets, the landlord may charge a one time pet deposit on top of a damage deposit as insurance against future damage to the property that your pet may create. 
  • This pet deposit can be up to one half month’s rent.  It should not be more than that regardless of how many pets you have. 
  • Landlords can use the money at the end of the tenancy to repair any damage that your pet has caused to their property, however, the money must be used to cover pet damage and not damage that you have caused (that is what the damage deposit is for!!)  

Ensure that you are familiar with the rules and regulations surrounding pets as per the Residential Tenancy Act.  

Attached you will find links to the RTO:  

http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca/content/rightsResponsibilities/entering.aspx#116

http://www.rto.gov.bc.ca/content/rightsResponsibilities/security.aspx

Finding a home to rent when you have a pet (or two!)

As a pet owner myself, I know it can be hard to find a place to rent that takes pets.  This is especially true if you have more than one pet!  While it is tough, it is not impossible.  Many landlords understand that most pet owners are responsible and make great tenants – often very good long term tenants! 

To increase your chances of getting a place for you and your pet friends, try these tips:

  • Get references both for you and for your pet from previous landlords
  • Create a pet resume with references, training certificates and vet records for your pet
  • Present yourself as the ideal tenant first and then present your pets. Often people will call up a landlord and present the pets first. E.g. Hi. I have two dogs. Will you rent to me? Instead try: Hi. My name is Jennifer and I am a loans officer with Vancity. I have great references from my past landlord. I have lived in my current place for four years. I have to move because he is selling his place. I also have two well behaved small dogs and they have excellent references as well.
  • Be a fantastic tenant in all other ways
  • Have proof that you are a responsible tenant and pet owner (eg. references) 
  • Have the new landlord meet your pet(s)
  • Consider a basement suite over a condo
  • Consider a suburban rental
  • Search for rentals that state they allow pets. It can be hard to sway a landlord who has stated in the ad that they do not allow pets. There may be legitimate reasons why he/she cannot allow pets
  • Call property management companies that rent out condos for individual investor owners. They may know of units that allow pets
  • Search free rental information such as Craigslist (but protect yourself from scams! Check all info thoroughly before handing over any money)
  • Ask friends/co-workers etc who have pets if they are aware of any pet friendly buildings in the area you are looking to live. Often they know of good pet friendly buildings because they live in them….or they know other people who live in good pet friendly buildings. Get their info and give that landlord a call to check for vacancies.
  • Stay positive and start your search early.