Q: I have recently moved to Ontario. I am renting an apartment and am thinking about getting a dog soon. Do I have to tell my landlord ?
A: Since “no pet” provisions are now considered void and unenforceable, legally you don’t have an obligation to consult with your landlord about adopting one.
However, there are certain things you need to consider before adopting a pet that will live in your apartment.
The landlord is entitled to bring an application to terminate your tenancy for cause if you:
- unreasonably interfere with others’ enjoyment of the property;
- cause damages to the building;
- impair others’ safety; or
- commit an illegal act.
Here is a sample list of things that your pet can get you in trouble with your landlord under the law:
- Your pet causes severe allergies to your neighbours.
- Your pet barks/meows/sings and creates excessive noise.
- Your pet is aggressive toward other people and animals
- Your pet bites or injures someone.
- Your pet damages the property, for instance, breaking window screens, digging holes, chewing on wood railings.
- Your pet is an illegal species or breed in Ontario, such as a pitbull.
- You have more pets than is allowed under the municipal by-law.
- Your pet is not licensed.
- You do not clean up after your pet in common areas.
- Your pet is infested with pests, including fleas.
- Your pet produces excessive odour.
- …
The list goes on.
Adopting a pet comes with responsibilities. You need to exercise caution in controlling and caring for your pet so both of you can have a place that you can call “home.”
Finally, when you’re getting a pet, please consider adopting a homeless one from your local shelter. There are many wonderful animals looking for a new home. You can search for local animals available for adoption in Canada or the U.S. through petfinder.com.
I am a proud supporter of petfinder.com.
