Understanding the Rules Around Pets for Ontario Renters

Bringing a furry family member into a rental can feel stressful when listings say “no pets,” condo rules look strict, and everyone has an opinion. The good news: Ontario law gives renters real protections, and there are clear situations where a landlord can take action. This guide breaks down what is actually legal in Ontario, how condo rules fit in, when service and support animals must be accommodated, and the local by-laws that apply across the Greater Toronto Area.

The law, plainly: What the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) says

“No pets” clauses are void after you become a tenant

Section 14 of Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 makes any provision in a tenancy agreement that prohibits animals void. In practice, that means a “no pets” line in your signed lease cannot be used to force you to get rid of your pet or to evict you simply for having one.

But landlords can refuse applicants with pets before a lease exists

The RTA governs landlord–tenant relationships after a tenancy is formed. Before that, a landlord can ask if you have pets and can decide not to rent to you because of them.

When pets can legally lead to eviction

Ontario law allows a landlord to apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) based on animals only in defined circumstances, including where:

• the animal (or animals of that species) has substantially interfered with reasonable enjoyment by others,
  
  

• the presence of an animal of that species has caused a person to suffer a serious allergic reaction, or
  
  

• there is dangerous behaviour, undue damage, or an illegal act (such as keeping a prohibited breed).
  
  

These routes flow from RTA provisions (for example, s. 64 on substantial interference, s. 76 on applications based on animals) and are reflected in LTB guidance and community legal resources used by Ontarians every day.

Tip: If you receive an N5 (interference/damage) tied to your pet, the notice can often be voided if you correct the issue within the legal timeframe (e.g., stop the conduct within 7 days). Always read the notice carefully and respond promptly.

Condos change the equation: RTA vs. condo rules

If you rent a condo unit, you are bound by the condo corporation’s declaration, by-laws, and rules. Those governing documents can limit or prohibit pets (for example, by number, size, or type), and condo corporations can enforce those limits through the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT). Tenants must work through their landlord (the unit owner) to address condo pet disputes.

What this means for you:

• In a typical apartment building, a “no pets” lease clause is void under the RTA.
  
  

• In a condo, a corporation-wide no-pet rule (or size/number restrictions) is usually enforceable against owners and tenants. Always ask to see the condo’s governing documents before committing.

Service animals, support animals, and human rights

Ontario’s Human Rights Code requires housing providers to accommodate disabilities, which can include permitting service animals even where pets are otherwise restricted. The duty to accommodate is well-established by the Ontario Human Rights Commission. Documentation may be requested to confirm disability-related needs, but there is no one “official certification” for all service animals in Ontario housing.

Key points:

• A building rule or lease clause cannot override disability accommodation obligations.
  
  

• The process balances everyone’s rights, but a landlord cannot simply refuse a legitimate service or support animal request because of a general “no pets” preference.

Prohibited breeds and species: Province-wide rules still apply

Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act and O. Reg. 157/05 maintain province-wide restrictions on pit bull-type dogs (with narrow, dated grandfathering). Courts can also impose control orders for dangerous dogs. Keeping a prohibited breed is an illegal act, which can cascade into tenancy consequences.

Municipal codes (like Toronto’s Chapter 349) additionally ban certain exotic or wild animals, regardless of what your lease says. If an animal is prohibited by law, you cannot legally keep it in your rental.

Money matters: pet deposits, pet rent, and what landlords can charge

What landlords can collect

• Rent deposit (last month’s rent only): The RTA permits a rent deposit capped at one month’s rent (or one week for weekly tenancies). That deposit can only be used for your final rent period. Interest rules apply.
  
  

• Key deposit: Allowed, but only up to the replacement cost of the key/fob, and it must be refundable when you return it.
  
  

What landlords cannot collect

• Pet deposits, pet fees, or “pet rent” are not permitted under the RTA’s restrictions on security deposits and additional charges. If a pet causes damage, the landlord must seek compensation through the LTB, not by pre-charging a special pet fee.

Best practices for pet-owning renters in the GTA

Before you apply

• Gather a “pet resume”: vet records, training certificates, spay/neuter proof, and a prior landlord reference. This reduces friction at the application stage (even if legally you do not need it).
  
  

• Ask about condo rules: If the unit is a condo, request the declaration/by-laws/rules for pet specifics.
  
  

• Check local by-laws: Confirm licensing, limits, and prohibited species for your city.
  
  

After you move in

• Be proactive about noise and cleanliness: Keep common areas clean, prevent persistent barking, repair any damage quickly, and leash in common areas—these are not only courteous, they are legally relevant to “reasonable enjoyment.”
  
  

• If you get a notice: Read it carefully, correct the issue within the stated time if possible, and consider getting legal help or calling a community legal clinic.

FAQ

Can my landlord force me to get rid of my pet because the lease says “no pets”?

Not simply because of the clause—that term is void in Ontario. The landlord would need a legal ground such as danger, substantial interference, serious allergy, undue damage, or illegality.

Do service animals count as “pets”?

No. Service and support animals tied to disability needs engage human rights accommodation. Buildings and landlords must accommodate to the point of undue hardship.

Are pit bull-type dogs allowed?

Ontario maintains restrictions on pit bull-type dogs under DOLA and O. Reg. 157/05. Keeping a prohibited breed can expose you to legal penalties and tenancy consequences.

Can the landlord charge me pet rent or a pet deposit?

No. Only last month’s rent deposit and a limited key/fob deposit are allowed. Extra pet fees are not permitted.

The bottom line

Ontario is relatively pet-friendly after a tenancy begins: “no pets” clauses in leases are void, and most renters can keep companion animals without issue. But there are important caveats—condo rules, municipal by-laws, prohibited breeds, and behaviour-based grounds for eviction all still matter. If you are applying with a pet, expect more scrutiny; if you are already a tenant, focus on being a great neighbour, following city rules, and keeping your pet’s impact low. When in doubt, check the RTA, the LTB’s guides, your building’s condo documents (if applicable), and your city’s animal services by-laws.

Thinking about a move—rental or ownership? Talk to The Johnson Team. We will help you narrow neighbourhoods, set a smart budget, line up financing, and find pet-friendly properties that actually fit your life. Contact The Johnson Team to start working with an agent right away. Your goals, our expertise, and a smoother path home.