Can a Landlord Reject Me Because I Have a Pet?

Many renters in Ontario wonder if having a pet will affect their chances of finding a place to live. The rules about pets can be confusing, so it’s important to know what your landlord can and cannot do.

Here’s everything you need to know about renting with pets in Ontario.

✅ Before You Move In: A Landlord Can Refuse You Because of a Pet

• When you’re applying for a rental unit, the landlord can ask if you have a pet.

• They’re also allowed to reject your rental application simply because you have a pet.

This means if you’re still in the application stage, a landlord doesn’t have to rent to you if they don’t want tenants with pets.

✅ After You Move In: No Pets Clauses Are Void

Once you have already signed a lease and moved in:

• Your landlord cannot evict you just for having a pet, even if your rental agreement says “no pets.”

• In Ontario, “no pets” clauses in rental agreements are void under the Residential Tenancies Act.

So, after you move in, your landlord cannot legally force you to leave just because you have a pet.

❌ When a Landlord Can Make You Remove a Pet or Try to Evict You

Even though your landlord can’t evict you simply for having a pet, they can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) if your pet causes serious problems.

The LTB may evict you if your pet:

• Is dangerous to other tenants or the landlord

• Makes unreasonable amounts of noise (for example, a dog barking constantly)

• Causes serious damage to the rental property

• Causes severe allergic reactions for someone else in the building

• Is not allowed under condo rules, local by-laws, or provincial laws (for example, exotic animals or banned dog breeds)

• Is not properly cared for, causing health or safety issues for others

In these cases, the landlord might give you the option to rehome the pet instead of being evicted.

✅ How to Show Your Pet Won’t Be a Problem

If your landlord is worried about your pet, you can help reassure them by showing you’re a responsible pet owner. For example:

• Provide references – a letter from a previous landlord saying your pet wasn’t a problem, or from a vet confirming your pet is well cared for.

• Take photos of your current home to show it’s clean and undamaged.

• Explain your care plan (for example, you have a dog walker or your pet is crate-trained).

• Show proof of pet licenses or required vaccinations.

• Offer to let the landlord meet your pet.

This can help build trust and avoid conflicts later.

✅ Local By-Laws and Breed Restrictions

Some cities in Ontario have local by-laws limiting certain animals or the number of pets you can have.

For example:

• Certain exotic animals may be banned.

• Some cities still ban pit bulls under provincial law.

• You might need to get a license for your dog or cat.

If you break local by-laws, your landlord may have a valid reason to ask you to remove your pet or face eviction.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Before you move in, a landlord can legally refuse to rent to you if you have a pet.

• After you move in, “no pets” clauses are not enforceable, but you must ensure your pet does not cause problems.

• You could face eviction if your pet is dangerous, noisy, causes damage, triggers severe allergies, or violates local by-laws.

  
  

Conclusion

In Ontario, you have strong tenant protections, but also responsibilities as a pet owner. A landlord cannot evict you just for having a pet after you’ve moved in, but they can take action if your pet creates serious issues.

If your landlord is threatening eviction because of your pet, or you’re unsure of your rights, Situ Legal Services can help you:

• Understand your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act

• Respond to landlord complaints about pets

• Represent you at the Landlord and Tenant Board if necessary

  
  

👉 Click here to book a consultation and protect both your home and your pet.